Luke 13:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus delivers a stark and urgent warning, directly refuting the common human tendency to attribute suffering or tragedy to specific, greater sin on the part of the victims. His declaration, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," serves as a profound redirection of focus from judging others to a critical examination of one's own spiritual condition, underscoring the universal and immediate necessity of repentance in light of life's inherent fragility and the ultimate consequences of unrepentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 13 opens with Jesus being informed about two recent tragedies: Pilate's brutal slaughter of Galileans whose blood he mingled with their sacrifices, and the collapse of the tower in Siloam, which killed eighteen people. The popular assumption, rooted in a common belief of the time, was that these victims must have been exceptionally egregious sinners, thus incurring divine judgment. Jesus directly challenges this simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of suffering in [Luke 13:2](/luke/13-2 "Luke 13:2 - Jesus' Question about Suffering"), asking, "Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things?" His emphatic "Nay" in [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - The Call to Repentance") sets the stage for a universal call to repentance, shifting the focus from the presumed guilt of others to the personal spiritual responsibility of every individual. This passage is immediately followed by the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree in [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree"), which further emphasizes the limited time for repentance and the impending judgment for unfruitfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish thought often linked misfortune and suffering directly to sin, a concept seen in the friends' accusations against Job in the Old Testament, or the disciples' question about the man born blind in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question about the Man Born Blind"). Natural disasters or political violence were frequently interpreted as divine retribution. Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, was known for his ruthlessness, and his act of killing Galilean worshippers in the temple precincts was a particularly egregious sacrilege that would have shocked Jewish sensibilities. The collapse of the tower in Siloam, a pool near Jerusalem, was a more mundane, yet equally tragic, accident. By addressing both a human-inflicted atrocity and a natural disaster, Jesus broadens the scope of His teaching, demonstrating that neither type of suffering is necessarily a unique indicator of divine punishment for specific sins, but rather a universal reminder of human mortality and the urgency of spiritual preparedness.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus's ministry. Foremost is the **universal need for repentance**, a foundational message Jesus preached from the outset (cf. [Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance")). Jesus dismantles the self-righteous judgment of others, redirecting His audience to their own spiritual state. Secondly, it highlights the **urgency of repentance**, emphasizing that life is uncertain and the window for spiritual transformation is finite. The phrase "ye shall all likewise perish" serves as a severe warning of ultimate spiritual ruin, not merely physical death, for those who fail to heed God's call. Finally, the passage subtly touches upon the theme of **God's justice and mercy**. While God's justice is certain, His immediate response to human sin is often mercy, offering the opportunity for repentance before judgment is fully executed. This divine patience is further illustrated in the subsequent parable of the barren fig tree, where the owner grants one more year before cutting it down, symbolizing God's forbearance with Israel and all humanity (cf. [Luke 13:8](/luke/13-8 "Luke 13:8 - The Gardener's Plea")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nay (Greek, _ouchí'_):** This word is an intensive negative, stronger than a simple "no." It conveys a forceful and emphatic denial. Jesus is not merely disagreeing; He is vehemently refuting the premise that the victims of these tragedies were worse sinners than others. This strong negation underscores the radical nature of His teaching, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and theological assumptions about suffering and sin.
* **Repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** This verb signifies a profound "change of mind" or "change of purpose." It is not merely sorrow for sin (which is _lypē_ in Greek), but a decisive turning away from one's former way of life, values, and direction, and a turning toward God. It implies a fundamental reorientation of one's entire being—intellect, emotions, and will—leading to a transformation of behavior and a commitment to God's will. It is the active, ongoing process of aligning one's life with divine truth.
* **Perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** While this word can mean physical destruction or loss, in this context, particularly when contrasted with "repent," it carries the weight of spiritual ruin, eternal destruction, or separation from God. It refers to a state of ultimate, irrecoverable loss of true life and well-being, implying the spiritual death that is the consequence of unrepentance. It is not annihilation, but a state of being utterly undone in relation to God and His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell you, Nay:"** Jesus begins with a direct, authoritative declaration, using the emphatic "Nay" (οὐχί, _ouchí_) to unequivocally reject the popular misconception that the victims of the recent tragedies were more sinful than others. This immediately confronts the audience's judgmental attitudes and preconceived notions about divine retribution, setting the stage for a radical reorientation of their understanding.
* **"but, except ye repent,"** The conjunction "but" (ἀλλά, _allá_) introduces a sharp contrast and a crucial condition. Jesus pivots from refuting their false premise to issuing a universal imperative. The phrase "except ye repent" (ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε, _eàn mḗ metanoéō_) establishes repentance as the non-negotiable prerequisite for avoiding the impending doom. This highlights that the issue is not the sinfulness of others, but the unrepentant state of the hearers themselves.
* **"ye shall all likewise perish."** This is the stark warning and the consequence of failing to repent. The word "all" (πᾶς, _pâs_) emphasizes the universality of this fate—no one is exempt. "Likewise" (ὡσαύτως, _hōsaútōs_) connects this future spiritual perishing not to the *reason* for the Galileans' or Siloam victims' deaths, but to the *certainty* of their unexpected demise. Just as those people died suddenly and unexpectedly, so too will all who fail to repent face ultimate destruction, not necessarily in the same *manner* of physical death, but with the same *certainty* of ultimate ruin. This "perishing" (ἀπόλλυμι, _apóllymi_) refers to eternal spiritual ruin, a separation from God, rather than mere physical death.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, as Jesus places the common, judgmental interpretation of suffering directly against His radical call for universal self-examination and repentance. He contrasts the perceived "greater sin" of others with the inherent need for all to change their hearts. The phrase "I tell you, Nay" functions as an **Authoritative Declaration**, asserting Jesus's divine insight and challenging prevailing wisdom. Furthermore, the warning "ye shall all likewise perish" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Strong Understatement** (depending on interpretation) to shock the audience into recognition of their own precarious spiritual state. While not everyone will die in a violent or accidental manner, the "likewise perish" points to a shared, ultimate spiritual consequence that is equally certain and devastating for the unrepentant. The entire verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, a concise and memorable truth that encapsulates a profound theological principle about human responsibility and divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:3 is a cornerstone of New Testament theology, profoundly reshaping the understanding of suffering, sin, and divine judgment. It dismantles the simplistic notion that earthly calamity is always a direct, proportional punishment for specific sins, redirecting the focus from a judgmental assessment of others to a crucial self-assessment. The core message is that all humanity stands in need of radical repentance, not just those who suffer misfortune. This call is urgent because life is fleeting, and the consequences of unrepentance are eternal spiritual ruin. It highlights God's patience in offering the opportunity for repentance, even in the face of impending judgment, emphasizing that His desire is for all to turn to Him and find life.

* [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")
* [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:3 challenges us to confront our own spiritual condition rather than engaging in speculative judgment about the misfortunes of others. In a world still grappling with natural disasters, pandemics, and various forms of suffering, the temptation remains to ask, "Why them? What did they do to deserve this?" Jesus's response is a timeless corrective: such events are not necessarily indicators of unique sinfulness in the victims, but rather serve as stark reminders of the fragility of life and the universal, urgent need for every individual to examine their own heart and relationship with God. This verse calls us to humility, self-reflection, and proactive spiritual living. It reminds us that our time on earth is uncertain, and therefore, delaying genuine repentance—a turning from self to God—is a perilous gamble with eternal consequences. It encourages us to live each day with a repentant heart, ready to meet our Creator, embracing His grace and aligning our lives with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to react or think when I hear about tragedies or misfortunes befalling others? Do I ever subtly or overtly attribute their suffering to their perceived sins?**
* **What does genuine "repentance" (metanoia) mean for my daily life, beyond simply feeling sorry for past mistakes?**
* **Given the uncertainty of life, what specific steps can I take today to ensure my heart is right with God and that I am living in a state of ongoing repentance?**
* **How can the urgency of "likewise perish" motivate me to share the Gospel and the call to repentance with others, recognizing their equally precarious spiritual state?**

### FAQ

**Does "perish" in Luke 13:3 mean physical death or something else?**

Answer: While the Greek word _apóllymi_ (ἀπόλλυμι) can refer to physical destruction or loss, in the context of Jesus's warning and its contrast with "repent," it carries a deeper, more profound meaning of spiritual ruin or eternal separation from God. Jesus is not merely saying that everyone will eventually die physically (which is a given), but that without repentance, all will face ultimate spiritual destruction, a state of being utterly undone in relation to God and His life-giving presence. This is consistent with other New Testament passages that speak of "perishing" in an eternal sense, such as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") where belief in Christ prevents perishing but leads to eternal life.

**Is Jesus saying that suffering is never a consequence of sin?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not saying that suffering is never a consequence of sin. The Bible clearly teaches that sin can and often does lead to negative consequences, both personal and societal (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death")). What Jesus is refuting in [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - The Call to Repentance") is the simplistic, judgmental notion that specific, catastrophic suffering (like the Galileans' slaughter or the tower collapse) is *always* a direct, proportional punishment for *greater* sin in the *victims* compared to others. His point is that *all* people are sinners in need of repentance, and the uncertainty of life should serve as a universal call to spiritual preparedness, not an invitation to judge the spiritual state of those who suffer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:3, with its urgent call to repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "perishing" that Jesus warns against is the spiritual death and eternal separation from God that is the just consequence of sin. However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His boundless love, provided a way to escape this perishing through His Son. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the call to repentance, not only proclaiming it but also making it possible. He came "to call sinners to repentance" ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance")), and His death on the cross serves as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that atones for sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who repent and believe. Through His resurrection, He conquered death and offers eternal life to those who turn from their sin and trust in Him. Thus, the "likewise perish" of [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - The Call to Repentance") is averted for those who embrace the "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" ([Acts 20:21](/acts/20-21 "Acts 20:21 - Paul's Summary of the Gospel")). Jesus is the only one who can truly deliver us from perishing and grant us the abundant and eternal life He promised ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

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

Acts 3:19

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

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

Acts 2:38

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

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

Revelation 2:21

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

Revelation 2:22

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

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