King James Version

What Does Luke 18:30 Mean?

Luke 18:30 in the King James Version says “Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:30 · KJV


Context

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.

31

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting—Jesus promises double recompense. Pollaplasiona (manifold more) en tō kairō toutō (in this time): church as new family. En tō aiōni tō erchomenō (in the age to come): zōēn aiōnion (eternal life).

Jesus doesn't promise material wealth but relational/spiritual abundance. The church becomes spiritual family compensating for lost biological family. Mark adds 'with persecutions'—blessings amid suffering. Ultimate reward is eternal life, infinitely exceeding earthly sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians experienced this literally—those rejected by families found new family in the church (Acts 2:44-47). Communal living, shared resources created 'manifold more' relationships. Modern individualistic Christianity often misses this communal dimension—church as compensatory family.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has church family compensated for losses incurred by following Christ?
  2. Do you experience church as intimate spiritual family or mere service attendance?
  3. How does eternal life's promise relativize all earthly losses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὃς1 of 17

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ2 of 17
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ3 of 17
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀπολάβῃ4 of 17

receive

G618

to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside

πολλαπλασίονα5 of 17

manifold more

G4179

manifold, i.e., (neuter as noun) very much more

ἐν6 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 17
G3588

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

καιρῷ8 of 17

present time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τούτῳ9 of 17

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

καὶ10 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἐν11 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ12 of 17
G3588

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

αἰῶνι13 of 17

the world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῷ14 of 17
G3588

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

ἐρχομένῳ15 of 17

to come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ζωὴν16 of 17

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον17 of 17

everlasting

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)


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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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