Luke 16:16

KJV

The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

KJV (with Strong's)

The law {G3551} and {G2532} the prophets {G4396} were until {G2193} John {G2491}: since {G575} that time {G5119} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is preached {G2097}, and {G2532} every man {G3956} presseth {G971} into {G1519} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Up to the time of Yochanan there were the Torah and the Prophets. Since then the Good News of the Kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is pushing to get in.

Berean Standard Bible

The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

American Standard Version

The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:16 is a pivotal declaration by Jesus that marks a significant transition in redemptive history, delineating the period of the Old Covenant, characterized by "the Law and the Prophets," as culminating with John the Baptist. From John's advent onward, Jesus proclaims the active preaching of the Kingdom of God, into which people are now eagerly and forcefully pressing, signifying a new era of divine revelation and the urgent, zealous response it demands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' parable of the unjust steward and His subsequent teaching on the impossibility of serving both God and money ([Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Serving God and Money")). The Pharisees, who were "lovers of money" ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Luke 16:14 - The Pharisees' Scorn")), scoffed at Jesus' words. In response, Jesus rebukes their self-righteousness, stating that "what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God" ([Luke 16:15](/luke/16-15 "Luke 16:15 - God's Judgment on Human Esteem")). Luke 16:16 then serves as a profound theological statement, clarifying the relationship between the Mosaic Law, the prophetic tradition, and the dawning of the Kingdom of God, directly addressing the Pharisees' misplaced reliance on their interpretation of the Law. It sets the stage for the subsequent parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which further illustrates the consequences of rejecting God's truth and neglecting the poor, a theme implicitly connected to the Pharisees' covetousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the Law and the Prophets" was a common Jewish idiom referring to the entire Old Testament scriptures, which served as the foundation of Jewish religious life and expectation. For centuries, these scriptures had guided Israel, pointing towards a future Messiah and the establishment of God's reign. John the Baptist, as the final prophet in this lineage, stood at the cusp of this transition. His ministry, marked by a call to repentance and baptism, prepared the way for Jesus, fulfilling prophecies like that in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"). The Pharisees, a dominant religious sect, meticulously observed the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often to the neglect of the Law's spirit of justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus' declaration in Luke 16:16 challenges their understanding of salvation history, asserting that the era they so rigidly adhered to had reached its divinely appointed culmination, giving way to a new, dynamic reality.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Culmination of the Old Covenant**, emphasizing that the Law and Prophets served a specific, preparatory purpose that reached its zenith with John the Baptist, who announced the immediate arrival of the Messiah. This does not imply the abolition of the Law but its fulfillment in Christ ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Secondly, it proclaims the **Inbreaking of the Kingdom of God**, signifying that God's sovereign rule is no longer merely a future hope but a present, active reality being inaugurated through Jesus' ministry. The Kingdom is not just a spiritual concept but a transformative power that demands a radical response. Finally, the phrase "every man presseth into it" underscores the **Urgency and Vehement Pursuit** required to enter this Kingdom. It contrasts the complacent, external religiosity of the Pharisees with the zealous, wholehearted commitment demanded by God's new redemptive work, echoing themes of costly discipleship found throughout Jesus' teachings, such as the need to "strive to enter through the narrow gate" ([Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "to parcel out," refers to prescriptive usage, regulation, and specifically the Mosaic Law, including the volume of scripture associated with it. In this context, it represents the entire Old Covenant dispensation, the divinely given revelation and moral code that guided Israel until the arrival of the Messiah.
* **Preached (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** From "eu" (good) and "angelos" (messenger), this verb means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." Here, it specifically denotes the proclamation of the gospel, the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. It signifies an active, public declaration of God's redemptive work, which began with John the Baptist and continued powerfully through Jesus.
* **Presseth (Greek, _biázō'_):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "force," can mean "to force" or "to be seized." In the active sense, as likely intended here, it conveys a strong, eager, and even forceful striving or pursuit. It suggests that people are actively and vigorously seeking to enter the Kingdom, demonstrating intense zeal and commitment, rather than passively observing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The law and the prophets [were] until John:"** This clause declares the temporal boundary of the Old Covenant era. The entire Old Testament revelation—its moral code, sacrificial system, and prophetic messages—served its purpose in pointing towards the Messiah and preparing for His coming. John the Baptist, as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets, marked the culmination of this preparatory period, serving as the bridge to the new era.
* **"since that time the kingdom of God is preached,"** This signifies the inauguration of a new dispensation. With John's ministry and especially Jesus' advent, the Kingdom of God, God's sovereign rule and saving power, is no longer merely a future hope but a present reality being actively proclaimed. This "preaching" involves not just words but also Jesus' miracles, teachings, and ultimately His redemptive work on the cross.
* **"and every man presseth into it."** This final clause describes the urgent and zealous response to the preached Kingdom. The Greek word implies a forceful, eager, or even violent striving. It indicates that people are not passively waiting but are actively and intensely seeking to enter into this new reality of God's reign, demonstrating a radical commitment in contrast to the complacent religiosity of some.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** to highlight the shift in God's redemptive plan. The phrase "until John" sets a clear boundary for the era of "the Law and the Prophets," directly contrasting it with the subsequent period "since that time" when "the kingdom of God is preached." This temporal and thematic juxtaposition emphasizes the newness and distinctiveness of the Kingdom era. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of "every man presseth into it" uses **Hyperbole** or **Metaphor** to convey the intense zeal and urgency with which people are responding to the Kingdom's call. It's not a literal physical pressing but a figurative expression of fervent, determined pursuit, underscoring the radical commitment required for entry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:16 is a profound theological statement on the continuity and discontinuity of God's redemptive plan. It affirms the divine origin and purpose of the Law and the Prophets, recognizing their essential role in preparing the way for Christ. However, it simultaneously declares a decisive shift, indicating that with the coming of John the Baptist and, more fully, Jesus, the Kingdom of God has broken into human history in a new, dynamic way. This means that the focus has moved from a system of external observance to an internal transformation and an urgent, zealous response to God's active reign. It underscores that salvation is not merely about adhering to past regulations but about embracing the present reality of God's grace and rule through Christ.

* [Matthew 11:12](/matthew/11-12 "Matthew 11:12 - The Kingdom Suffers Violence")
* [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")
* [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:16 challenges believers to understand the profound shift in God's redemptive history and to respond with appropriate urgency and commitment. It calls us to move beyond a mere intellectual understanding of biblical history to an active, wholehearted embrace of the Kingdom of God in our lives today. This means recognizing that our relationship with God is not based on external legalistic adherence, but on a living faith in Christ who has ushered in God's reign. "Pressing into" the Kingdom implies a proactive pursuit of God's will, a willingness to repent, believe, and live out the radical demands of discipleship. It requires us to shed complacency and self-righteousness, just as Jesus challenged the Pharisees, and instead to eagerly seek God's transformative power in our hearts and in the world around us. This verse reminds us that the Kingdom is not a passive inheritance but a dynamic reality that requires our fervent, intentional engagement and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I still be living "under the Law and the Prophets" rather than "pressing into" the Kingdom of God?**
* **What does "pressing into" the Kingdom of God look like in my daily life, practically speaking?**
* **Am I embracing the urgent, transformative nature of the Kingdom, or am I approaching my faith with complacency?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean the Law is no longer important for Christians?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean the Law is abolished or irrelevant. Instead, it signifies a change in its *function* and *dispensation*. Jesus Himself stated that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The Law served to reveal God's character, expose sin, and point to the need for a Savior. With the coming of Christ and the Kingdom of God, the Law's preparatory role is fulfilled. Believers are now under the New Covenant, where the Law is written on their hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). While Christians are not saved by keeping the Mosaic Law, the moral principles of the Law, summarized in love for God and neighbor, remain eternally valid and are upheld by Christ.

**What does "every man presseth into it" truly imply? Is it a violent or zealous entry?**

Answer: The Greek word `biázō` (G971) translated "presseth" can carry nuances of force or violence. In this context, it is best understood as a zealous, fervent, and urgent pursuit. It implies that people are actively and enthusiastically striving to enter the Kingdom of God, demonstrating intense earnestness and commitment. This contrasts with a passive or indifferent response. It suggests that the Kingdom is not entered casually but requires a decisive, wholehearted effort, reflecting the radical demands of discipleship that Jesus often taught, such as counting the cost ([Luke 14:25-33](/luke/14-25-33 "Luke 14:25-33 - The Cost of Discipleship")). It highlights the incredible value and desirability of the Kingdom, prompting a vigorous response from those who perceive its worth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the Kingdom of God. The "Law and the Prophets" pointed to Him, and in His person and work, they find their perfect culmination. Jesus is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands and prophecies, not by abolishing them, but by living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law for Righteousness")). John the Baptist, the final prophet of the old era, prepared the way for Jesus, declaring Him to be the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). With Christ's advent, the Kingdom of God was no longer a distant hope but a present reality, breaking into the world through His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")). The "pressing into" the Kingdom, therefore, is ultimately a pressing into Christ Himself—embracing His Lordship, trusting in His atoning work, and living under His gracious reign. He is the narrow gate through whom all must enter ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")), and it is through faith in Him that individuals are transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness to the 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 21:32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Acts 3:24

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Acts 3:25

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Matthew 11:9

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:14

And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Luke 7:26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.