Luke 12:59

KJV

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

KJV (with Strong's)

I tell {G3004} thee {G4671}, thou shalt {G1831} not {G3364} depart {G1831} thence {G1564},{G2532} till {G2193}{G3739} thou hast paid {G591} the very last {G2078} mite {G3016}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you, you won’t get out of there till you have paid the last penny!”

Berean Standard Bible

I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

American Standard Version

I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the very last mite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:59 concludes Jesus' teaching on spiritual urgency and accountability, likening the divine judgment to a legal dispute that must be settled swiftly and completely. It warns that failure to reconcile with one's "adversary"—understood both literally as an opponent and metaphorically as God's righteous standard—will result in an inescapable consequence, where every minute detail of the "debt" must be satisfied before release. This powerful metaphor underscores the thoroughness of divine justice and the critical need for immediate spiritual preparedness and repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a short parable or teaching segment in [Luke 12:57-59](/luke/12-57-59 "Luke 12:57-59 - Settling Accounts"). Jesus begins by questioning why people do not "judge for yourselves what is right" ([Luke 12:57](/luke/12-57 "Luke 12:57 - Judging What is Right")), implying a lack of spiritual discernment regarding their own standing before God. He then transitions to the practical advice of settling with an "adversary" quickly on the way to court ([Luke 12:58](/luke/12-58 "Luke 12:58 - Settle with Your Adversary")). This immediate context frames the warning in Luke 12:59 as a stark consequence of neglecting to address spiritual and moral debts while there is still opportunity, before facing the ultimate Judge. The passage flows from a call for self-assessment to a warning about the inevitability and severity of divine accountability.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of an "adversary," a judge, and paying a debt stems directly from the legal and social customs prevalent in first-century Judea. Disputes were often taken to court, and it was common practice to attempt reconciliation or settlement outside of court to avoid the harsher judgments a judge might impose. The "mite" (Greek: _leptón_) was the smallest Jewish coin, often mentioned in the Gospels (e.g., the [widow's mite in Luke 21:2](/luke/21-2 "Luke 21:2 - The Widow's Mite")) to emphasize extreme poverty or, in this case, the absolute smallest unit of payment. This detail would have resonated powerfully with Jesus' audience, signifying an exhaustive and inescapable payment, down to the very last, most insignificant detail. The warning implies a system of justice where even the smallest transgression or debt would be meticulously accounted for.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this passage, and indeed much of [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke 12 - Warnings and Parables"), is the **urgency of spiritual preparedness and discernment**. Jesus repeatedly calls for His followers to be ready for the Kingdom of God, to understand the signs of the times, and to settle their spiritual accounts. This verse specifically highlights **divine accountability** and the **thoroughness of God's justice**, emphasizing that every "debt"—every sin, every unfulfilled obligation—will be meticulously judged. It underscores the **consequences of delay**, painting a vivid picture of a debtor imprisoned until the full, complete payment is made. This aligns with other parables in Luke that stress the importance of immediate action and the dangers of procrastination in spiritual matters, such as the parable of the rich fool in [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **depart (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From the root meaning "to issue out," this word signifies "to come forth, go out, or escape." In this context, it emphasizes that there will be no release or freedom from the consequences of judgment until the full payment is made. It speaks to an inescapable confinement or state of being, from which one cannot simply "get out" or "go away" without meeting the demands of justice.
* **paid (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** This term means "to give away, render what is due, pay back, or recompense." It conveys the idea of fulfilling an obligation or debt. Here, it highlights the principle of justice and restitution, where a complete and final settlement is required. The implication is that the debt is not forgiven or overlooked, but must be fully satisfied.
* **mite (Greek, _leptón'_):** As the smallest Jewish coin, the _leptón_ represents the absolute minimum unit of currency. Its inclusion here is a powerful hyperbole, signifying that not even the most insignificant portion of the debt can be left unpaid. It underscores the meticulous and exhaustive nature of the required payment, emphasizing that divine justice will not overlook even the smallest detail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence":** This opening phrase, "I tell thee," serves as a solemn declaration from Jesus, lending authoritative weight to the warning that follows. The phrase "thou shalt not depart thence" refers to the inescapable confinement or consequence that awaits those who fail to settle their accounts. "Thence" (from that place) points to the metaphorical "prison" of judgment, from which there is no escape or release until the conditions are met.
* **"till thou hast paid the very last mite.":** This clause specifies the condition for release: the complete and exhaustive payment of the debt. The "very last mite" (Greek: _éschatos leptón_) emphasizes the thoroughness and meticulousness of the required payment. It means that every single aspect of the debt, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, must be fully satisfied. There is no partial payment or overlooked detail; divine justice demands full restitution.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:59 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is a **Legal Metaphor**, where the divine judgment is cast in the terms of a human legal dispute. The "adversary," the "judge," the "debt," and the "prison" are all elements drawn from the legal system of the day, making the abstract concept of spiritual accountability tangible and relatable. This metaphor highlights the seriousness and inevitability of facing consequences for one's actions. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is powerfully used in the phrase "the very last mite." By specifying the smallest possible coin, Jesus exaggerates the meticulousness of the required payment, emphasizing that divine justice leaves no stone unturned and demands complete satisfaction for every transgression, no matter how minor. This also functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the "mite" (a part) stands for the entirety of the debt, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the judgment. The overall tone is one of **Urgency**, compelling the listener to immediate action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:59 profoundly connects to the biblical themes of divine justice, human sin, and the necessity of reconciliation. It underscores the absolute righteousness of God, who will hold every individual accountable for their actions and omissions. The "debt" represents the accumulated weight of sin and unfulfilled obligations against God's holy standard. Humanity, in its fallen state, is utterly incapable of "paying the very last mite" of this debt, highlighting the desperate need for divine intervention and atonement. This verse, therefore, implicitly points to the insurmountable barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, setting the stage for the ultimate solution found in Christ.

* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment")
* [Matthew 18:23-35](/matthew/18-23-35 "Matthew 18:23-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:59 serves as a stark and sobering call to introspective reflection and decisive action in our spiritual lives. It compels us to confront the reality of our own "debts"—our sins, our failures to love God and neighbor, our neglected spiritual duties—and to recognize the urgency of addressing them. The "adversary" can be seen as our own conscience, the Law of God, or even the spiritual forces that accuse us, all pointing to our need for reconciliation. The passage challenges us to consider what unresolved issues, unconfessed sins, or broken relationships might stand between us and God, or between us and others. It is a powerful reminder that the opportunity for repentance and reconciliation is finite, and procrastination carries severe consequences. Instead of facing the full rigor of divine justice unprepared, we are urged to seek resolution now, while grace is still extended. This requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to confront our shortcomings, trusting that God provides a way to settle our accounts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "debts" or unresolved issues, either with God or with others, might I be neglecting to address in my life?**
* **How does the urgency highlighted in this verse impact my approach to repentance and seeking forgiveness?**
* **In what ways do I tend to procrastinate on spiritual matters, and what steps can I take to act decisively today?**

### FAQ

**Does "the very last mite" imply that we can earn our salvation by paying for our sins?**

Answer: No, "the very last mite" does not imply that human beings can earn their salvation or pay for their sins through their own efforts. Instead, it highlights the absolute and meticulous nature of divine justice. The point of the verse is to show the *impossibility* of a sinful human being ever fully satisfying the demands of God's perfect law. Just as one cannot escape a human prison until every last penny of a debt is paid, so too, one cannot escape divine judgment if even the smallest "mite" of sin remains unpaid. This serves to underscore humanity's desperate need for a Savior who *can* pay the full debt. The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")).

**Who is the "adversary" in this passage?**

Answer: The "adversary" (Greek: _antídikos_) in [Luke 12:58](/luke/12-58 "Luke 12:58 - Settle with Your Adversary") can be understood on multiple levels. Literally, it refers to a legal opponent in a court case. Metaphorically, in the broader spiritual context of Jesus' teaching, it can represent anything that stands in opposition to one's spiritual well-being or relationship with God. This could include:
1. **The Law of God:** Which accuses us of our transgressions.
2. **Our Own Conscience:** Which bears witness to our sin.
3. **God Himself:** As the ultimate Judge against whom we have sinned.
4. **Satan:** As the accuser of the brethren ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of the Brethren")).
The primary point is to address the source of the "debt" or conflict swiftly and decisively before facing the final judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:59, with its stark warning about paying "the very last mite," powerfully foreshadows the absolute necessity and comprehensive nature of Christ's atoning work. Humanity, burdened by the insurmountable debt of sin, is utterly incapable of satisfying the meticulous demands of divine justice. Every "mite" of sin, no matter how small, stands as an unpayable obligation. It is precisely this human predicament that highlights the profound glory of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who could and did "pay the very last mite" on our behalf. Through His perfect life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's law, bearing the full penalty for humanity's sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His blood, shed on Calvary, is the ultimate payment that reconciles us to God, freeing us from the "prison" of sin and judgment ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Therefore, while the verse warns of an inescapable debt, it implicitly points to the Savior who has paid it in full, offering forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift to all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")).

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

Mark 12:42

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Matthew 18:34

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Luke 16:26

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.