Luke 13:25

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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!’

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:25 presents a stark and urgent warning from Jesus, illustrating the irreversible finality of a missed opportunity for salvation. It depicts a scenario where the "master of the house" has closed the door, symbolizing the end of a period of grace or the moment of ultimate judgment. Those who previously neglected to enter now stand outside, desperately pleading for access, only to be met with a definitive rejection based on the master's declaration of unfamiliarity, highlighting the critical importance of a genuine, transformative relationship with God established in the present.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jesus' broader discourse on the "narrow door," which begins in [Luke 13:23](/luke/13-23 "Luke 13:23 - The Question of Salvation"). A question is posed to Jesus about the number of those who will be saved, to which He responds with a call to "strive to enter through the narrow door" in [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter the Narrow Door"). The imagery of the master rising and shutting the door in [Luke 13:25](/luke/13-25 "Luke 13:25 - The Shut Door") serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences for those who fail to heed this urgent call. The subsequent verses in [Luke 13:26-30](/luke/13-26-30 "Luke 13:26-30 - Exclusion from the Kingdom") further elaborate on the reasons for rejection, emphasizing that mere outward association with Jesus or participation in religious activities will not suffice for entry into the kingdom of God. This entire passage underscores the themes of urgency, personal responsibility, and the nature of true discipleship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable's imagery would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, who were familiar with common household practices and social customs. The "master of the house" (Greek: _oikodespótēs_) held absolute authority over his household and its guests, including the power to admit or deny entry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was highly valued, but there was also a clear understanding of boundaries and the master's prerogative. Once a door was shut for the night, especially in a secure dwelling, it was not easily reopened. This cultural backdrop amplifies the finality and irrevocability of the master's decision. Furthermore, the concept of a "feast" or "banquet" was a common metaphor for the messianic age or the kingdom of God, making the exclusion from such an event particularly poignant and devastating to a Jewish audience hoping for inclusion in God's ultimate salvation.

* **Key Themes:** The passage in [Luke 13](/luke/13 "Luke 13 - Warnings and Parables") contributes to several significant theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Foremost is the **Urgency of Decision**, highlighting that the opportunity for salvation is not indefinite but has a decisive endpoint, as seen in the call to "strive" in [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter the Narrow Door"). This leads directly to the theme of the **Finality of Judgment**, where the shut door signifies an irreversible moment of reckoning and exclusion. Another crucial theme is the distinction between **False Assurance and True Relationship**, as those outside claim familiarity ("Lord, Lord") but are unknown to the master, echoing Jesus' warnings in [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'"). This underscores that salvation is not based on outward profession or past association, but on a genuine, personal, and transformative relationship with Christ, characterized by obedience and active discipleship. Finally, the **Sovereignty of the Master** is evident, as the _oikodespótēs_ holds ultimate authority over who enters and who is denied, emphasizing God's ultimate control over the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **master of the house (Greek, _oikodespótēs'_):** From οἶκος (house) and δεσπότης (master/lord), this term refers to the head of a family or household, highlighting his supreme authority and ownership over the dwelling and those within it. In this parable, it represents God or Christ as the ultimate authority over the kingdom.
* **risen up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken, rouse, lift up, raise." Here, it signifies the master's decisive action of getting up from his place, indicating a shift from a state of openness or rest to one of action and finality. It implies a deliberate and authoritative movement towards the closing of the door.
* **shut to (Greek, _apokleíō'_):** Derived from ἀπό (away from) and κλείω (to close), this word means "to close fully" or "shut up." It emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the door's closure, signifying that once this action is taken, there is no possibility of re-entry.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** While often meaning "to see," in the perfect tense (as implied here), _eídō_ signifies "to know" in a deep, experiential, and intimate sense, not merely intellectual acquaintance. When the master declares, "I know you not," it means there is no genuine, personal relationship or recognition of them as true members of his household. This is a profound spiritual rejection.
* **whence (Greek, _póthen'_):** This adverb means "from what place, state, source, or cause." In the master's question, "I know you not whence ye are," it underscores a complete lack of recognition of their origin, identity, or true affiliation, implying they are strangers with no legitimate claim to entry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door":** This clause establishes the critical turning point. The "master of the house" (representing God or Christ) takes a decisive and final action. His "rising up" signifies a transition from a period of invitation and accessibility to one of judgment and closure. The act of "shutting to the door" is absolute, indicating that the opportunity for entry is now irrevocably past. This highlights the limited nature of the time of grace and the ultimate authority of the master.
* **"and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us":** This describes the desperate reaction of those who find themselves excluded. "Standing without" emphasizes their position of exclusion, while "knocking at the door" signifies their belated and futile attempts to gain entry. Their repeated cry "Lord, Lord" reveals a superficial or presumptuous claim of relationship, based perhaps on outward religious affiliation or a past, unfulfilled profession of faith, rather than a genuine, living connection. The plea "open unto us" expresses their sudden realization of loss and their desire for access.
* **"and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are":** This is the master's chilling and definitive response. His declaration, "I know you not," is a profound rejection. The Greek word for "know" (eídō) implies a deep, personal, experiential knowledge. Thus, the master is not merely saying he doesn't recognize their faces, but that he has no intimate, saving relationship with them. The phrase "whence ye are" further emphasizes their foreignness and lack of legitimate connection to his household or kingdom, sealing their exclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:25 is rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire scene functions as an allegory for the eschatological judgment and the kingdom of God. The **"master of the house"** clearly symbolizes God or Jesus Christ, who holds ultimate authority over salvation and judgment. The **"door"** is a powerful symbol of access to the kingdom of God or salvation, representing the limited window of opportunity for entry. The act of the master **"shutting to the door"** is symbolic of the finality of judgment, marking the irreversible end of the time for repentance and belief. Those **"standing without, and knocking at the door"** symbolize individuals who, despite having had the opportunity, procrastinated or failed to genuinely commit to Christ, now facing eternal exclusion. Their cry **"Lord, Lord"** functions as a form of **Irony**, as their outward profession of faith is contradicted by the master's declaration, "I know you not," revealing a lack of true, intimate relationship. This scene employs **Dramatic Irony** as the audience knows the dire consequences of delay, while the characters outside are only now realizing their fate. The **Contrast** between the time of open invitation and the time of irreversible closure underscores the urgency of the message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:25 powerfully articulates the New Testament's consistent emphasis on the urgency of responding to God's call and the reality of a future judgment where opportunity will cease. It underscores that salvation is not merely a matter of intellectual assent or outward religious observance, but a deep, personal, and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by genuine discipleship and obedience. The "shut door" serves as a stark reminder that God's patience and grace, while vast, are not limitless; there is a definitive point when the invitation expires, and the time for decision is over. This passage challenges any notion of automatic inclusion based on heritage or superficial association, demanding instead a true and living faith that manifests in one's life.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - I Never Knew You")
* [Matthew 25:10-12](/matthew/25-10-12 "Matthew 25:10-12 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This sobering passage from Luke 13:25 serves as a profound call to self-examination for every individual, whether professing believer or seeker. It compels us to move beyond superficial religious activity or a mere intellectual acknowledgment of Christ to cultivate a deep, intimate, and transforming relationship with Him. The warning against the shut door is not meant to instill fear in those genuinely striving to follow Christ, but to awaken those who are complacent, presumptuous, or procrastinating. It challenges us to consider: Is our faith merely a label, or is it a living, active, and obedient relationship with the Master? Are we truly striving to enter the narrow door, or are we relying on past associations, family heritage, or outward expressions of religiosity? The time for genuine repentance, faith, and committed discipleship is now, while the door remains open. This verse urges us to live with spiritual urgency, ensuring that our lives reflect a true and personal knowledge of Christ, so that when the final moment comes, we will be recognized as His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "shut door" in this parable reveal about the nature of God's grace and judgment?**
* **How does the master's declaration, "I know you not whence ye are," challenge my understanding of what it means to truly "know" Christ?**
* **Am I actively "striving to enter through the narrow door" (Luke 13:24), or am I relying on a passive or superficial faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to deepen my relationship with Christ and ensure my faith is genuine and active?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that God is not loving, or that He arbitrarily closes the door on people?**

Answer: This verse does not suggest an arbitrary or unloving God. Instead, it highlights God's justice and the consequences of human choice. The "shut door" represents the culmination of a period of grace and invitation. God, in His immense love, continually calls people to Himself, offering salvation through Jesus Christ. However, His grace is not limitless in time, and there is a point when the opportunity to respond will cease. The master's rejection is not arbitrary but is based on the fact that those outside never cultivated a genuine, personal relationship with him, despite having had the opportunity. It underscores that God honors human free will and holds individuals accountable for their response to His invitation. The love of God is demonstrated in the very act of providing the "narrow door" and urging people to enter before it is too late.

**How does this passage relate to the idea of "once saved, always saved"?**

Answer: This passage serves as a serious warning against a complacent or presumptuous understanding of salvation. While many theological traditions affirm the eternal security of genuine believers, this verse emphasizes that a mere profession of faith ("Lord, Lord") or outward association with Christ is not sufficient. The master's response, "I know you not whence ye are," suggests that those excluded never truly knew him in a saving, intimate way. It challenges the idea that a one-time intellectual assent, without ongoing transformation and genuine relationship, guarantees eternal entry. True salvation, as depicted here, involves a deep, personal, and abiding knowledge of Christ that is evidenced by one's life. It calls for self-examination to ensure that one's faith is authentic and active, rather than a false assurance. The passage aligns with other New Testament warnings that true faith must be persevering and bear fruit, as seen in [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:25, though a warning, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the "door" and the "master of the house." Jesus declares in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"), "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved." He is the exclusive means of access to the Father and the kingdom of God. The "shut door" in Luke 13:25 points to the finality of the opportunity to enter through Him. Those who cry "Lord, Lord" but are rejected are those who failed to truly embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior, not merely in word but in genuine, transformative relationship. Jesus, as the Master, is the one who will ultimately judge and determine who truly belongs to His household, as He states in [Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Will Judge"). His rejection of those He does "not know" underscores the profound truth that salvation is predicated on an intimate, personal knowledge of Him, which is forged through faith, repentance, and obedience, and sealed by His atoning work on the cross. The urgency of [Luke 13:25](/luke/13-25 "Luke 13:25 - The Shut Door") is therefore a call to respond to the open invitation of Christ today, before the time of grace culminates in His glorious return and the final judgment, when the door to His eternal kingdom will be irrevocably closed to those who have refused His gracious call.

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 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: