King James Version

What Does Luke 17:3 Mean?

Luke 17:3 in the King James Version says “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17:3 · KJV


Context

1

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

2

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

3

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

4

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

5

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus teaches: 'Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him' (προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς. ἐὰν ἁμάρτῃ ὁ ἀδελφός σου, ἐπιτίμησον αὐτῷ, καὶ ἐὰν μετανοήσῃ, ἄφες αὐτῷ). The command 'prosechō' (προσέχετε, take heed) warns of spiritual danger. The verb 'epitimaō' (ἐπιτίμησον, rebuke) means to confront or admonish, not merely overlook sin. Conditional forgiveness follows repentance (ἐὰν μετανοήσῃ, ἄφες, if he repents, forgive), balancing grace with accountability. This pattern reflects God's own forgiveness—He requires repentance, not unconditional tolerance of unrepented sin. Yet verse 4's extension (forgiving seven times daily) demonstrates grace's abundance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish teaching debated forgiveness limits. Rabbi Jose ben Hanina taught forgiving three times; Peter's suggestion of seven times (Matthew 18:21) seemed generous. Jesus' 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22) or 'seven times in a day' (Luke 17:4) obliterates scorekeeping, demanding limitless forgiveness for genuine repentance. This teaching challenged both the Pharisees' harsh judgment and cultural honor/shame dynamics that demanded retaliation for offenses. Early Christian communities struggled to implement this radical ethic (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does biblical forgiveness differ from both harsh unforgiveness and uncritical tolerance of sin?
  2. What does the balance between rebuke and forgiveness teach about combining truth and grace in Christian relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
προσέχετε1 of 17

Take heed

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

ἑαυτοῖς2 of 17

to yourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἐὰν3 of 17

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ4 of 17

If

G1161

but, and, etc

ἁμάρτῃ5 of 17

trespass

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

εἰς6 of 17

against

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σὲ7 of 17

thee

G4571

thee

8 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφός9 of 17

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου10 of 17

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐπιτίμησον11 of 17

rebuke

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτῷ12 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν14 of 17

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μετανοήσῃ15 of 17

he repent

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

ἄφες16 of 17

forgive

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτῷ17 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 17:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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