Luke 13:30

KJV

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there are {G1526} last {G2078} which {G3739} shall be {G2071} first {G4413}, and {G2532} there are {G1526} first {G4413} which {G3739} shall be {G2071} last {G2078}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And notice that some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

Berean Standard Bible

And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

American Standard Version

And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:30 encapsulates a profound principle of divine reversal, serving as a powerful summation of Jesus' teachings on the nature of God's kingdom. It declares that the established order of human prominence will be inverted in the divine economy, where those considered "last" by worldly standards will be exalted, and those deemed "first" may find themselves in a position of ultimate humility. This statement challenges conventional notions of status and privilege, emphasizing God's unique criteria for true greatness and spiritual standing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent aphorism concludes a challenging discourse by Jesus regarding the "narrow door" to the kingdom of God [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - The Narrow Door"). Jesus warns that many will seek to enter but will not be able, particularly those who presume upon their past association with Him or their religious heritage. He describes a future scenario where people from all corners of the earth will feast in the kingdom, while some who expected to be there (those who were "first" in their own estimation or by birthright) will be cast out [Luke 13:28-29](/luke/13-28-29 "Luke 13:28-29 - Exclusion and Inclusion"). Verse 30, therefore, acts as a climactic summary, reinforcing the radical reordering of status that will occur at the eschatological banquet. It underscores that access to the kingdom is not based on earthly privilege or past acquaintance, but on genuine repentance and faith, which often manifest in humility and self-sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, status was often tied to lineage (being a descendant of Abraham), adherence to the Law, and religious observance. Many Jews, particularly the Pharisees and religious leaders, considered themselves "first" in God's eyes due to their heritage and perceived righteousness. Gentiles, Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners were generally considered "last" or outside the covenant. Jesus' teaching directly challenged this hierarchical worldview. His ministry consistently embraced the marginalized and condemned the self-righteous, overturning the social and religious norms of His day. The concept of "first" and "last" would have resonated deeply with His audience, immediately bringing to mind societal distinctions and the prevailing expectations of who would inherit the kingdom. This verse serves as a radical redefinition of who truly belongs to God's people, shifting the focus from external markers to internal spiritual condition.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Reversal**, where God's values dramatically invert human expectations. This principle is foundational to Jesus' kingdom ethics, consistently elevating the humble and humbling the proud. It speaks to **Humility and Pride**, warning against spiritual arrogance and self-righteousness, which prevent true entry into God's kingdom. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Inclusion and Exclusion**, demonstrating that God's criteria for kingdom membership transcend ethnic or social boundaries. While many Jews, who considered themselves "first," would be excluded due to their rejection of Jesus, Gentiles and others from the "east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south" [Luke 13:29](/luke/13-29 "Luke 13:29 - Coming from All Directions") would be welcomed. This emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by birthright or works. Finally, it underscores the distinct **Kingdom Values** that prioritize service, sacrifice, and genuine faith over worldly power, prestige, or perceived religious merit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This imperative particle functions as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the statement that follows. It signals a significant or surprising revelation, urging the listener to pay close heed to the profound truth Jesus is about to utter. It emphasizes the striking and often counter-intuitive nature of the kingdom principle being proclaimed.
* **last (Greek, _éschatos_):** Derived from a word implying contiguity, _éschatos_ denotes that which is farthest, final, or lowest in position, time, order, or importance. In this context, it refers to those who are marginalized, overlooked, or deemed least significant by human standards—socially, religiously, or economically. It encompasses the humble, the poor, the outcast, and those considered spiritually inferior.
* **first (Greek, _prōtos_):** A superlative form, _prōtos_ signifies that which is foremost in time, place, order, or importance. Here, it refers to those who hold positions of prominence, authority, wealth, or perceived spiritual superiority in human society. This would include the religious elite, the wealthy, and those who enjoyed high social standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there are last which shall be first":** This clause introduces the stunning reversal. The conjunction "And" connects it to the preceding discourse, while "behold" (idoú) commands attention to the radical nature of the statement. It declares that those currently considered "last" – the marginalized, the humble, the overlooked, and those outside the conventional circles of power or religious prestige – will be elevated to a position of honor and prominence within God's kingdom. This is a promise of hope and vindication for the downtrodden and a challenge to human hierarchies.
* **"and there are first which shall be last":** This second clause completes the chiasm and the principle of divine inversion. It states that those who are currently "first" – the privileged, the powerful, the self-righteous, and those who rely on their earthly status or perceived spiritual merit – will find themselves in a position of ultimate humility or even exclusion in the kingdom of God. This serves as a stern warning against spiritual complacency, pride, and the presumption of entitlement, emphasizing that God's standards for entry and standing are fundamentally different from human ones.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:30 is a masterclass in concise yet profound communication, primarily employing **Chiasm** and **Paradox**. The structure "last...first, first...last" is a perfect example of chiasm (ABBA structure), where the second half of the statement mirrors and reverses the first. This literary device powerfully emphasizes the complete and dramatic inversion of status that Jesus describes, drawing the listener's attention to the radical nature of God's kingdom values. Coupled with this is **Paradox**, as the statement presents a seemingly contradictory truth: those who are expected to be exalted are humbled, and those expected to be humbled are exalted. This paradox challenges conventional wisdom and forces a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes greatness in God's eyes. The use of these devices makes the saying memorable, impactful, and deeply unsettling for those who presume their position, while offering immense hope to the humble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Jesus' kingdom theology, revealing God's radical reordering of human values and expectations. It underscores that God's criteria for greatness are diametrically opposed to the world's, prioritizing humility, service, and genuine faith over worldly status, power, or self-righteousness. The principle of divine reversal is a recurring motif throughout the Gospels, challenging the proud and offering hope to the humble. It speaks to the justice of God, who sees beyond outward appearances and societal distinctions, and to the inclusive nature of His kingdom, which welcomes those whom the world often rejects. Ultimately, it calls for a profound reorientation of one's life and priorities, aligning them with the counter-cultural values of God's reign.

* [Matthew 19:30](/matthew/19-30 "Matthew 19:30 - Many Who Are First Will Be Last")
* [Mark 10:31](/mark/10-31 "Mark 10:31 - Many Who Are First Will Be Last")
* [Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:30 serves as a perpetual mirror for the soul, prompting believers to critically examine their own spiritual standing and motivations. It challenges us to ask whether our pursuit of "firstness" aligns with God's kingdom values or merely reflects worldly ambitions. Are we relying on our religious pedigree, our good deeds, our social status, or our perceived spiritual accomplishments for our standing before God? Or are we embracing the humility and dependence that characterize true faith? This verse offers profound comfort to those who feel overlooked, marginalized, or "last" in the eyes of the world, assuring them that God sees their heart and will ultimately exalt the humble. Conversely, it issues a sobering warning to the proud and self-sufficient, reminding them that their earthly advantages may count for nothing in the divine reckoning. It calls us to live a life of selfless service, genuine humility, and radical obedience, knowing that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving, and not in seeking recognition, but in seeking God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I strive to be "first," and how might this contradict God's kingdom values?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of success, status, and spiritual privilege?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble heart and serve those whom the world considers "last"?**
* **How can the promise of the "last being first" bring hope and encouragement to me or to others I know who are marginalized?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that everyone who is poor or marginalized will automatically be saved, and everyone who is rich or powerful will be lost?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While Jesus often identified with the poor and marginalized, and warned the rich about the dangers of wealth, this verse is not a blanket statement about socio-economic status as the sole determinant of salvation. The terms "first" and "last" primarily refer to spiritual standing and perceived righteousness, particularly in the context of the kingdom of God. Those who are "first" are often those who are self-righteous, proud, or complacent in their spiritual walk, believing they are entitled to God's favor due to their lineage, religious observance, or earthly achievements. Those who are "last" are the humble, the repentant, and those who recognize their need for God's grace, regardless of their social standing. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in [Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus") illustrates this principle, where the rich man's spiritual blindness, not just his wealth, leads to his doom, while Lazarus's humble suffering leads to comfort. The core message is about humility and faith, not about an automatic reversal based purely on material possessions.

**How does this saying relate to other teachings of Jesus about humility?**

Answer: This saying is a concise summary of a pervasive theme in Jesus' teachings: the radical nature of kingdom humility. It directly aligns with His consistent emphasis that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not in seeking honor or power. For instance, in [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"), Jesus states, "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Similarly, in [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation"), He declares, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard ([Matthew 20:1-16](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard")) also vividly illustrates how those who come "last" may receive the same or even greater reward than those who were "first," challenging notions of entitlement and emphasizing God's sovereign generosity. All these passages reinforce the idea that God's kingdom operates on a different value system, where humility is the pathway to exaltation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential "first who became last" and, in doing so, became "first" for all eternity. Though He was "in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility")), He "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility")). The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to be born in a manger, lived a life of poverty and service, associated with the marginalized and outcast, and ultimately suffered the ignominious death of a criminal on a cross, becoming "last" in the eyes of the world. Yet, it was precisely through this ultimate act of humility and self-sacrifice that God "highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")), making Him the "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Firstborn Among Many Brethren")) and the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1_corinthians/15-20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Jesus embodies the divine reversal, demonstrating that true power and glory are found in humble service and sacrificial love, and through His work, He opens the way for all who humble themselves to be counted among the "first" in God's eternal kingdom.

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 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Mark 10:31

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

Matthew 21:28

¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 8:11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.