Luke 12:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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!

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:5 delivers a profound and urgent warning from Jesus Christ, instructing His disciples and the surrounding crowd to direct their ultimate fear not towards those who can merely inflict physical harm, but toward God alone. This verse starkly contrasts temporal human threats with the eternal consequences of divine judgment, emphasizing God's supreme authority over both physical life and eternal destiny, specifically highlighting His power to cast into hell. It serves as a foundational call to reverential awe and unwavering fidelity to God, empowering believers to stand firm in the face of earthly persecution by grounding their courage in the Lord's ultimate sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger discourse by Jesus to His disciples and a vast crowd, as recorded in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke Chapter 12 - Warnings and Exhortations"). The chapter opens with Jesus warning against the "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" ([Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Warning Against Hypocrisy")), urging His followers to live authentically and without fear of human opinion. Immediately preceding [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone"), Jesus explicitly tells His disciples, "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do" ([Luke 12:4](/luke/12-4 "Luke 12:4 - Do Not Fear Man")). [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone") then provides the critical counterpoint, clarifying *whom* they should fear, thereby elevating their perspective from temporal earthly dangers to eternal spiritual realities and preparing them for potential persecution by grounding their courage in God's supreme power and ultimate authority over their eternal fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience consisted of Jewish people living under Roman occupation, a context where physical persecution and even death for one's beliefs were very real possibilities. The Jewish people were familiar with the concept of God's sovereignty and judgment, rooted in the Old Testament. The term "hell" (Greek: _Gehenna_) would have been particularly potent. It referred to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem historically associated with idolatrous child sacrifices ([2_kings/23-10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Valley of Hinnom")). By Jesus' time, it had become a refuse dump where fires constantly burned, symbolizing a place of utter destruction, defilement, and eternal punishment. This imagery would have resonated deeply with His listeners, underscoring the gravity of God's ultimate judgment beyond mere physical death.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader discourse and the Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it underscores the **Fear of God**, not as a cowering dread, but as a profound reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness, justice, and omnipotence. This reverential fear is consistently presented in Scripture as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Ultimate Authority**, asserting that while humans can inflict physical death, only God "hath power to cast into hell," thereby demonstrating His absolute dominion over both physical life and eternal destiny. This theme is further developed throughout the New Testament, emphasizing God's ultimate control over all things, as seen in [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love"). Thirdly, the mention of "hell" emphasizes **Eternal Consequences**, serving as a stark reminder that there are everlasting ramifications for one's choices and allegiance in this life. Finally, by shifting the focus of fear from man to God, Jesus empowers His disciples with **Courage in Discipleship**, demonstrating that a proper fear of God diminishes the threats of humans, enabling believers to stand firm in their faith even in the face of persecution, as exemplified by the apostles in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Rather Than Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō_):** Derived from _phobos_, meaning "fright" or "terror," this verb primarily means "to frighten" or "to be alarmed." However, in a passive sense, as used here, it extends to "to be in awe of" or "to revere." Jesus is not commanding a cowering terror of God, but a profound, reverential awe that acknowledges His absolute power, holiness, and ultimate authority over all existence, including eternal destiny. This is a healthy fear that leads to obedience and wisdom, distinguishing it from the fear of man.
* **Power (Greek, _exousía_):** This term denotes "privilege," "force," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery." It can refer to delegated influence or inherent authority. In this context, it signifies God's inherent, supreme, and ultimate authority and right to execute judgment. Unlike human power, which is limited to the physical realm and temporal existence, God's _exousía_ extends beyond physical death to the eternal state, encompassing the power to determine one's ultimate destiny.
* **Hell (Greek, _géenna_):** Of Hebrew origin, referring to the "valley of (the son of) Hinnom," _Gehenna_ was a literal valley outside Jerusalem that became a place of refuse and perpetual burning. Figuratively, it became a powerful symbol for the place or state of everlasting punishment and destruction. It is distinct from _Hades_ (the general realm of the dead) and signifies a final, complete, and terrifying destruction, particularly of the soul and body in eternal judgment, underscoring the severity of God's wrath against sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:"** Jesus introduces a critical clarification or counterpoint ("But") to His previous instruction not to fear those who can only kill the body. He explicitly states His intention to "forewarn" (Greek: _hypodeíknymi_, to exhibit under the eyes, to instruct, to admonish), signaling the profound importance and solemnity of the following revelation. The rhetorical question "whom ye shall fear" immediately directs the listeners' attention to the true object of ultimate dread and reverence.
* **"Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell;"** This is the core command and its justification. Jesus identifies the one to be feared as God, who possesses unique and ultimate authority. While human adversaries can "kill" the body, only God has the "power" (Greek: _exousía_) to determine one's eternal fate "after he hath killed." The phrase "to cast into hell" (Greek: _embállō eis géenna_) vividly portrays the final, irreversible judgment and eternal punishment in _Gehenna_, a place of complete destruction. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over both physical life and eternal destiny, far surpassing any human capacity for harm.
* **"yea, I say unto you, Fear him."** The repetition of "Fear him" (Greek: _phobéō toûton_) serves as a powerful rhetorical emphasis, underscoring the gravity and certainty of Jesus' instruction. The interjection "yea, I say unto you" (Greek: _naí, légō hymîn_) further intensifies the command, affirming its truth and demanding immediate and serious consideration. This reiteration ensures that the audience fully grasps the singular and supreme object of their fear and reverence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Contrast** is central, setting up a clear dichotomy between fearing those who can only kill the body (Luke 12:4) and fearing the one who has power over eternal destiny. This sharp distinction elevates the spiritual realm above the physical. **Repetition** is strategically used with the phrase "Fear him," appearing twice in the verse, once as a command and again as an emphatic reiteration. This anaphora serves to underscore the critical importance and singular focus of the instruction, ensuring its memorability and impact. The mention of "hell" (Gehenna) functions as **Symbolism**, drawing upon a culturally understood geographical location (Valley of Hinnom) to represent a terrifying spiritual reality of ultimate judgment and destruction. This symbolic language evokes strong imagery and deep-seated fears, making the warning more visceral. Furthermore, the verse is a direct **Admonition** or **Warning**, characterized by Jesus' authoritative and direct address ("I will forewarn you," "I say unto you"), which lends solemnity and urgency to His teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:5 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical concept of the fear of God, not as a cowering dread, but as a profound, reverential awe that acknowledges His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and ultimate authority over all creation and destiny. This "fear" is the appropriate response of finite beings to an infinite, omnipotent God, and it serves as the foundation for true wisdom and obedience. The verse unequivocally asserts God's ultimate power over both physical life and eternal judgment, reminding humanity that while earthly powers can inflict temporal harm, only God holds the keys to eternal life or destruction. This theological truth liberates believers from the fear of man, empowering them to live courageously for Christ, knowing that their ultimate fate rests in God's hands, not in the hands of their persecutors. It also highlights the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment, prompting a humble recognition of humanity's need for God's mercy and salvation.

* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - A Fearful Thing to Fall into God's Hands")
* [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14-15 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Second Death and Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:5 challenges every believer to critically examine the objects of their fear. In a world often dominated by anxieties about social acceptance, financial security, physical safety, or political correctness, Jesus redirects our gaze to the ultimate reality: God's supreme authority over life and eternity. A proper, reverential fear of God should serve as the primary compass for our decisions and actions, shaping our priorities and enabling us to navigate life with unwavering conviction. When our fear of God outweighs all other fears, we are liberated from the tyranny of human opinion and the intimidation of earthly threats. This divine fear cultivates true courage, empowering us to speak truth, live righteously, and stand for Christ even when it means facing opposition or persecution. It motivates obedience, fosters humility, and drives us to seek God's grace and mercy through Christ, ensuring that our eternal destiny is secure in His loving hands rather than facing His just judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary fears that influence my daily decisions and actions?**
* **How does a reverential fear of God compare to and potentially diminish my other fears?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to re-prioritize fearing God over fearing man?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate power over eternal destiny impact my desire for obedience and my pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "fear" is Jesus commanding in Luke 12:5?**

Answer: The "fear" Jesus commands in [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone") is not a cowering dread or paralyzing terror, but rather a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's absolute power, holiness, and ultimate authority. It's a "healthy fear" that acknowledges His sovereignty over all life and death, and His unique power to determine eternal destiny. This kind of fear leads to worship, obedience, and wisdom, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, where the "fear of the Lord" is often presented as the [beginning of knowledge and wisdom](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). It motivates us to honor God above all else and to live in a way that pleases Him, knowing that He holds ultimate power.

**What is "hell" (Gehenna) and how is it different from Hades?**

Answer: In [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone"), the Greek word translated as "hell" is _Gehenna_ (γέεννα). This term has a specific and terrifying connotation. It refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside the walls of Jerusalem that, in ancient times, was associated with pagan child sacrifices ([2_kings/23-10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth")). By Jesus' time, it had become a refuse dump where fires burned continuously to consume waste and carcasses, often accompanied by the presence of worms. This made _Gehenna_ a powerful symbol of utter destruction, defilement, and eternal punishment by fire. It is distinct from _Hades_ (ᾅδης), which in the New Testament generally refers to the realm of the dead or the grave, a temporary holding place for souls before the final judgment. _Gehenna_, on the other hand, signifies the final, eternal, and irreversible place of punishment for the wicked, often referred to as the "lake of fire" in [Revelation](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - The Lake of Fire"). Jesus' use of _Gehenna_ emphasizes the severity and finality of God's judgment on both soul and body.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:5, while a stern warning about God's ultimate power to judge, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. He is not merely the messenger of this warning; He is the very one through whom God's ultimate authority and judgment are exercised. Jesus Himself declares, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Therefore, the "Him" whom we are to fear, the one with power to cast into hell, is ultimately God the Father, but this power is mediated and revealed through Christ.

More importantly, Jesus is the one who offers deliverance from the very judgment He warns about. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the only means of escape from the eternal consequences of sin. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus conquered death and the grave, holding the "keys of hell and of death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, the proper response to the warning in [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear God Alone") is not mere terror, but repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come ([1_thessalonians/1-10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from the Wrath to Come")). In Him, the reverential fear of God transforms into a loving relationship with a merciful Father, for there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

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

¶ 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.