Luke 12:48

KJV

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that knew {G1097} not {G3361}, and {G1161} did commit {G4160} things worthy {G514} of stripes {G4127}, shall be beaten {G1194} with few {G3641} stripes. For {G1161} unto whomsoever {G3739}{G3956} much {G4183} is given {G1325}, of {G3844} him {G846} shall be much {G4183} required {G2212}: and {G2532} to whom men {G3739} have committed {G3908} much {G4183}, of him {G846} they will ask {G154} the more {G4055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

however, the one who did what deserves a beating, but didn’t know, will receive few lashes. From him who has been given much, much will be demanded — from someone to whom people entrust much, they ask still more.

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

American Standard Version

but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:48 encapsulates a profound principle of divine justice and proportional accountability, concluding Jesus' teaching on vigilance and faithful stewardship. It asserts that individuals will be judged according to the measure of knowledge, opportunity, and resources they have received. Those entrusted with more are held to a higher standard of responsibility and will face greater demands, while those with less understanding or fewer privileges will incur a lesser degree of culpability for their shortcomings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary of Jesus' teaching on the faithful and wise steward, found in [Luke 12:35-48](/luke/12-35-48 "Luke 12:35-48 - Parable of the Faithful and Wise Steward"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus poses a question to Peter about the identity of the faithful and wise steward (Luke 12:42), then describes two contrasting types of servants: one who faithfully manages the master's household in his absence and another who abuses his authority, believing the master is delayed (Luke 12:45-46). The parable explicitly differentiates between the servant who knows the master's will and disobeys (receiving "many stripes") and the one who acts improperly without explicit knowledge (receiving "few stripes"). Verse 48 then distills the overarching principle of divine judgment that undergirds this differentiated punishment, extending it beyond the immediate parable to a universal truth about accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "stripes" (physical beatings) was a common form of punishment and discipline in the ancient Near East and Roman world, often administered by masters to disobedient servants or by authorities for various offenses. The number of stripes could vary based on the severity of the transgression and the status of the offender. Jewish law, for instance, limited the number of lashes to forty (Deuteronomy 25:3). This cultural backdrop makes Jesus' illustration immediately understandable to his audience. Furthermore, the master-servant relationship was a fundamental social structure, and the expectation of faithful stewardship was paramount. The idea that greater responsibility comes with greater privilege was a recognized principle, both in secular governance and religious teaching, emphasizing that those in positions of authority or with greater access to resources were expected to manage them wisely.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:48 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. First, it highlights **Proportional Accountability**, emphasizing that God's expectations are directly correlated with the opportunities, knowledge, and resources an individual has received. This principle is foundational to understanding divine justice, as seen in the broader teachings on judgment. Second, the verse underscores the theme of **Stewardship**, reminding believers that everything they possess—time, talents, wealth, influence, and spiritual understanding—is a trust from God, for which they will ultimately give an account. This resonates deeply with the principles found in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") and the [Parable of the Minas](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"). Third, it addresses the critical link between **Knowledge and Responsibility**: while ignorance does not fully excuse wrongdoing, a lack of knowledge results in a lesser degree of culpability. Conversely, possessing greater spiritual insight or understanding of God's will significantly increases one's responsibility to live accordingly, aligning with the warning in [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Knowing to Do Good"). Finally, the verse affirms **Divine Justice**, portraying God as a perfectly just judge who considers individual circumstances, intentions, and the degree of truth or understanding one has received when assessing accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies to "know" in a deep, experiential sense, not merely intellectual acquaintance. It implies a personal understanding or recognition of the master's will. In the context of Luke 12:48, "he that knew not" (G1097 with G3361 `mḗ` for negation) refers to a lack of this specific, direct knowledge of the master's command, distinguishing them from the servant in Luke 12:47 who *did* know.
* **beaten (Greek, _dérō_):** This primary verb literally means "to flay," but by implication, it refers to "to scourge" or "to thrash." It denotes a physical beating, representing the punitive consequence for disobedience. The use of "few stripes" (G3641 `olígos`) indicates a lesser degree of punishment compared to the "many stripes" (G4183 `polýs`) for the servant who knew the master's will (Luke 12:47), highlighting the proportionality of judgment.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi_):** This verb means "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, committing, or granting. In this verse, it refers to the bestowal of resources, opportunities, knowledge, or responsibilities upon an individual. The passive voice ("is given") emphasizes that these are received from an external source, namely God or the master. The amount "given" (G4183 `polýs`) directly correlates with the amount "required" (G2212 `zētéō`) and "asked" (G154 `aitéō`), forming the core principle of the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]."**: This clause describes the servant who, though ignorant of the master's specific command, still acted in a way that warranted punishment. The "few stripes" indicate that while ignorance does not completely absolve one of responsibility, it mitigates the severity of the judgment. This suggests a divine understanding of human limitations and varying degrees of access to truth or clear instruction.
* **"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:"**: This is the foundational principle Jesus establishes. The word "given" encompasses not only material possessions but also knowledge, spiritual insight, opportunities, abilities, and positions of influence. The phrase "much required" signifies that a greater endowment necessitates a greater expectation of faithful stewardship and productive use. This is a direct statement of proportional accountability.
* **"and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."**: This second part of the principle reinforces the first through **Parallelism** and expands on it. "Committed much" (G3908 `paratíthēmi`) implies entrusting something as a deposit or a trust, further emphasizing the idea of stewardship. The phrase "ask the more" underscores the heightened expectation and demand for accountability from those who have been entrusted with significant responsibilities or resources. The shift from "given" to "committed" subtly broadens the scope from passive reception to active trust.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:48 is rich in **Parallelism**, particularly in its latter half, where the phrases "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" and "to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" mirror each other in structure and meaning. This rhetorical device powerfully reinforces the central message of proportional accountability, making it memorable and emphatic. The verse also employs **Contrast** between the servant who "knew not" and received "few stripes" and the implied servant from the preceding verse who "knew" and received "many stripes," highlighting the differential in judgment based on knowledge. Furthermore, the "stripes" serve as a **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** for the consequences or punishment for disobedience, making an abstract concept of divine judgment tangible. The use of "much" and "more" also creates a sense of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the significant increase in expectation for those with greater blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:48 articulates a profound theological truth about God's just character and the nature of human accountability. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly tailored to the individual's context, knowledge, and opportunities. This principle underscores the seriousness of stewardship, reminding us that every gift, talent, and privilege we receive from God comes with an inherent responsibility to use it for His glory and the good of others. It challenges any notion that ignorance is bliss when it comes to divine expectations, while simultaneously affirming God's mercy in cases of lesser understanding. Ultimately, it calls believers to a diligent and intentional life, recognizing that their spiritual and material blessings are not for personal indulgence but for faithful service in the Kingdom of God.

* [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Knowing to Do Good")
* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:48 serves as a potent call to self-examination and intentional living for every believer. It compels us to consider the vast array of gifts God has bestowed upon us—spiritual insights, material resources, unique talents, positions of influence, and the profound revelation of His Word. This verse challenges us to move beyond a passive reception of blessings to an active, responsible stewardship. Do we genuinely understand that our spiritual knowledge, our material wealth, and our very lives are not our own, but trusts from the Master? Are we leveraging these gifts for the advancement of His kingdom, for the welfare of our neighbors, and for the glory of His name? The principle of proportional accountability means that those who have been given the light of the Gospel, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to God's truth carry a weighty responsibility to live in accordance with that truth. This applies especially to those in leadership, who are entrusted with the spiritual care and guidance of others, but it extends to every individual believer. Embracing this truth fosters a mindset of humility, diligence, and purposeful living, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to the One who has given us everything.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "much" has God "given" or "committed" to you (e.g., spiritual gifts, material resources, knowledge of Scripture, influence)?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being asked to "do the more" or "be required much" due to what you have received?**
* **How does the understanding of proportional accountability motivate you to live more faithfully and intentionally today?**
* **Are there any areas where you might be acting "without knowing the master's will" that you need to seek greater clarity on?**

### FAQ
**Does "he that knew not" imply that ignorance is a valid excuse for sin?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that ignorance completely excuses sin, but rather that it mitigates the severity of the consequences. The phrase "did commit things worthy of stripes" clearly indicates that even without explicit knowledge of the master's specific command, the servant's actions were still wrong and deserving of punishment. The distinction is in the *degree* of punishment ("few stripes" vs. "many stripes" for the one who knew the master's will, as seen in [Luke 12:47](/luke/12-47 "Luke 12:47 - The Knowing Servant's Punishment")). This aligns with broader biblical teaching that all humanity is accountable to God based on the light they have received, whether through creation (Romans 1:20), conscience (Romans 2:14-15), or special revelation (John 15:22). Those who have received less revelation will be judged on that basis, but all are still accountable for their actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:48 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus embodying the perfect steward but also in the profound implications of His redemptive work for our accountability. Christ Himself is the supreme example of One to whom "much was given" – all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), the very mission of God, and the power of the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")). He perfectly fulfilled every requirement, demonstrating absolute faithfulness in His life, ministry, and sacrificial death, even to the point of giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). For believers, this verse takes on new significance in light of the New Covenant. We have been "given" the ultimate treasure: the knowledge of God through Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the privilege of adoption into God's family ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). This incredible gift of grace, however, does not diminish our responsibility but profoundly deepens it. Because we have been entrusted with the Gospel and the Spirit, "much will be required" of us in terms of living out our faith, bearing fruit for the Kingdom ([John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Bearing Much Fruit")), and faithfully stewarding the spiritual gifts we receive ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")). Our ultimate accountability will be to Christ at the Bema Seat judgment ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")), where our stewardship of His grace will be evaluated, not for salvation, but for rewards and commendation. Thus, Luke 12:48 calls us to live lives of grateful and diligent service, empowered by the very Christ who fulfilled all righteousness and now calls us to participate in His ongoing mission.

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

James 3:1

¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Leviticus 5:17

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

John 15:22

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Matthew 25:14

¶ For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:29

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.