Luke 12:13

KJV

¶ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} one {G5100} of {G1537} the company {G3793} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, speak {G2036} to my {G3450} brother {G80}, that he divide {G3307} the inheritance {G2817} with {G3326} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Rabbi, tell my brother to share with me the property we inherited.”

Berean Standard Bible

Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

American Standard Version

And one out of the multitude said unto him, Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:13 presents a stark interruption of Jesus' profound spiritual discourse by an unnamed individual from the crowd, who abruptly requests that Jesus intervene in a family inheritance dispute. This seemingly mundane request, made in the midst of teachings on divine providence and eternal priorities, serves as a pivotal moment that prompts Jesus to deliver a powerful warning against covetousness and to articulate the true nature of His mission, which transcends worldly affairs and material possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger discourse by Jesus, following His teachings on fear of God, confession of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:1-12). Jesus had just encouraged His disciples not to fear human persecution but to fear God, who has power over both body and soul, and assured them of the Holy Spirit's aid in times of trial. The man's sudden, materialistic interjection (Luke 12:13) stands in sharp contrast to these spiritual themes, immediately preceding Jesus' pointed warning against covetousness (Luke 12:15) and the subsequent parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), which vividly illustrates the folly of earthly accumulation without regard for eternal realities. The man's request thus acts as a narrative trigger, allowing Jesus to pivot from general spiritual principles to a specific, urgent warning about the dangers of wealth and misplaced priorities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, inheritance laws were complex and often led to disputes. The eldest son typically received a double portion, but other sons and even daughters (in the absence of sons) had rights. Such disputes were commonly brought before local elders, scribes, or rabbis, who served as legal arbiters and judges, interpreting the Mosaic Law. The man's appeal to Jesus as "Master" (διδάσκαλε, _didáskalos_) indicates he recognized Jesus' authority and wisdom, likely viewing Him as a respected rabbi capable of settling legal matters. However, his expectation that Jesus would act as a civil judge for a property dispute reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus' primary mission. While rabbis did sometimes arbitrate, Jesus' kingdom was "not of this world" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"), and His focus was on spiritual transformation rather than legalistic or material arbitration.

* **Key Themes:** The man's request in [Luke 12:13](/luke/12-13 "Luke 12:13 - The Inheritance Dispute") brings several key themes into sharp focus. First, it highlights **Misplaced Priorities**, contrasting the man's concern for material wealth with Jesus' emphasis on spiritual and eternal matters. The man's interruption demonstrates a common human tendency to prioritize earthly possessions over the profound truths of God's Kingdom. Second, the request serves as a direct catalyst for Jesus' subsequent warning against **The Danger of Covetousness**. Jesus explicitly states, "Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness"). This underscores how an inordinate desire for wealth can distract from eternal values and lead to spiritual blindness. Finally, Jesus' refusal to engage in the dispute clarifies **Jesus' Mission Defined**. He did not come to settle civil or legal battles over property but to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom, call people to repentance, and teach about spiritual life and eternal salvation. This aligns with His consistent focus on the spiritual over the material, as seen in His teachings on seeking God's Kingdom first [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **company (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From a derivative meaning "a vehicle," this term refers to a throng or multitude, often implying the common people or "rabble." In this context, it emphasizes that the request comes from an ordinary person within the large crowd following Jesus, highlighting the widespread nature of worldly concerns even among those drawn to spiritual teaching.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** Derived from the verb "to teach," this word means an instructor or teacher. The man's use of this title acknowledges Jesus' authority and wisdom, indicating he saw Jesus as a respected authority figure, much like a rabbi, who could arbitrate disputes. However, he attempts to redirect this spiritual authority towards a temporal, legal, and personal matter.
* **inheritance (Greek, _klēronomía'_):** This term refers to heirship, a patrimony, or a possession. It denotes the property or assets passed down from one generation to the next. The man's request centers on the division of this material possession, revealing his preoccupation with earthly wealth rather than the spiritual truths Jesus was expounding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the company said unto him":** This phrase sets the scene, introducing an anonymous individual from the listening crowd who interrupts Jesus' ongoing spiritual discourse. The anonymity underscores that this man's concern represents a common human preoccupation with material matters, often overshadowing spiritual truths.
* **"Master, speak to my brother":** The man addresses Jesus with a title of respect, "Master" (teacher), indicating he recognizes Jesus' authority. However, he immediately attempts to leverage this authority for a personal, legal, and financial dispute, asking Jesus to intervene as an arbiter in a family matter. This reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus' primary role and mission.
* **"that he divide the inheritance with me":** This is the core of the man's request. He seeks Jesus' intervention to ensure he receives his rightful share (or perhaps more than his rightful share, implying a dispute) of a family inheritance. This direct and worldly appeal highlights the man's focus on material gain, contrasting sharply with the spiritual themes Jesus had just been teaching.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Juxtaposition** by placing a mundane, materialistic request directly after Jesus' profound spiritual teachings on trusting God and confessing Him. This stark contrast highlights the tension between earthly concerns and heavenly priorities. There is also an element of **Irony** in the man's address of Jesus as "Master" (teacher), implying respect for His authority, yet immediately attempting to redirect that spiritual authority to a worldly legal dispute, misinterpreting the very nature of Jesus' "mastery." The unnamed man serves as a **Foil** to Jesus, his worldly preoccupation serving to underscore Jesus' unwavering focus on the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on covetousness and the true meaning of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:13 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of Jesus' kingdom and the priorities of His followers. Jesus' refusal to be drawn into a worldly dispute over property underscores that His mission is fundamentally spiritual, not socio-political or economic. He did not come to arbitrate civil laws or redistribute wealth, but to proclaim the good news of God's redemptive reign, call individuals to repentance, and transform hearts. This incident highlights the perennial human struggle between the pursuit of material security and the pursuit of spiritual riches. It teaches that true life is not found in the abundance of possessions, but in a right relationship with God, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6-10 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - The Danger of Loving Money")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - Be Content with What You Have")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man's request in Luke 12:13 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly examine our own priorities. Are we, like the man in the crowd, often more preoccupied with earthly possessions, financial security, or personal grievances than with the profound spiritual truths and eternal realities Jesus offers? This passage calls us to a radical re-evaluation: is our primary concern the accumulation or division of material wealth, or is it the pursuit of God's Kingdom and His righteousness? Jesus' subsequent warning against covetousness (Luke 12:15) is a timeless admonition to guard our hearts against the insatiable desire for more, which can subtly, yet powerfully, distract us from our spiritual journey and true purpose. It compels us to consider where our true treasure lies and to invest our time, energy, and affections in that which has eternal value.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly concerns or material desires most often distract me from focusing on spiritual truths?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to use spiritual authority or God's name to achieve personal, worldly gain?**
* **How does Jesus' refusal to arbitrate this dispute challenge my understanding of His mission and my own priorities as a follower?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my heart against covetousness and cultivate a greater focus on eternal treasures?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus refuse to intervene in the inheritance dispute?**

Answer: Jesus refused to intervene because His mission was fundamentally spiritual, not judicial or political. He explicitly stated, "Man, who made me a judge or an arbiter over you?" [Luke 12:14](/luke/12-14 "Luke 12:14 - Jesus Refuses to Arbitrate"). His purpose was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, call people to repentance, and teach about eternal life, not to settle civil disputes over property. Engaging in such matters would have diverted Him from His primary redemptive work and could have been misinterpreted as an endorsement of worldly power or a secular kingdom. His kingdom is "not of this world" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"), and His focus was on transforming hearts and minds, not on administering earthly laws or wealth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jesus refused to act as a worldly arbiter of inheritance, His life, death, and resurrection ultimately provide the truest and most profound inheritance for humanity. He is the "heir of all things" [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Jesus, Heir of All Things"), and through Him, believers become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"). The man in Luke 12:13 sought a material division, but Christ came to bring a spiritual division—a "sword" that separates light from darkness, truth from falsehood, and ultimately, those who follow Him from those who cling to the world [Matthew 10:34-39](/matthew/10-34-39 "Matthew 10:34-39 - Jesus Brings Division"). He offers an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance"), far surpassing any earthly patrimony. Jesus' refusal to engage in the worldly dispute underscores that true wealth and lasting inheritance are found not in what we possess on earth, but in the eternal life and spiritual blessings secured by His atoning work and offered to all who believe in Him [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). He is the ultimate "Master" who teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God, promising that all necessary things will be added to us [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"), thereby reorienting our desires from fleeting earthly gains to the enduring riches of His grace and glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Luke 6:45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Acts 8:18

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Acts 8:19

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.