Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

When once {G575}{G3739}{G302} the master of the house {G3617} is risen up {G1453}, and {G2532} hath shut {G608} to the door {G2374}, and {G2532} ye begin {G756} to stand {G2476} without {G1854}, and {G2532} to knock {G2925} at the door {G2374}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, Lord {G2962}, open {G455} unto us {G2254}; and {G2532} he shall answer {G611} and say {G2046} unto you {G5213}, I know {G1492} you {G5209} not {G3756} whence {G4159} ye are {G2075}:

once the owner of the house has gotten up and shut the door. You will stand outside, knocking at the door and saying, ‘Lord! Open up for us!’ But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from!’

After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;

Luke 13:25 is a powerful and sobering verse from Jesus' teaching, illustrating the critical importance of entering God's kingdom while the opportunity exists. It serves as a stark warning against complacency and the dangers of a superficial faith.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus, beginning with a question about whether few or many will be saved (Luke 13:23). Jesus responds by urging His listeners to "strive to enter in at the strait gate" (the narrow door). The imagery of the "master of the house" rising and shutting the door emphasizes the finality of a specific time or opportunity for entry into God's presence or kingdom. It speaks to a future moment of judgment or ultimate decision where access will no longer be available to those who delayed or merely professed faith.

Key Themes

  • Urgency of Decision: The most prominent theme is the urgent need to respond to God's call for salvation now. The door will not remain open indefinitely; there is a decisive moment when access is sealed.
  • Finality of Judgment: Once the master has "shut to the door," there is no re-opening. This signifies a point of no return, where appeals for entry are met with rejection.
  • False Assurance vs. True Relationship: Those knocking and saying "Lord, Lord" presume a relationship, but the master's response, "I know you not whence ye are," reveals a lack of genuine, personal knowledge and connection. This echoes similar warnings about those who call Him 'Lord' but do not truly know Him or do His will.
  • Sovereignty of the Master: The "master of the house" (Greek: oikodespotes) holds ultimate authority over who enters and who is denied. His decision is final.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I know you not whence ye are" is significant. The Greek word for "know" here is ginōskō, which implies a deep, personal, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. When the master says, "I know you not," it means there is no intimate relationship, no recognition of them as true members of his household. This is a profound spiritual rejection, indicating that despite their claims ("Lord, Lord"), their lives did not reflect a genuine connection to Him.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination for anyone who claims to follow Christ. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious profession or outward affiliation to a deep, transformative relationship with God. Are we truly seeking the narrow path? Are our lives characterized by obedience and genuine discipleship, or are we relying on past associations or superficial claims? The warning is clear: the time for seeking and entering is now, before the door is shut and the opportunity for salvation is irrevocably lost. It reminds believers to live out their faith authentically and for those yet to believe, to respond to the Gospel with urgency and sincerity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 25:10

    And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

  • Matthew 25:12

    But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

  • Luke 13:27

    But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.

  • Matthew 7:21

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 7:23

    And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

  • Luke 6:46

    And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

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