Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

But {G1161} I will forewarn {G5263} you {G5213} whom {G5101} ye shall fear {G5399}: Fear {G5399} him, which after {G3326} he hath killed {G615} hath {G2192} power {G1849} to cast {G1685} into {G1519} hell {G1067}; yea {G3483}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Fear {G5399} him {G5126}.

I will show you whom to fear: fear him who after killing you has authority to throw you into Gei-Hinnom! Yes, I tell you, this is the one to fear!

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 12:5 (KJV)

Luke 12:5 presents a powerful and sobering warning from Jesus Christ to His disciples and the surrounding crowd about whom they should truly fear. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the preceding counsel, emphasizing the ultimate authority of God over human threats.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus, beginning in Luke 12:1, where He warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and encourages His followers to confess Him openly. Just before this verse, in Luke 12:4, Jesus advises His disciples not to fear those who can only kill the body. Luke 12:5 then immediately clarifies whom they *should* fear, elevating the perspective from temporal earthly dangers to eternal spiritual realities. This teaching prepares His followers for potential persecution by grounding their courage in God's supreme power.

Key Themes

  • The Fear of God: Jesus instructs His listeners to "Fear him," referring to God. This is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, justice, and omnipotence. It is a healthy, reverential fear that acknowledges His ultimate authority over all creation and destiny. This concept is often described in the Old Testament as the beginning of wisdom.
  • God's Ultimate Authority: The verse highlights God's absolute power. While humans can inflict physical death, only God "hath power to cast into hell." This underscores that God has ultimate control over both physical life and eternal destiny. His dominion extends beyond the grave.
  • Eternal Consequences: The mention of "hell" (Greek: Gehenna) signifies a place of ultimate, eternal judgment and destruction. Itโ€™s a powerful reminder that there are eternal consequences for one's choices and allegiance in this life. Jesus is emphasizing the gravity of offending God, whose judgment extends to the soul beyond physical death.
  • Courage in Discipleship: By shifting the focus of fear from man to God, Jesus empowers His disciples to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution. If one properly fears God, the threats of humans become insignificant in comparison.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "hell" in this verse is Gehenna (ฮณฮญฮตฮฝฮฝฮฑ). This term refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem that historically was associated with idolatrous child sacrifices (2 Kings 23:10). By Jesus' time, it had become a refuse dump where fires constantly burned, symbolizing a place of utter destruction, defilement, and eternal punishment. It is distinct from Hades, which generally refers to the realm of the dead or the grave. The use of Gehenna emphasizes a final, complete, and terrifying destruction, specifically of the soul.

Cross-References & Connections

This verse has a direct parallel in Matthew 10:28, where Jesus gives almost identical instruction: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." This reinforces the critical importance of this teaching. Other passages that speak to God's ultimate judgment and power include Hebrews 10:31 ("It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God") and Revelation 20:14-15, which describes the lake of fire as the "second death."

Practical Application

Luke 12:5 challenges us to examine our own fears. Are we more concerned with pleasing people, avoiding social discomfort, or protecting our earthly reputation than we are with honoring God? This verse calls believers to:

  • Re-evaluate Priorities: A proper fear of God should be the dominant influence in our lives, shaping our choices and actions. When we truly understand God's power and authority, earthly fears diminish.
  • Cultivate Obedience: This reverential fear motivates us to live in obedience to God's commands, knowing that He holds the ultimate power over our eternal destiny.
  • Find True Courage: By fearing God above all else, we gain the courage to stand for truth, confess Christ, and live righteously, even when it means facing opposition or persecution from others. Our ultimate security rests in His hands.
  • Seek God's Mercy: The warning about God's power to cast into hell should also lead to a humble recognition of our need for His grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, ensuring we are on the path to eternal life rather than judgment.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 2:4

    For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

  • Matthew 10:28

    And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

  • Revelation 14:7

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  • Hebrews 10:31

    [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • Psalms 9:17

    The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.

  • Proverbs 14:26

    ยถ In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
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