Luke 18:29

KJV

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} There is {G2076} no man {G3762} that {G3739} hath left {G863} house {G3614}, or {G2228} parents {G1118}, or {G2228} brethren {G80}, or {G2228} wife {G1135}, or {G2228} children {G5043}, for {G1752} the kingdom {G932} of God's {G2316} sake {G1752},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered them, “Yes! I tell you that everyone who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,

Berean Standard Bible

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:29 encapsulates a profound declaration by Jesus concerning the radical commitment required of His disciples. Following Peter's assertion that the disciples had "left all" to follow Him, Jesus affirms that anyone who sacrifices the most fundamental earthly ties—family, home, and personal security—for the sake of God's Kingdom will receive an incomparable reward, emphasizing the supreme value of prioritizing divine allegiance over all human attachments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct response to Peter's statement in [Luke 18:28](/luke/18-28 "Luke 18:28 - Peter's Assertion of Sacrifice"), "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee." This exchange immediately follows the challenging encounter with the [rich young ruler](/luke/18-18-27 "Luke 18:18-27 - The Rich Young Ruler"), who, despite his apparent piety and desire for eternal life, was unwilling to surrender his vast possessions to follow Jesus. The ruler's sorrowful departure prompted Jesus to speak about the extreme difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, famously stating that it is "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" ([Luke 18:25](/luke/18-25 "Luke 18:25 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye")). Jesus' words in [Luke 18:29-30](/luke/18-29-30 "Luke 18:29-30 - The Promise of Reward for Sacrifice") serve as both an affirmation of Peter's sacrifice and a universal promise of divine recompense for all who make similar commitments for the Kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family and household (οἰκία, _oikía_) were the foundational units of identity, security, and social structure. To "leave" parents, brethren, wife, or children was an act of profound social and economic disruption, often implying a rejection of one's primary obligations and support network. Marriage and procreation were highly valued, and children were seen as a blessing and a means of perpetuating the family line. To forsake these ties for a religious or spiritual calling was highly unconventional and often met with disapproval. Furthermore, hospitality and familial loyalty were paramount. Jesus' teaching here, therefore, directly challenged deeply ingrained cultural norms, demanding a reorientation of ultimate loyalty from the earthly family to the divine family of God's Kingdom. This radical call was understood within a context where itinerant teachers and prophets often required their followers to leave behind conventional lives to join their movement.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 18:29](/luke/18-29 "Luke 18:29 - The Cost of Discipleship") contributes significantly to several major themes present in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Discipleship and Cost**. Following Jesus is not a casual endeavor but demands supreme allegiance that may necessitate significant personal sacrifice, even of the most cherished relationships. This echoes Jesus' earlier teachings on the cost of discipleship, such as in [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Family for Christ's Sake"), where He states one must "hate" father and mother (a Semitic idiom for loving less by comparison) to be His disciple. Secondly, it highlights the **Priority of the Kingdom of God**. The motivation for such sacrifice is explicitly "for the kingdom of God's sake," emphasizing that God's sovereign rule and redemptive purposes must take precedence over all earthly concerns and loyalties. This aligns with Jesus' consistent call to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Finally, it introduces the theme of **Divine Recompense and Eternal Reward**, which is fully articulated in the subsequent verse ([Luke 18:30](/luke/18-30 "Luke 18:30 - The Promise of Hundredfold Reward")), assuring those who make such sacrifices that their losses will be abundantly compensated, both in this life and in the age to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** G863. From ἀπό (apo) and ἵημι (hiēmi, to send). This verb means "to send forth," but in various applications, including to "forgive," "forsake," "lay aside," or "leave." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of abandoning or separating oneself from something or someone. It implies a conscious decision to relinquish a prior attachment or commitment, not necessarily through neglect, but for a higher purpose.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** G932. From βασιλεύς (basileus, king). Properly, "royalty," referring to the abstract concept of rule or sovereignty, or concretely, a "realm." Here, "the kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule, both present (in the person and ministry of Jesus) and future (in its full eschatological manifestation). It is the sphere of God's redemptive activity and the ultimate allegiance of His people.
* **sake (Greek, _héneka'_):** G1752. Of uncertain affinity. This preposition means "on account of," "because of," or "for the sake of." It denotes the cause, reason, or purpose behind an action. In this verse, it clearly defines the motivation for leaving earthly ties: the sacrifice is undertaken specifically for the advancement, honor, and purposes of God's Kingdom, not for personal gain or asceticism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you,"**: This opening phrase, "Verily I say unto you" (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, _amēn legō hymin_), is a characteristic and emphatic declaration used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. "Verily" (ἀμήν, _amēn_) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "truly" or "so be it," functioning as a solemn affirmation of truth. It signals that what follows is an exceptionally weighty, authoritative, and trustworthy statement, demanding the disciples' full attention and belief.
* **"There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children,"**: This clause specifies the nature of the sacrifice. The list of "house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children" represents the most fundamental and cherished human relationships and sources of security in ancient society. "House" (οἰκία, _oikía_) encompasses one's dwelling, livelihood, and even the extended household or family unit. The inclusion of "wife" and "children" highlights the extreme nature of the sacrifice, as these were central to one's identity and future. The phrase "no man that hath left" (οὐδεὶς ὅς ἀφῆκεν, _oudeis hos aphēken_) emphasizes that this is a universal principle applying to anyone who makes such a commitment.
* **"for the kingdom of God's sake,"**: This concluding phrase provides the crucial motivation and purpose for the radical detachment described. The sacrifices are not arbitrary acts of asceticism or abandonment but are undertaken specifically "on account of" (ἕνεκεν, _héneka_) or "for the sake of" (literally, "because of") "the kingdom of God" (τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ, _tēs basileías tou Theoú_). This means the ultimate allegiance is to God's sovereign rule and His redemptive purposes, indicating that the individual's life and priorities are reordered to serve God's divine agenda above all else.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the comprehensive list of relationships that one might "leave": "house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children." While not always a literal command to abandon family, this exaggerated list emphasizes the absolute priority and radical nature of discipleship, suggesting that *nothing* should stand in the way of one's commitment to God's Kingdom. This is further reinforced by the use of **Parallelism** in the repetitive "or" (ἤ, _ē_) structure, which creates a rhythmic enumeration, underscoring the breadth of potential sacrifices. Finally, Jesus' characteristic opening, "Verily I say unto you," serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis** (specifically, a solemn affirmation or _amen_ formula). This phrase signals the supreme importance and truthfulness of the statement that follows, drawing the listener's full attention to the weighty implications of His teaching on the cost and reward of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:29 articulates a core theological principle of the Christian faith: the supreme sovereignty of God and the call for His followers to prioritize His Kingdom above all earthly allegiances, even the most sacred familial bonds. This teaching does not advocate for the abandonment of family responsibilities but rather for a reordering of loves and loyalties, where God holds the preeminent position. It challenges the natural human tendency to find ultimate security and identity in relationships or possessions, redirecting the disciple's gaze towards an eternal, divine reality. The sacrifice described is not an end in itself, but a means of demonstrating radical trust in God's provision and a willingness to participate fully in His redemptive plan, knowing that any earthly loss for His sake will be met with immeasurable spiritual and eternal gain.

* [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - The Promise to Those Who Leave All")
* [Mark 10:29-30](/mark/10-29-30 "Mark 10:29-30 - Jesus' Promise of Hundredfold Reward")
* [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship: Hating Family")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:29 challenges contemporary believers to examine the true object of their ultimate loyalty. While few are called to physically abandon their families, the principle of prioritizing God's Kingdom remains profoundly relevant. This verse calls us to a spiritual detachment from anything that might hinder our full devotion to Christ and His purposes. This could manifest in various ways: making career decisions based on God's call rather than financial gain, choosing to live simply to free up resources for ministry, or standing for biblical truth even when it creates tension with family or cultural norms. It requires an honest assessment of what truly holds first place in our hearts and lives. Are we willing to reorder our priorities, release our grip on earthly comforts, and surrender our most cherished relationships to the lordship of Christ, trusting that He is worthy of our supreme allegiance and that His Kingdom is our ultimate home? This verse encourages a radical faith that believes God's promises of eternal reward outweigh any temporal sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children" (or their modern equivalents like career, comfort, or personal ambition) might I be holding onto more tightly than my commitment to the Kingdom of God?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate that my loyalty to God's Kingdom takes precedence over other significant relationships or desires in my life?**
* **How does the promise of reward (mentioned in the subsequent verse, Luke 18:30) motivate or challenge my willingness to make sacrifices for Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus literally mean I should abandon my family?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While some unique callings in Scripture have involved literal separation (e.g., missionaries leaving home), Jesus' primary intent here is to emphasize the **priority** of the Kingdom of God. The language used is a form of **hyperbole**, common in ancient Near Eastern teaching, to stress that one's allegiance to God must be supreme, even over the most cherished human relationships. It means that if there is a conflict between loyalty to family and loyalty to God's call, God's call must always take precedence. This is similar to [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Father and Mother"), where "hate" means to "love less by comparison." The goal is not to destroy family bonds, but to ensure that God is unequivocally first, which often strengthens family relationships as they are lived out under God's will.

**What does "for the kingdom of God's sake" truly mean in practical terms?**

Answer: "For the kingdom of God's sake" means that any sacrifice or reordering of priorities is done specifically for the advancement, honor, and purposes of God's sovereign rule on earth. Practically, this could involve:
* **Obedience to God's call:** Choosing a path of ministry or service that requires leaving behind a comfortable lifestyle or familiar surroundings.
* **Evangelism and Missions:** Being willing to relocate or endure hardship to share the Gospel with others.
* **Ethical Living:** Making decisions that align with biblical values, even if it means social or financial cost.
* **Stewardship:** Using one's resources (time, talent, treasure) primarily for God's purposes rather than solely for personal gain.
* **Prioritizing spiritual growth:** Investing in discipleship, prayer, and community, even if it means less time for other pursuits.
Ultimately, it means aligning one's life with the values and mission of God's Kingdom, ensuring that God's will is done "on earth as it is in heaven" ([Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Matthew 6:10 - Your Kingdom Come")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the supreme example of one who "left" everything for the Kingdom of God's sake. He left the glory of heaven, humbling Himself to take on human flesh ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He left His earthly home and family to embark on an itinerant ministry, declaring that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - No Place to Lay His Head")). His entire life was a singular, unwavering devotion to establishing and proclaiming the Kingdom of God ([Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14-15 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")). The ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross—laying down His life—was the supreme act "for the kingdom of God's sake," securing redemption and opening the way for all to enter His eternal reign ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Therefore, when Jesus calls His disciples to leave all for the Kingdom, He is not demanding something He Himself has not already perfectly exemplified. Our sacrifices are not merely for a concept, but for the King of that Kingdom, who first sacrificed Himself for us, enabling us to become citizens of His heavenly realm and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

Mark 10:29

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

Mark 10:31

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

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:28

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]?

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:39

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.