Luke 13:3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

I tell {G3004} you {G5213}, Nay {G3780}: but {G235}, except {G3362} ye repent {G3340}, ye shall {G622} all {G3956} likewise {G5615} perish {G622}.

No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn to God from your sins, you will all die as they did!

No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

Commentary

In Luke 13:3, Jesus delivers a profound and urgent warning, directly challenging the common human tendency to judge others' misfortunes as divine punishment for specific sins. This verse is a pivotal part of His response to two recent tragedies reported by His audience: the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of the tower in Siloam that killed eighteen people.

Context

The immediate preceding verses (Luke 13:1-2) reveal that people assumed the victims of these calamities were worse sinners than others. Jesus vehemently refutes this notion, stating, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." He redirects their focus from judging others to examining their own spiritual state. The tragedies serve not as evidence of unique wickedness in the victims, but as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the universal need for spiritual transformation.

Key Themes

  • The Universal Need for Repentance: Jesus makes it clear that suffering is not necessarily a direct indicator of greater sin. Instead, the need for repentance is a universal requirement for all humanity. This fundamental change of heart is essential for everyone.
  • Urgency of Repentance: The phrase "ye shall all likewise perish" underscores the dire consequences of failing to repent. This isn't just about physical death but points to eternal spiritual ruin. It's a call to immediate action, emphasizing that no one is exempt from the need for a change of heart and direction.
  • Divine Warning and Justice: Jesus uses these real-world events as parables, not of specific divine retribution on victims, but as a general warning about the spiritual state of all people. God's justice is not always immediately visible in earthly suffering, but His call to repentance is ever-present to avert ultimate spiritual destruction.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Repent" (metanoeō - μετανοέω): This Greek verb, from which we get the noun metanoia, signifies more than just feeling sorry for one's sins. It means a fundamental "change of mind" or "change of purpose." It implies a complete turning around from a life of sin and self-reliance to a life oriented towards God, embracing His will and ways. It's a decisive shift in one's moral and spiritual direction.
  • "Perish" (apollymi - ἀπόλλυμι): While this word can refer to physical destruction or loss, in this context, especially when contrasted with repentance, it carries the weight of spiritual ruin or eternal destruction, separation from God. It highlights the ultimate consequence for those who refuse to heed God's call to transform their lives. This concept is further illuminated by passages like John 3:16, which speaks of not perishing but having eternal life through belief.

Practical Application

Luke 13:3 serves as a timeless reminder that we should not be quick to judge the spiritual state of others based on their misfortunes. Instead, it prompts self-reflection and personal accountability. The uncertainty of life, as highlighted by the Galileans and the tower of Siloam, should motivate every individual to sincerely examine their own heart and relationship with God. It urges us to not delay in responding to God's gracious call to repentance, thereby avoiding the ultimate spiritual perishing and embracing the path to true life.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 3:19 (16 votes)

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

  • Matthew 3:2 (12 votes)

    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Acts 2:38 (10 votes)

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 2:40 (10 votes)

    And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

  • Revelation 2:21 (9 votes)

    And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

  • Revelation 2:22 (9 votes)

    Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

  • Luke 13:5 (9 votes)

    I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.