Luke 12:58

KJV

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G5613}{G1063} thou goest {G5217} with {G3326} thine {G4675} adversary {G476} to {G1909} the magistrate {G758}, as thou art in {G1722} the way {G3598}, give {G1325} diligence {G2039} that thou mayest be delivered {G525} from {G575} him {G846}; lest {G3379} he hale {G2694} thee {G4571} to {G4314} the judge {G2923}, and {G2532} the judge {G2923} deliver {G3860} thee {G4571} to the officer {G4233}, and {G2532} the officer {G4233} cast {G906} thee {G4571} into {G1519} prison {G5438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone brings a lawsuit against you, take pains to settle with him first; otherwise he will take the matter to court, and the judge will turn you over to the bailiff, and the bailiff will throw you in jail.

Berean Standard Bible

Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison.

American Standard Version

For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer, and the officer shall cast thee into prison.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 12:58, Jesus employs a vivid legal parable to underscore the profound urgency of proactive reconciliation and the dire consequences of delay. He urges His listeners to settle their accounts, both earthly and spiritual, while there is still opportunity, likening the escalating severity of a legal dispute—from adversary to magistrate, judge, officer, and ultimately prison—to the inescapable and severe outcomes of unaddressed spiritual matters before the ultimate divine judgment. This teaching is a powerful call to immediate and diligent action in discerning and responding to the critical spiritual realities of one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discourse by Jesus in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke Chapter 12 - Discourse on Discipleship and Judgment") concerning discipleship, hypocrisy, and the coming judgment. Immediately preceding this parable, Jesus challenges the crowds for their inability to "discern the face of the sky and of the earth" yet failing to "discern this time" ([Luke 12:56](/luke/12-56 "Luke 12:56 - Discerning the Times")). He then asks, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" ([Luke 12:57](/luke/12-57 "Luke 12:57 - Judging What is Right")). The parable of the adversary and the judge serves as a practical illustration of the wisdom Jesus expects them to exercise, moving from a general call for discernment to a specific, urgent warning about the consequences of spiritual procrastination. It emphasizes that just as one should act prudently in earthly legal matters, so much more should one act wisely in eternal spiritual matters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea lacked a formal, publicly funded legal aid system. Disputes, often over debts or property, were common and could quickly escalate. The process typically began with an "adversary" (ἀντίδικος, _antídikos'_), the plaintiff, bringing a charge before a "magistrate" (ἄρχων, _árchōn'_), a local authority or ruler. If the matter was not settled privately or through mediation, it would proceed to a "judge" (κριτής, _kritḗs'_), who would issue a verdict. Enforcement of the judgment, including the collection of debts or the imprisonment of debtors, was carried out by an "officer" (πράκτωρ, _práktōr'_), who acted as a bailiff or jailer. Imprisonment was often not a punishment in itself but a means to compel payment of a debt or fine, with release contingent upon full restitution. This system highlights the severe and escalating consequences for those who failed to settle their accounts, making Jesus's illustration immediately relatable and impactful to His audience.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of this passage is the **Urgency of Decision and Reconciliation**. Jesus stresses the critical need for immediate action to resolve conflicts and settle accounts, whether personal or spiritual, before the point of no return. This ties into the broader Lukan emphasis on **Wisdom and Prudence**, urging listeners to act intelligently and proactively in light of future accountability, rather than passively awaiting inevitable, harsher consequences. The parable also powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Delay**, portraying a clear escalation of severity from the initial dispute to the final, inescapable imprisonment. This serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and procrastination, echoing themes of **Divine Judgment and Accountability** found throughout Jesus's teachings, particularly in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke 12 - Parables and Warnings"). The call to "give diligence" resonates with the need for spiritual preparedness and readiness for the coming Kingdom of God, a recurring motif in Luke's Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **adversary (Greek, _antídikos'_):** G476. From ἀντί (_anti_, against) and δίκη (_dikē_, right/justice), meaning "one who speaks against" or an opponent in a lawsuit. This term precisely defines the legal context, indicating a plaintiff or accuser in a dispute. In a spiritual sense, it can represent anything or anyone that stands in opposition to one's reconciliation with God or neighbor, including one's own unconfessed sin, or even Satan himself ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Your adversary the devil")).
* **give diligence (Greek, _dídōmi'_ + _ergasía'_):** G1325 + G2039. The phrase "give diligence" translates the Greek δίδωμι ἐργασίαν (_dídōmi ergasían_), literally "give work" or "exert effort." _Dídōmi_ (G1325) means "to give, bestow, commit," while _ergasía_ (G2039) denotes "occupation, profit, pains, diligence, work." Together, they emphasize the need for active, earnest, and immediate effort to resolve the situation, rather than passive waiting or resistance. It implies a proactive and strenuous exertion to achieve a favorable outcome.
* **prison (Greek, _phylakḗ'_):** G5438. From φυλάσσω (_phylássō_, to guard), meaning "a guarding," or concretely, "a guard," "place of imprisonment," or "watch." In this context, it refers to the literal place of confinement for debtors or criminals. Figuratively, it represents the ultimate, inescapable, and severe consequence of failing to settle one's accounts, symbolizing spiritual bondage or eternal judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate,"**: This sets the scene for a legal dispute. The individual is already on their way to face their accuser before an initial authority figure, indicating that the conflict has already escalated beyond private resolution. The journey itself implies a point of no return without intervention.
* **"as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him;"**: This is the crucial instruction. While still "in the way" – before reaching the final arbiter – the individual is urged to make a strenuous, proactive effort ("give diligence") to "be delivered" or released from the adversary's claim. This emphasizes the window of opportunity for reconciliation and resolution before the situation worsens.
* **"lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer,"**: This describes the escalating consequences of inaction. If diligence is not given, the adversary will "hale" (drag, arrest judicially) the person to the "judge," a higher authority who will render a binding verdict. Subsequently, the judge will "deliver" the condemned party to the "officer," the one responsible for executing the judgment.
* **"and the officer cast thee into prison."**: This is the final, most severe outcome. The officer, acting on the judge's decree, will "cast" or throw the person into "prison." This signifies the inescapable and harsh consequence of failing to settle the dispute, resulting in a loss of freedom and the imposition of a severe penalty, often until the debt is fully paid.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The primary device is **Parable**, where a relatable earthly scenario (a legal dispute) is used to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. This parable functions as an **Analogy**, drawing a direct comparison between the consequences of failing to settle a legal debt and the spiritual repercussions of failing to reconcile with God or others. There is a clear sense of **Escalation** in the narrative: adversary → magistrate → judge → officer → prison. This progressive worsening of the situation vividly portrays the increasing severity of consequences for delay. The use of strong verbs like "hale" (drag) and "cast" (throw) adds to the sense of **Urgency** and the inevitability of the outcome if proactive steps are not taken. The entire passage is a form of **Admonition**, a serious warning delivered with the intent to guide behavior and prevent negative outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable profoundly connects to the biblical themes of divine justice, human accountability, and the urgent call to repentance. Just as an earthly legal system demands settlement of accounts, God's moral universe operates on principles of righteousness that require reconciliation. The "adversary" can be understood as anyone or anything that holds a claim against us, including our own unconfessed sins, which stand as an indictment before a holy God. The "magistrate" and "judge" point to God as the ultimate arbiter of justice, before whom all humanity will one day stand. The "way" represents the present life, the limited time given to respond to God's grace and settle our spiritual accounts through faith and repentance. The "prison" symbolizes the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin – separation from God. This parable, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of making peace with God through Christ, acknowledging our sin, and seeking His forgiveness before the day of ultimate judgment.

* [Matthew 5:25-26](/matthew/5-25-26 "Matthew 5:25-26 - Agree with Your Adversary")
* [Proverbs 25:8](/proverbs/25-8 "Proverbs 25:8 - Do Not Hastily Go to Court")
* [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ, Be Reconciled to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:58 serves as a piercing call to spiritual introspection and proactive living. It challenges us to examine our lives for any unresolved conflicts, unconfessed sins, or broken relationships that stand as "adversaries" against our peace with God and others. The "way" we are currently on is our earthly life, a finite period during which we have the opportunity to "give diligence" – to earnestly and actively seek reconciliation. This applies not only to our vertical relationship with God, through repentance and faith in Christ, but also to our horizontal relationships with fellow human beings, through forgiveness, apology, and restitution where necessary. Delaying these crucial spiritual tasks is perilous, as the parable vividly illustrates the escalating and increasingly severe consequences of procrastination. We are urged to embrace humility, seek peace, and act decisively to make things right, recognizing that the window of opportunity is not infinite, and the ultimate judgment is certain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "adversaries" (unresolved conflicts, unconfessed sins, broken relationships) might I be carrying that need to be addressed with diligence?**
* **How does the urgency presented in this parable motivate me to seek reconciliation, both with God and with others, today?**
* **In what areas of my life am I procrastinating on spiritual matters, and what might be the escalating consequences of such delay?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "give diligence" to settling an account, either spiritually or relationally?**

### FAQ

**Is this parable only about legal disputes, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While the parable draws from a common legal scenario of Jesus's day, its primary intent is to convey a deeper spiritual truth. Jesus often used everyday situations to illustrate profound spiritual principles. Here, the earthly legal process serves as a powerful analogy for our spiritual standing before God. The "adversary" can represent our own sins, the unfulfilled demands of God's law, or even Satan who accuses us ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of Our Brothers")). The "judge" is ultimately God, and the "prison" represents the eternal consequences of unaddressed sin and rebellion against Him. Therefore, the parable is a call to urgent spiritual reconciliation and repentance before the final, inescapable judgment.

**Who is the "officer" in the spiritual sense, and what does "prison" signify?**

Answer: In the spiritual application of the parable, the "officer" (πράκτωρ, _praktor_) can be understood as the agent of divine justice, responsible for executing the judge's verdict. This is not a specific person but represents the inescapable enforcement of God's righteous judgment. The "prison" (φυλακή, _phylakḗ_) signifies the ultimate, severe, and eternal consequence for those who fail to settle their spiritual accounts with God. It represents spiritual bondage, separation from God's presence, and the just penalty for unrepentant sin, often understood as eternal condemnation or hell. The parable emphasizes that this "prison" is a final destination from which there is no escape once the judgment has been rendered, highlighting the critical importance of seeking deliverance while still "in the way" – during this life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:58 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both our ultimate Judge and our gracious Advocate. Humanity stands guilty before God, our "adversary" being our sin and the just demands of God's holy law ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). We are "in the way," on a journey towards an inevitable encounter with the divine "Judge." Without intervention, the natural course leads to the "officer" of divine justice and the "prison" of eternal separation from God. However, Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, has paid the debt of our sin, offering the means by which we can "be delivered" from the adversary's claim. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through faith in Him, we are reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciled Us to Himself Through Christ")). He urges us to "give diligence" now, to come to Him for forgiveness and peace ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), for He is the only one who can deliver us from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")). In Christ, the severity of the judge is met with the mercy of the Savior, offering a way out of the "prison" before it is too late.

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

Matthew 5:23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Matthew 5:26

Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:9

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another:

Matthew 18:30

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luke 13:28

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.