Luke 13:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} he shall say {G2046}, I tell {G3004} you {G5213}, I know {G1492} you {G5209} not {G3756} whence {G4159} ye are {G2075}; depart {G868} from {G575} me {G1700}, all {G3956} ye workers {G2040} of iniquity {G93}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he will tell you, ‘I don’t know where you’re from. Get away from me, all you workers of wickedness!’

Berean Standard Bible

And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:27 presents Jesus' stark declaration to those who, despite outward religious association or superficial acquaintance, are ultimately rejected from God's kingdom. This verse, part of a broader discourse on the "narrow door," underscores that genuine salvation is not based on mere proximity or intellectual knowledge of Christ, but on an intimate, transformative relationship evidenced by a life of righteousness, contrasting sharply with those characterized as "workers of iniquity." It serves as a solemn warning about the finality of divine judgment and the critical importance of authentic discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' teaching in [Luke 13:23-30](/luke/13-23-30 "Luke 13:23-30 - The Narrow Door"), prompted by an anonymous question: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" ([Luke 13:23](/luke/13-23 "Luke 13:23 - Are Few Saved?")). Instead of a direct numerical answer, Jesus pivots to a call for urgent, personal effort: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate" ([Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter")). He then describes a future scenario where many will seek to enter *after* the door is shut, only to be denied by the master of the house. Their pleas, "We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets" ([Luke 13:26](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Familiarity Not Enough")), highlight a superficial familiarity with Jesus, which Jesus decisively rejects in verse 27, revealing the true basis for exclusion. The subsequent verses ([Luke 13:28-30](/luke/13-28-30 "Luke 13:28-30 - Exclusion and Inclusion")) further elaborate on the reversal of expectations, where many from the east, west, north, and south will recline at the feast, while "the first shall be last, and the last first."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, there was a prevailing assumption that all Israelites, by virtue of their lineage and participation in religious rituals, were assured a place in God's kingdom. Jesus' teaching here directly challenges this ethno-centric and works-based presumption. The imagery of a "master of the house" shutting a door and denying entry would have resonated with the common experience of a host controlling access to a private dwelling or banquet. The concept of "knowing" someone in a deep, relational sense (beyond mere acquaintance) was crucial in the ancient Near East, signifying a bond of covenant, loyalty, and shared life. Jesus' declaration "I know you not" would therefore have been a devastating pronouncement, implying a complete lack of such a covenantal relationship, despite their claims of proximity or shared experiences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Genuine Discipleship vs. Superficial Piety**. Jesus consistently emphasizes that true faith involves more than outward conformity or religious activity; it demands a transformed heart and a life of obedience, as seen in the parable of the two builders in [Luke 6:46-49](/luke/6-46-49 "Luke 6:46-49 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"). Another crucial theme is **The Urgency of Repentance and Decision**. The "narrow door" metaphor implies a limited time and a necessary effort to enter, contrasting with the complacency of those who assume their salvation. This urgency is echoed throughout Jesus' ministry, such as His call to repent or perish in [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Unless You Repent"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Sovereignty and Finality of Divine Judgment**. The master's definitive "depart from me" underscores that salvation is ultimately a divine prerogative, and judgment will be based not on human claims of familiarity, but on the Lord's intimate knowledge of one's true character and relationship with Him, a theme also present in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb, often implying a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, is crucial here. When Jesus says "I know you not," it's not a lack of intellectual awareness of their existence, but a profound absence of a personal, relational, and covenantal bond. It signifies that despite their claims of proximity ("eaten and drunk in thy presence"), there is no shared life or fellowship. This contrasts sharply with the saving knowledge of God that brings eternal life, as described in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God").
* **workers (Greek, _ergátēs_):** Derived from _ergon_ (work), this term denotes one who toils or labors. Here, it is used in a negative sense, identifying individuals whose characteristic "work" or lifestyle is defined by "iniquity." It's not merely about isolated sinful acts, but about a prevailing orientation of life, a pattern of behavior that is contrary to God's righteousness. This stands in stark contrast to those who are "workers together with God" ([2 Corinthians 6:1](/2_corinthians/6-1 "2 Corinthians 6:1 - Co-workers with God")).
* **iniquity (Greek, _adikía_):** This word signifies injustice, unrighteousness, or wrongfulness, both in character and action. It describes a moral state or a pattern of behavior that is contrary to God's standards of justice and righteousness. Coupled with "workers," it paints a picture of lives actively engaged in or characterized by moral wrongdoing, despite outward religious appearances. This is the opposite of the righteousness that God desires and empowers through faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he shall say, I tell you":** This introduces the Lord's definitive and authoritative pronouncement, emphasizing the finality and certainty of His judgment. The "he" refers to the master of the house, who is clearly identified with Jesus Himself in this parabolic context.
* **"I know you not whence ye are":** This is the core of the rejection. The Lord declares a complete lack of intimate, saving knowledge of these individuals. Their origin ("whence ye are") is unknown to Him in a relational sense, implying they are not truly His, not part of His household or family, regardless of their claims of association.
* **"depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity":** This is the ultimate, irreversible command of exclusion. It is a sentence of banishment from the Lord's presence and kingdom. The descriptor "workers of iniquity" reveals the true nature of their lives—a consistent pattern of unrighteousness that disqualifies them from genuine relationship with God, despite their outward religious claims.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:27 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as those who claim familiarity with Jesus ("eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets") are met with His absolute denial of knowing them. This highlights the ironic contrast between their self-perception and the divine reality. There is also a strong element of **Exclusion/Separation**, vividly portrayed by the command "depart from me." This phrase, echoing other judgment passages, emphasizes a final, irreversible division between those who belong to Christ and those who do not. Finally, the phrase "workers of iniquity" functions as a potent **Label** or **Epithet**, succinctly defining the character and ultimate destiny of the rejected. It is a concise and damning summary of their spiritual state, emphasizing that their very "work" or life's orientation is contrary to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:27 profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation and discipleship, asserting that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or participation in religious rituals, but a transformative, personal relationship with Jesus Christ that results in a life of practical righteousness. The "knowledge" Jesus speaks of is not cognitive recognition but intimate, covenantal fellowship. Those who are "workers of iniquity" are not simply people who commit occasional sins (as all do), but whose lives are characterized by a pattern of unrighteousness, demonstrating a fundamental disconnect from God's will and nature. This verse serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and self-deception, emphasizing that the final judgment will be based on the authenticity of one's relationship with Christ, evidenced by the fruit of their lives.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [Psalm 6:8](/psalms/6-8 "Psalm 6:8 - Depart from Me, All You Workers of Iniquity")
* [Titus 1:16](/titus/1-16 "Titus 1:16 - They Profess to Know God, but Deny Him by Their Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:27 is a piercing call to honest self-examination for every person who claims the name of Christ. It challenges us to look beyond outward religious activity, church attendance, or even theological knowledge, and to genuinely ask: "Does Jesus truly know me in an intimate, saving way? Is my life characterized by a pursuit of righteousness, or am I, in essence, a 'worker of iniquity'?" This verse compels us to cultivate a deep, living, and obedient relationship with Jesus, one that transforms our character and actions. It reminds us that salvation is not a passive inheritance but an active, striving pursuit of the narrow path, requiring daily repentance and commitment to Christ's Lordship. The urgency is palpable: the door will one day be shut, and the opportunity for genuine entry will pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for Jesus to "know" me, beyond mere intellectual recognition?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on outward religious acts or familiarity with Christian culture, rather than a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ?**
* **How do my daily actions and life choices reflect whether I am a "worker of righteousness" or, tragically, a "worker of iniquity"?**
* **What specific steps can I take to deepen my intimate relationship with Jesus and ensure my life aligns with His will?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "I know you not"?**

Answer: When Jesus says, "I know you not," He is not referring to a lack of intellectual awareness. The Greek word used (eídō) often implies a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, much like the knowledge shared in a close relationship or covenant. Therefore, Jesus is declaring that there is no genuine, personal, and transformative relationship between Him and these individuals, despite their claims of familiarity or shared experiences (e.g., "We have eaten and drunk in thy presence" in [Luke 13:26](/luke/13-26 "Luke 13:26 - Familiarity Not Enough")). It signifies a profound spiritual disconnect and the absence of a saving fellowship.

**Who are the "workers of iniquity"?**

Answer: The "workers of iniquity" (Greek: _ergatai adikias_) refers to individuals whose lives are characterized by unrighteousness, injustice, or moral wrongdoing. It's not about committing isolated sins, which all humans do ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), but about a prevailing orientation or pattern of life where unrighteousness is the dominant characteristic or practice. Despite any outward religious claims or activities, their actions demonstrate a fundamental opposition to God's will and a lack of genuine transformation. This phrase is also used in [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You") to describe those who performed spiritual acts but were not truly known by Christ.

**Does this verse mean that salvation can be lost?**

Answer: This verse primarily emphasizes the *nature* of true salvation and the *basis* of final judgment, rather than the mechanics of losing salvation. It warns against a false assurance based on superficial religious association or external acts, rather than a genuine, transforming relationship with Christ. Those who are told "I know you not" were never truly known by Him in a saving way to begin with, despite their self-perception. The focus is on the necessity of authentic faith that produces righteous fruit as evidence of a true relationship, as opposed to a mere profession of faith that lacks inward reality ([Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:27, though a stern warning, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the exclusive "narrow door" and the one through whom true knowledge of God is granted. The "master of the house" who denies entry is none other than Christ Himself, the ultimate judge. Those rejected are "workers of iniquity" because they have not embraced the righteousness that is found only in Him. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has provided the only means for humanity to be reconciled to God and escape the condemnation of iniquity. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering His righteousness to all who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "knowledge" that saves is not merely knowing *about* Jesus, but intimately knowing *Him* as Lord and Savior, a relationship forged by His grace and sustained by His Spirit ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). Thus, the warning to "depart from me" underscores the vital necessity of entering into a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ *now*, for He is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life"), and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

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

Psalms 6:8

¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

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:

Psalms 119:115

¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23

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

Psalms 1:6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

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: