King James Version

What Does Luke 19:27 Mean?

Luke 19:27 in the King James Version says “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.”

Luke 19:27 · KJV

Context

25

(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

27

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

28

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

29

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me (πλὴν τοὺς ἐχθρούς μου τούτους τοὺς μὴ θελήσαντάς με βασιλεῦσαι ἐπ' αὐτοὺς ἀγάγετε ὧδε καὶ κατασφάξατε αὐτοὺς ἔμπροσθέν μου, plēn tous echthrous mou toutous tous mē thelēsantas me basileusai ep' autous agage hōde kai katasphaxate autous emprosthen mou)—the parable's shocking conclusion. Echthrous (enemies) identifies active opponents, not merely unfaithful servants. The verb katasphazo (to slaughter, kill) is violent and decisive. This depicts Christ's judgment on those who reject His kingship entirely.

This previews Revelation 19:15-21: Christ's return brings wrath on His enemies. The servant who hid his mina faces loss of reward; these rebels face execution. The distinction is crucial: unfaithful believers lose rewards but retain salvation; unbelievers face eternal judgment. The parable concludes with this stark warning because Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, where leaders would reject and crucify Him. Their rebellion demanded judgment. This isn't cruel vengeance but righteous justice: those who refuse the King's mercy face His wrath. Only two options exist: submit to His reign or face His judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This echoed the historical Archelaus, who—after receiving his kingdom from Rome—executed opponents who had petitioned Caesar against him. Jesus's audience recognized the reference and understood the point: rejected kings return with vengeance. More significantly, this previewed AD 70, when Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem, slaughtering thousands who rejected Jesus as Messiah. Ultimately, it points to final judgment when Christ returns not as suffering Servant but as conquering King. Those who rejected His first coming in grace will face His second coming in judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between unfaithful servants (loss of rewards) and active enemies (eternal judgment) clarify degrees of accountability?
  2. What does Christ's dual role—merciful Savior now, righteous Judge later—teach about responding to His gospel?
  3. How should the certainty of judgment on Christ's enemies motivate evangelism and gospel urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
πλὴν1 of 18

“But”

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

τοὺς2 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

ἐχθρούς3 of 18

“enemies”

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

μου4 of 18

“me”

G3450

of me

ἐκείνους,5 of 18

“those”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τοὺς6 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

μὴ7 of 18

“not”

G3361

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

θελήσαντάς8 of 18

“would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

με9 of 18

“that I”

G3165

me

βασιλεῦσαι10 of 18

“should reign”

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

ἐπ'11 of 18

“over”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοὺς12 of 18

“them”

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

ἀγάγετε13 of 18

“bring”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ὧδε14 of 18

“hither”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

καὶ15 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

κατασφάξατε16 of 18

“slay”

G2695

to kill down, i.e., slaughter

ἔμπροσθέν17 of 18

“them before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

μου18 of 18

“me”

G3450

of me

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 19:27 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 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:14Psalms 21:8-9Matthew 22:7Numbers 16:30-35Luke 21:22Hebrews 10:13

Test Your Knowledge

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