Luke 12:57

KJV

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea {G1161}, and why {G5101} even {G2532} of {G575} yourselves {G1438} judge ye {G2919} not {G3756} what is right {G1342}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why don’t you decide for yourselves what is the right course to follow?

Berean Standard Bible

And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?

American Standard Version

And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 12:57, Jesus poses a pointed rhetorical question, challenging His audience—and by extension, all humanity—to employ their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual discernment. He confronts their inconsistency in readily interpreting natural signs while failing to recognize and act upon the profound spiritual realities unfolding before them, particularly His own presence and teachings. This verse serves as an urgent call for self-examination and a demand for individuals to independently assess and align themselves with what is truly righteous and just in God's eyes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 12:57 concludes a specific segment of Jesus' extensive discourse in Luke 12, which primarily focuses on themes of discipleship, watchfulness, and the urgency of responding to God's kingdom. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Luke 12:54-56](/luke/12-54-56 "Luke 12:54-56 - Discerning the Signs of the Times"), Jesus rebukes the crowds for their ability to accurately predict weather patterns based on natural observations (e.g., a cloud rising in the west signifying rain, or a south wind indicating heat) yet their utter failure to discern the "present time"—the spiritual significance of His ministry and the dawning of God's kingdom. The rhetorical question of verse 57 acts as a climactic challenge, pressing them to apply the same logical reasoning and discernment they use for mundane matters to the infinitely more crucial spiritual realities. Following this, [Luke 12:58-59](/luke/12-58-59 "Luke 12:58-59 - Settle with Your Adversary") extends the call for discernment into a practical parable about settling with an adversary quickly, underscoring the urgency of spiritual reconciliation and righteous living before the inevitable "judge" (God) is encountered.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a land steeped in religious tradition, yet also under Roman occupation. The Jewish people, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, were meticulous in their adherence to the Law and traditions, often focusing on external observances. However, Jesus frequently challenged their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy, highlighting a disconnect between outward religiosity and true inward righteousness. The ability to interpret weather signs was a practical necessity for an agrarian society, deeply reliant on rainfall and seasonal changes. Jesus' analogy would have resonated strongly with His audience, making their spiritual dullness all the more glaring. The expectation of the Messiah was prevalent, yet many failed to recognize Him when He appeared, often due to preconceived notions or a lack of genuine spiritual openness. Jesus' question in [Luke 12:57](/luke/12-57 "Luke 12:57 - Judge What is Right") therefore critiques a culture that was adept at earthly wisdom but spiritually obtuse, failing to discern the unparalleled divine intervention occurring in their midst.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teachings. It highlights **Spiritual Discernment**, emphasizing the need for individuals to move beyond superficial observations and engage in deeper spiritual understanding, recognizing the signs of God's presence and activity. This aligns with Jesus' broader call for spiritual insight, as seen in passages like [Matthew 16:3](/matthew/16-3 "Matthew 16:3 - Discerning the Signs of the Times"). Another crucial theme is **Self-Examination and Accountability**. The phrase "of yourselves" underscores personal responsibility, challenging individuals to utilize their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual judgment without external prompting, thus highlighting individual accountability for one's spiritual condition and choices. Finally, the verse implicitly conveys **Urgency and Righteous Action**. The rhetorical question implies a critical need to "judge what is right" *now*, before it is too late. This theme is reinforced by the subsequent warning to settle quickly with an adversary, emphasizing the pressing need for reconciliation and righteous living in light of impending divine judgment or consequences, echoing the urgency found in [Matthew 5:25](/matthew/5-25 "Matthew 5:25 - Settle Quickly with Your Adversary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **why (Greek, _tís'_):** An interrogative pronoun, signifying "who, which or what" in direct or indirect questions. Here, it functions to ask "why," probing the reason or justification for their failure to discern. Jesus uses this to challenge their rationale, or lack thereof, for their spiritual blindness.
* **judge ye (Greek, _krínō'_):** Properly, to distinguish, i.e., to decide (mentally or judicially). By implication, it means to try, condemn, or punish. In this context, it refers to the act of making a sound, informed judgment or evaluation, not merely passing a verdict but discerning truth from falsehood, right from wrong. Jesus asks why they fail to apply this critical faculty to their spiritual state.
* **right (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From _díkē_, meaning equitable in character or act; by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively). It denotes what is just, righteous, proper, or equitable. Jesus is asking why they do not discern and choose what is morally, spiritually, and divinely correct and aligned with God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, and why":** This opening phrase, introduced by the particle "Yea" (Greek _dé_), serves as an emphatic transition, intensifying the rhetorical force of the question that follows. It signals a shift from the previous observation about their inability to discern the times to a direct challenge regarding their own internal moral compass. The "why" (Greek _tís_) demands an explanation for their spiritual inconsistency and lack of self-correction.
* **"even of yourselves":** The phrase "of yourselves" (Greek _apó heautoû_) is crucial, emphasizing personal, internal capacity and responsibility. It highlights that the ability to discern "what is right" is not something external that needs to be taught or revealed, but an inherent faculty or moral intuition that they already possess and apply in other areas of life. Jesus is questioning why they do not initiate this judgment from within themselves.
* **"judge ye not what is right?":** This is the core of the rhetorical question. "Judge ye" (Greek _krínō_) implies an active process of discernment, evaluation, and decision-making. "Not" (Greek _ou_) underscores their failure. "What is right" (Greek _díkaios_) refers to that which is just, righteous, and morally correct in God's sight. Jesus is essentially asking: "Given that you can discern earthly matters, why do you not, by your own innate moral sense, discern and choose what is truly righteous and aligned with God's will, especially in light of the clear evidence of My presence and teachings?"

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:57 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' urgent message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" This is not a question seeking information, but one designed to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and elicit self-condemnation. It forces the audience to confront their own inconsistency and spiritual negligence. Closely related is **Irony**, as Jesus highlights the stark contrast between their practical wisdom in predicting weather and their spiritual foolishness in failing to recognize the Messiah and the signs of the kingdom. There is also an **Implicit Rebuke** embedded in the question, as Jesus' tone suggests disappointment and a challenge to their spiritual lethargy. Furthermore, the use of **Analogy** (implied from the preceding verses) between discerning weather and discerning spiritual truth serves to make His point relatable and convicting, drawing a parallel between two seemingly disparate areas of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:57 profoundly underscores the biblical theme of human accountability and the universal expectation that humanity possesses an innate capacity for moral discernment, even apart from explicit divine revelation. This capacity, often referred to as conscience or natural law, is a gift from God, enabling individuals to distinguish between right and wrong. Jesus' challenge implies that this inherent moral compass should lead people to recognize and respond to divine truth, especially when it is clearly manifested. The failure to "judge what is right" is therefore not merely an intellectual oversight but a moral failing, indicating a willful blindness or spiritual apathy that renders one culpable before God. This verse compels us to consider the seriousness of our own discernment and the urgency of aligning our lives with God's revealed will, recognizing that opportunities for repentance and righteous living are not indefinite.

* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come Into the World")
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discernment Through Practice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:57 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting back to us the critical importance of self-examination and spiritual discernment in our daily lives. In a world saturated with information, competing ideologies, and constant distractions, Jesus' question remains profoundly relevant: "Why do we not, of ourselves, judge what is right?" This isn't merely about intellectual assent to theological truths, but about the active, ongoing process of aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with God's righteous standards. It calls us to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that allows us to discern God's will amidst the clamor of the world, to recognize the "signs of the times" in our own era, and to respond with urgency and integrity. This requires more than passive observation; it demands intentional prayer, diligent engagement with Scripture, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding and empower our obedience. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to take personal responsibility for our spiritual state, to actively pursue righteousness, and to live lives that reflect the truth we claim to believe, before the inevitable consequences of unrighteousness are realized.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to discern practical matters (like finances or social dynamics) but slow to apply the same discernment to spiritual or moral issues?**
* **What internal or external factors might be hindering my ability to "judge what is right" according to God's standards?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate my spiritual discernment through prayer, Scripture, and community?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to align my life more fully with what I know to be righteous and just in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "judge what is right" in this context?**

Answer: In [Luke 12:57](/luke/12-57 "Luke 12:57 - Judge What is Right"), when Jesus asks, "why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?", He is challenging His audience to use their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual discernment. The Greek word for "judge" (_krínō_) implies making a sound, informed decision or evaluation, not merely passing a verdict. "What is right" (_díkaios_) refers to what is just, righteous, proper, and aligned with God's will. Jesus is essentially rebuking them for their inconsistency: they are adept at interpreting natural signs (like weather patterns, as mentioned in [Luke 12:54-56](/luke/12-54-56 "Luke 12:54-56 - Discerning the Signs of the Times")), but they fail to apply this same discernment to the profound spiritual realities unfolding before them, specifically His presence as the Messiah and the dawning of God's kingdom. He expects them to recognize and respond to divine truth based on the evidence presented to them and their own innate moral compass.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:57, with its piercing question about discerning "what is right," finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. He is not only the one who exposes humanity's failure to judge rightly but also the very standard and embodiment of all that is righteous. In Him, the perfect will of God is fully revealed, and through Him, humanity is enabled to truly discern and live "what is right." Jesus Himself is the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), illuminating the path of righteousness that the world, "of itself," often fails to see or chooses to ignore ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come Into the World")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross provides the means for sinful humanity to be declared righteous before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Through faith in Him, believers are not only forgiven but also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to truly "judge what is right" and to live in accordance with God's will, transforming their hearts to desire and pursue righteousness as a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, Jesus is both the perfect example of righteousness and the divine enabler of it, fulfilling the very discernment He demands.

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

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Deuteronomy 32:29

O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

Matthew 21:32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Luke 21:30

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

Acts 2:40

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Acts 13:26

Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.