King James Version

What Does Luke 6:14 Mean?

Luke 6:14 in the King James Version says “Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Luke 6:14 · KJV


Context

12

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

14

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15

Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simon whom he also named Peter and Andrew his brother James and John Philip and Bartholomew. List of twelve begins. Simon Simōn Jewish name. Named Peter Petros rock. Andrew Andreas Peter brother. James Iakōbos son of Zebedee. John Iōannēs James brother beloved disciple. Philip Philippos. Bartholomew Bartholomaios likely Nathanael. Jesus renamed Simon Peter prophetic rock solid foundation. Twelve named specifically. Personalities backgrounds varied. Peter leader spokesman. John beloved disciple. James first martyr. Ordinary men extraordinary calling. Reformed theology emphasizes God uses weak things confound mighty. Apostles not qualified by education pedigree but by divine calling.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Twelve apostles diverse backgrounds. Peter Andrew James John fishermen. Matthew tax collector. Simon Zealot revolutionary. Judas Iscariot betrayer. Most Galileans blue collar workers. Not educated elite but ordinary. This pattern continues Acts uneducated unlearned men amazed authorities (4:13). God chooses weak foolish base things (1 Cor 1:27-29). Paul educated but emphasized weakness boasted in weakness. Early church leadership from all classes. Medieval church educated elite. Reformation priesthood all believers lay people valued. Modern church debates credentialism versus gifting. Biblical pattern God equips whom He calls.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does diverse backgrounds of apostles teach about who God calls to ministry?
  2. How does Jesus choosing ordinary uneducated men challenge modern credentialism in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Σίμωνα1 of 16

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ὃν2 of 16

(whom

G3739

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

καὶ3 of 16

and

G2532

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

ὠνόμασεν4 of 16

named

G3687

to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

Πέτρον5 of 16

Peter

G4074

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

καὶ6 of 16

and

G2532

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

Ἀνδρέαν7 of 16

Andrew

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

τὸν8 of 16
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν9 of 16

brother

G80

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

αὐτοῦ10 of 16

his

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

Ἰάκωβον11 of 16

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ12 of 16

and

G2532

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

Ἰωάννην13 of 16

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

Φίλιππον14 of 16

Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

καὶ15 of 16

and

G2532

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

Βαρθολομαῖον16 of 16

Bartholomew

G918

son of tolmai; bar-tholomaeus, a christian apostle


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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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