Luke 13:26

KJV

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} shall ye begin {G756} to say {G3004}, We have eaten {G5315} and {G2532} drunk {G4095} in thy {G4675} presence {G1799}, and {G2532} thou hast taught {G1321} in {G1722} our {G2257} streets {G4113}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you! you taught in our streets!’

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

American Standard Version

then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:26 presents a chilling scene where individuals, standing outside the closed door of the Kingdom of God, desperately appeal to their past superficial association with Jesus. Their plea, "We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets," reveals a tragic misunderstanding: they mistakenly believed that mere physical proximity to Christ or exposure to His public ministry was sufficient for salvation, rather than a genuine, transformative relationship marked by repentance and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' sobering discourse on the nature of entry into the Kingdom of God, immediately following His exhortation to "strive to enter in by the narrow gate" found in [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate"). The preceding verse, [Luke 13:25](/luke/13-25 "Luke 13:25 - The Master Shuts the Door"), sets the scene by depicting the master of the house having already risen and shut the door, signifying a definitive and irreversible moment of judgment. The individuals in verse 26 are making a last-ditch, futile attempt to gain entry, appealing to their shared public experiences with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Their claims are met with a stark and final rejection in [Luke 13:27](/luke/13-27 "Luke 13:27 - Jesus' Rejection of the Unrighteous"), emphasizing the urgency and finality of the decision for true discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Jesus' earthly ministry, it was common for Him to teach in public spaces like synagogues, marketplaces, and "streets" ([plateîa](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Jesus Taught in Their Streets")). He also frequently shared meals with various people, including disciples, sinners, and Pharisees, as seen in passages like [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman") or [Luke 14:1](/luke/14-1 "Luke 14:1 - Jesus Eats at a Pharisee's House"). These interactions were part of His accessible, incarnational ministry. However, mere physical presence or participation in these public events did not automatically equate to genuine faith or spiritual transformation. The imagery of "eating and drinking" also subtly alludes to the messianic banquet, a common Jewish expectation for the Kingdom of God, where only the truly righteous would participate.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 13:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the danger of **false assurance**, where individuals mistakenly rely on outward religious observance or casual acquaintance with spiritual truths rather than a deep, personal commitment to Christ. This verse underscores the critical distinction between a **superficial relationship** and a **genuine, transformative faith**. While many heard Jesus teach and even shared meals with Him, only those who truly repented and submitted to His Lordship would enter the Kingdom. This aligns with Jesus' consistent call for **true discipleship**, which demands more than just hearing His words; it requires actively [doing the will of the Father](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father") and bearing fruit consistent with repentance, as emphasized throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist's Ministry"). Finally, the phrase "Then shall ye begin to say" points to a future moment of **final judgment and urgency**, emphasizing the critical importance of responding to Jesus' call for genuine faith *now*, before the door of opportunity is permanently shut.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **presence (Greek, _enṓpion'_):** This word, derived from a compound meaning "in the face of," denotes being "before" or "in the sight of" someone. In this context, it emphasizes physical proximity to Jesus, implying a direct, personal encounter. However, the tragic irony is that while they were physically "in His presence," they were not truly known by Him in a salvific sense.
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** This verb means "to teach" or "to instruct." It signifies that these individuals were exposed to Jesus' authoritative and transformative teaching. They heard His sermons, parables, and ethical commands. The issue was not a lack of instruction, but a failure to internalize and obey the truths they were taught.
* **streets (Greek, _plateîa'_):** Referring to a "wide plat" or "open square," this word denotes public places where people gathered. Jesus frequently taught in such open, accessible areas. The mention of "our streets" highlights the common, public nature of their exposure to Jesus, reinforcing the idea that their interaction was widespread and not exclusive or deeply personal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall ye begin to say,"**: This phrase marks a future, critical moment—a point of no return. The "then" (G5119, _tóte'_) indicates a specific time, likely the eschatological judgment, when the opportunity for entry has passed. The "begin to say" (G756, _árchomai'_ and G3004, _légō'_) suggests a desperate, perhaps belated, attempt to justify themselves or plead their case.
* **"We have eaten and drunk in thy presence,"**: This clause represents a claim of familiarity and shared experience with Jesus. "Eating and drinking" points to common fellowship, shared meals, and perhaps even participation in the public events of Jesus' ministry. The "in thy presence" (G1799, _enṓpion soû'_) underscores their physical proximity, implying a relationship based on outward association rather than inward transformation.
* **"and thou hast taught in our streets."**: This second clause reinforces the nature of their superficial connection. They acknowledge Jesus' public teaching ministry, confirming that they were exposed to His message. The phrase "in our streets" (G1722, _en hēmōn plateíais'_) emphasizes the public, accessible nature of His instruction, suggesting that they were among the many who heard Him, but without genuine spiritual reception or obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:26 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is central, as those who claim familiarity with Jesus ("eaten and drunk in thy presence," "taught in our streets") are ultimately declared unknown by Him in the following verse. This highlights the stark **contrast** between outward, superficial association and genuine, transformative relationship. Their appeals to public interactions stand in sharp opposition to the intimate, personal knowledge required for entry into God's Kingdom. The verse also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the future judgment where such claims will be insufficient. Furthermore, the scene evokes **pathos**, as the desperation of those locked out underscores the gravity of their missed opportunity and the finality of their exclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly addresses the nature of true salvation and discipleship, challenging any notion that mere external association with Christ or exposure to Christian teaching is sufficient for entry into God's Kingdom. It asserts that genuine faith is not passive reception but an active, transformative commitment that reshapes one's life and character. The individuals' claims reveal a reliance on privilege and proximity rather than repentance and personal obedience, underscoring the biblical truth that salvation is by grace through faith, which inevitably produces good works, not merely a superficial acquaintance. The scene serves as a stark warning against self-deception concerning one's spiritual standing.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord' Will Enter")
* [John 6:26-27](/john/6-26-27 "John 6:26-27 - Seeking Jesus for Physical Food")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:26 serves as a profound and urgent call for introspective self-examination for all who identify as followers of Christ. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial, cultural, or intellectual Christianity and to cultivate a deep, abiding, and transformative relationship with Jesus. Are we genuinely known by Him, or are we merely relying on past religious experiences, church attendance, or knowledge of doctrine? True faith is not merely hearing the Word, but diligently and obediently living it out, allowing Christ's transforming power to reshape our hearts and actions. This verse reminds us that the door to the Kingdom will not always be open, underscoring the critical importance of responding to Jesus' call with immediate and sincere commitment, ensuring our faith is rooted in genuine repentance and submission to His Lordship, rather than outward displays or casual familiarity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the true basis of my assurance of salvation? Is it my personal relationship with Christ, or my religious activities and knowledge?**
* **Am I merely a hearer of the Word, or am I a doer, allowing Jesus' teachings to genuinely transform my life and choices?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a genuine, transformative relationship with Jesus, rather than just outward association or cultural Christianity?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we can lose our salvation?**

Answer: This verse does not suggest that genuinely saved individuals can lose their salvation. Instead, it highlights the danger of **false assurance**—the belief that one is saved when they are not. The individuals in [Luke 13:26](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Superficial Claims of Association") were never truly known by Jesus in a saving relationship, despite their claims of familiarity. Their "eating and drinking in His presence" and hearing Him "teach in our streets" were external, public interactions, not evidence of an internal, transformative faith. The passage emphasizes that true salvation involves a genuine, personal relationship with Christ, marked by repentance and obedience, which is distinct from mere outward association or intellectual assent.

**What's the difference between "eating and drinking in His presence" and true communion with Christ?**

Answer: "Eating and drinking in His presence" in [Luke 13:26](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Superficial Claims of Association") refers to physical proximity and shared public experiences with Jesus during His earthly ministry. It implies a casual acquaintance or participation in His public life. True communion with Christ, however, goes far beyond physical presence. It signifies an intimate, spiritual union with Him, enabled by the Holy Spirit. This communion involves a personal relationship of faith, abiding in Him ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), receiving His life, and obeying His commands. It's a relationship of mutual indwelling, where Christ lives in the believer and the believer lives in Christ, leading to spiritual transformation and fruitfulness, as described in [John 6:53-58](/john/6-53-58 "John 6:53-58 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood").

**Is hearing Jesus' teaching not enough for salvation?**

Answer: While hearing Jesus' teaching is a crucial initial step and a means by which God draws people to Himself ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")), [Luke 13:26](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Superficial Claims of Association") makes it clear that merely hearing is not sufficient for salvation. The individuals in this verse heard Jesus teach "in our streets," yet they were excluded from the Kingdom. Salvation requires more than intellectual knowledge or exposure; it demands a response of faith, repentance, and obedience. As Jesus Himself taught, true discipleship involves not just hearing His words, but also [building one's life upon them](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"), which implies a transformative commitment and active obedience to His will ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:26, with its stark warning against superficial association, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the sole means of true entry into the Kingdom of God. He is not merely a teacher in the streets or a host at a public meal; He is the "narrow gate" ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")) and the "door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")) through whom all must pass. The "presence" that truly matters is not physical proximity to His earthly ministry, but spiritual union with Him through faith. Those who are truly "known" by Him are not those who merely heard His teaching, but those who have been born again by the Spirit ([John 3:3-5](/john/3-3-5 "John 3:3-5 - Born Again to See the Kingdom")), repented of their sins, and surrendered their lives to Him as Lord and Savior. Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide the only basis for genuine access to God's presence, transforming those who believe from strangers into adopted children, indwelt by His Spirit ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ in Believers")). Therefore, the warning of Luke 13:26 powerfully underscores the exclusivity and necessity of a personal, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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

Titus 1:16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.