King James Version

What Does Luke 18:28 Mean?

Luke 18:28 in the King James Version says “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

Luke 18:28 · KJV


Context

26

And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

27

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

28

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

29

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lo, we have left all, and followed thee (ἀφήκαμεν πάντα, aphēkamen panta)—Peter's declaration uses the aorist tense, emphasizing a definite past action of total abandonment. The Greek panta (all things) is comprehensive: boats, nets, tax booth, security, reputation. This follows Jesus's encounter with the rich ruler who couldn't leave his possessions, creating a stark contrast between wealth's grip and discipleship's freedom.

Peter speaks for all twelve, establishing the apostolic pattern of radical discipleship. His statement isn't boastful but questioning—the preceding discourse on the difficulty of salvation for the wealthy has unsettled him. Followed thee (ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι, ēkolouthēsamen soi) uses the verb that became technical for discipleship, implying not just physical accompaniment but complete life-orientation. Jesus's response (verses 29-30) will validate this sacrifice while warning against mercenary motives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Palestine, fishermen like Peter owned their equipment and had established businesses—leaving 'all' meant genuine economic sacrifice. Unlike itinerant rabbis who expected students to eventually return to trades, Jesus demanded permanent, irrevocable commitment. The twelve's abandonment anticipated the church's later missional lifestyle.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific securities or comforts has following Christ required you to release, and how did that abandonment deepen your faith?
  2. How does Peter's question reveal both faith (we did leave all) and doubt (was it worth it)?
  3. In what ways might modern discipleship call for 'leaving all' that don't involve literal poverty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Εἶπεν1 of 11

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 11

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 11
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 11

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

Ἰδού,5 of 11

Lo

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἡμεῖς6 of 11

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφηκαμεν7 of 11

have left

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

πάντα,8 of 11

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ9 of 11

and

G2532

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

ἠκολουθήσαμέν10 of 11

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

σοι11 of 11

thee

G4671

to thee


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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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