Luke 13:5

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 {G3668} perish {G622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, I tell you. Rather, unless you turn from your sins, you will all die similarly.”

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 likewise perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:5 delivers a profound and urgent warning from Jesus, directly challenging the common misconception that suffering or calamity is a direct indicator of greater sin in the afflicted. Instead, Jesus uses the recent tragedies of the Galileans slaughtered by Pilate and the eighteen crushed by the tower of Siloam as a stark, universal object lesson. He emphatically declares that unless all people repent, they will face a similar, ultimate perishing, shifting the focus from judging victims to the critical, personal necessity of spiritual transformation and readiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of Jesus' teaching in [Luke 13:1-4](/luke/13-1-4 "Luke 13:1-4 - The Galileans and the Tower of Siloam"). People had reported to Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, implying a belief that these victims must have been exceptionally sinful to suffer such a fate. Jesus immediately refutes this notion in [Luke 13:2-3](/luke/13-2-3 "Luke 13:2-3 - Jesus corrects the misconception about suffering"), stating, "Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." He then reinforces this point with another recent tragedy, the collapse of the tower in Siloam, which killed eighteen people, again asserting that they were not "sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem" ([Luke 13:4](/luke/13-4 "Luke 13:4 - The Tower of Siloam incident")). Verse 5 reiterates the warning from verse 3, emphasizing the universal applicability and urgency of repentance. This passage sets the stage for 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 illustrates God's patience but also the inevitable judgment if fruit is not produced through repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, there was a prevalent belief that suffering, illness, or misfortune was a direct consequence of specific sin, either by the individual or their ancestors. This idea is evident in the book of Job, where Job's friends insist his suffering must be due to hidden sin, and also in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' question about the blind man"), where disciples ask Jesus if a man was born blind due to his own sin or his parents'. Jesus' audience would have naturally interpreted the tragedies of the Galileans and Siloam as divine judgment on particularly egregious sinners. Pontius Pilate was known for his brutality and insensitivity to Jewish customs, making the slaughter of Galileans during worship a particularly shocking and sacrilegious act. The collapse of the tower in Siloam, a pool near the Temple, would have been a well-known, recent urban disaster. By addressing these specific events, Jesus directly confronts and corrects this deeply ingrained theological misconception, redirecting their focus from judgmental speculation about others to personal spiritual accountability.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Luke 13](/luke/13 "Luke 13 - Repentance and Warnings") is the **imperative and urgency of repentance**. Jesus uses the tragic events not as examples of specific divine punishment for specific sins, but as a stark reminder of human mortality and the universal need for a change of heart and life. This passage underscores the theme of **divine justice** – that unrepentant hearts face spiritual ruin – but also **divine mercy**, as the very call to repent offers an opportunity for reconciliation and deliverance. It challenges **misconceptions about suffering**, teaching that not all suffering is a direct result of individual sin, but rather a universal human experience that should prompt spiritual introspection. Finally, it highlights the **sovereignty of God** over life and death, and the **unpredictability of life**, urging immediate spiritual readiness rather than complacency. These themes are further developed throughout Luke's Gospel, emphasizing God's call to all people to turn to Him, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - The Lost and Found").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nay (Greek, _ouchí'_):** This word is an intensive form of the Greek negative, meaning "not indeed" or "absolutely not." Jesus uses this emphatic negation to strongly refute the assumption that the victims of the tragedies were worse sinners than others. It underscores His direct challenge to their flawed theological premise, setting the stage for His counter-assertion about the universal need for repentance.
* **repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** Derived from *metá* (after, with) and *noéō* (to perceive, to think), this verb literally means "to think differently afterwards" or "to change one's mind." In a moral and spiritual context, it signifies a profound transformation of one's entire outlook, a complete reorientation of one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions away from sin and towards God. It is not merely sorrow for sin, but a decisive turning.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** From *apó* (from) and the base of *ólethros* (ruin, destruction), this verb means "to destroy fully," "to ruin," or "to lose." In this context, it refers to spiritual ruin, eternal separation from God, and ultimate destruction, contrasting sharply with the concept of eternal life. It implies a state of being utterly lost and without hope in the ultimate sense.
* **likewise (Greek, _homoíōs'_):** This adverb means "similarly" or "in like manner." Jesus uses it to draw a direct parallel between the physical perishing of the Galileans and those in Siloam, and the spiritual perishing that awaits all who fail to repent. It emphasizes that while the *manner* of perishing might differ, the *outcome* of spiritual ruin is the same for the unrepentant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell you, Nay:"** Jesus begins with an emphatic rejection of the faulty premise presented to Him. The "Nay" (οὐχί, *ouchí*) is a strong, absolute denial, leaving no room for doubt about His disagreement with the popular belief that the victims of calamity were necessarily greater sinners. He directly challenges their judgmental and superficial interpretation of suffering.
* **"but, except ye repent,"** Following His strong denial, Jesus introduces the crucial condition for avoiding spiritual ruin. The conjunction "but" (ἀλλά, *allá*) marks a sharp contrast, shifting the focus from the victims' supposed sinfulness to the universal and urgent need for personal repentance. "Except ye repent" (ἐὰν μή μετανοῆτε, *eàn mḗ metanoēte*) establishes a non-negotiable prerequisite: without a fundamental change of mind and direction toward God, the dire consequences that follow are inevitable.
* **"ye shall all likewise perish."** This is the sobering warning and the core message. The term "all" (πᾶς, *pâs*) underscores the universal applicability – no one is exempt from this spiritual requirement. "Likewise" (ὁμοίως, *homoíōs*) draws a chilling parallel, implying that just as the Galileans and those in Siloam experienced a sudden, unexpected end to their physical lives, so too will all who remain unrepentant face a spiritual "perishing" (ἀπόλλυμι, *apóllymi*), signifying eternal ruin or separation from God. This is not necessarily about the *mode* of death, but the *ultimate spiritual destiny*.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:5 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Contrast** is central, as Jesus sharply juxtaposes the popular, judgmental interpretation of suffering with His own radical call to universal repentance. The phrase "I tell you, Nay: but..." exemplifies this stark opposition. **Repetition** is also used for emphasis, as Jesus repeats the core warning from [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Jesus' first warning to repent") in verse 5, reinforcing the critical nature of repentance. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the implied universality of "all likewise perish," not meaning all will die in the exact same physical manner as the victims, but that the *spiritual consequence* of unrepentance is universally dire. The passage functions as a **Warning**, serving as a prophetic declaration of the spiritual danger facing those who do not turn from sin. Finally, the entire exchange is framed as a **Didactic Discourse**, where Jesus uses real-world events as teaching opportunities to correct theological error and impart essential spiritual truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:5 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's emphasis on genuine repentance as a prerequisite for salvation and spiritual life. It demolishes the false security derived from comparing oneself to others or from a superficial understanding of divine judgment. Instead, Jesus universalizes the call to spiritual accountability, asserting that human mortality and the unpredictability of life should serve as constant reminders of the urgent need to reconcile with God. The "perishing" is not merely physical death, but a profound spiritual ruin, an eternal separation from God's life and presence, underscoring the gravity of an unrepentant heart in the face of God's holiness and justice. Yet, the very warning is an act of divine mercy, offering a window of opportunity for transformation before it is too late.

* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's call to repentance at Pentecost")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's patience and desire for repentance")
* [Matthew 3:8](/matthew/3-8 "Matthew 3:8 - John the Baptist's call for fruit of repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:5 is a timeless and piercing call to introspection, urging us to look inward at our own spiritual condition rather than outward at the perceived sins of others. In a world still grappling with tragedy and suffering, this verse reminds us that while we may seek explanations for misfortune, our primary focus should always be on our personal readiness to meet God. It shatters any illusion that our "goodness" or lack of overt sin exempts us from the universal need for a transformative change of heart. Life is fragile and uncertain, and the opportunity for repentance is not guaranteed indefinitely. Therefore, this verse compels us to embrace genuine repentance—a radical reorientation of our lives towards God—not as an option for the exceptionally wicked, but as an essential, ongoing posture for all who desire to avoid spiritual ruin and embrace the fullness of God's life. It calls for an immediate, decisive turning from self-reliance and sin, to humble reliance on God's grace and obedience to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to interpret suffering or tragedy in the lives of others? Do I ever fall into the trap of judging their spiritual state based on their circumstances?**
* **What does "repentance" truly mean for my daily life beyond merely feeling sorry for my sins? Am I actively turning away from anything that hinders my relationship with God?**
* **Given the uncertainty of life, what steps can I take today to ensure I am spiritually ready to meet God at any moment?**
* **How does the warning of "perishing" motivate me to live a life more fully surrendered to Christ, and to share His message with others?**

### FAQ

**Does "perish" in Luke 13:5 refer to physical death or eternal damnation?**

Answer: While the immediate context refers to physical calamities (the Galileans' slaughter, the tower collapse), Jesus' use of "likewise perish" (ἀπόλλυμι, *apóllymi*) in a spiritual warning strongly implies a spiritual and eternal ruin, not merely physical death. Everyone eventually dies physically, but Jesus' warning is about a distinct, dire consequence for the unrepentant. It points to a spiritual death, an ultimate separation from God, which is often understood in Christian theology as eternal damnation or spiritual ruin, contrasting with eternal life. The physical perishing serves as a vivid metaphor for the spiritual perishing that awaits those who do not turn to God.

**Is Jesus saying that everyone who doesn't repent will die in a sudden, tragic way?**

Answer: No. Jesus explicitly states, "I tell you, Nay" ([Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Jesus' initial denial")). He is directly correcting the misconception that those who suffer tragic deaths are somehow worse sinners. The "likewise" (ὁμοίως, *homoíōs*) refers to the *certainty* of perishing, not the *manner* of death. Just as those individuals met an unexpected end, so too will all who remain unrepentant face a certain spiritual ruin, regardless of how they physically die. The focus is on the spiritual consequence, not the physical circumstances of death.

**What is the difference between feeling sorry for sin and true repentance?**

Answer: Feeling sorry for sin, often called remorse or regret, is an emotional response that may or may not lead to change. True repentance (μετανοέω, *metanoéō*) is much deeper. It involves a fundamental "change of mind" and a complete reorientation of one's life. It's not just feeling bad about past actions, but a decisive turning *away* from sin and *towards* God, marked by a commitment to live according to His will. This transformation impacts one's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, producing "fruit worthy of repentance" as called for by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:8](/matthew/3-8 "Matthew 3:8 - John the Baptist's call for repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:5, with its stark warning of perishing without repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who issues the call to repentance, but the very means by which true repentance becomes possible and the perishing averted. Christ embodies the perfect repentance, living a life utterly devoted to God, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the basis for forgiveness and reconciliation, offering the unrepentant a path to life. The "perishing" Jesus warns against is the spiritual death and separation from God that humanity faces due to sin, a fate that the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") came to reverse. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe and repent ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's love and eternal life")). He is the one who calls sinners to Himself ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus calls sinners")), not to condemn them, but to offer them a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A new heart and spirit")). Thus, the urgency of Luke 13:5 is not a message of despair, but a profound invitation to embrace the saving grace found exclusively in Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the only escape from eternal perishing ([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

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Luke 13:3

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

Isaiah 28:10

For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

Isaiah 28:13

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.