Luke 12:14

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Man {G444}, who {G5101} made {G2525} me {G3165} a judge {G1348} or {G2228} a divider {G3312} over {G1909} you {G5209}?

But Yeshua answered him, “My friend, who appointed me judge or arbitrator over you?”

But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”

But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

In Luke 12:14, Jesus responds to a man who requests Him to intervene in a family inheritance dispute. This pivotal moment reveals much about Christ's mission and priorities, setting the stage for significant teachings on materialism and eternal values.

Context

This verse immediately follows a request from someone in the crowd: "Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me" (Luke 12:13). The man views Jesus as an authority figure who can settle his personal financial grievance. Jesus' reply, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?", firmly declines to engage in such a civil dispute. This incident serves as a direct lead-in to the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), where Jesus warns against covetousness and the folly of trusting in worldly riches.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Primary Mission: Christ's response underscores that His primary purpose was not to arbitrate earthly legal or financial matters, but to proclaim the Kingdom of God and provide spiritual salvation. His focus was on eternal life, not temporal wealth.
  • Avoiding Worldly Entanglements: Jesus deliberately distanced Himself from a dispute rooted in materialism, setting an example that His followers should prioritize spiritual concerns over worldly possessions and conflicts. This aligns with His teaching to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
  • Warning Against Covetousness: The man's request, born out of a desire for his share of an inheritance, prompts Jesus to issue a stern warning against all forms of greed and materialism, highlighting its spiritual dangers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used by Jesus are significant:

  • "Judge" (kritēs): Refers to one who presides over legal cases and makes decisions.
  • "Divider" (meristēs): Denotes someone who apportions or distributes property, especially an inheritance.
By asking "who made me" (tis me katestēsen), Jesus emphasizes that He was not appointed by human authority or for earthly purposes to fulfill such a role. His authority and mission were divine, not civil, pointing to a spiritual realm beyond earthly estates.

Practical Application

Luke 12:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Over Material: We are reminded that our ultimate focus should be on eternal matters and our relationship with God, rather than being consumed by worldly possessions or financial disputes.
  • Beware of Covetousness: This verse, and the subsequent parable, serves as a powerful caution against greed. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that our desires for material wealth do not overshadow our spiritual well-being.
  • Understanding Christ's Role in Our Lives: While Jesus cares for our daily needs, His primary identity is that of Savior and Lord, who transforms our inner being and guides us toward righteousness, rather than merely solving our temporal problems or mediating our earthly disagreements.
This passage encourages a perspective that values spiritual riches above all else, preparing us for treasures in heaven.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 2:3

    And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

  • Romans 2:1

    ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

  • Romans 9:20

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

  • Exodus 2:14

    And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

  • John 6:15

    ¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

  • Micah 6:8

    He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

  • Luke 5:20

    And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

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