Luke 19:27

KJV

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G4133} those {G1565} mine {G3450} enemies {G2190}, which {G3588} would {G2309} not {G3361} that I {G3165} should reign {G936} over {G1909} them {G846}, bring {G71} hither {G5602}, and {G2532} slay {G2695} them before {G1715} me {G3450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence!’”

Berean Standard Bible

And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”

American Standard Version

But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:27 concludes the Parable of the Minas, delivered by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem, correcting His disciples' immediate expectations of the Kingdom of God. This verse depicts the nobleman's stern judgment upon those citizens who actively rejected his rightful rule, symbolizing the ultimate and severe consequences awaiting all who refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their sovereign King. It serves as a stark warning about divine judgment for persistent rebellion against God's authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and concluding statement of the Parable of the Minas (also known as the Parable of the Ten Pounds), recorded in [Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"). Jesus tells this parable immediately after the account of Zacchaeus's conversion ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus and Salvation")) and as He is "nigh to Jerusalem" ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Jesus Approaches Jerusalem")). The narrative explicitly states that Jesus told the parable "because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear" ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Misconceptions about the Kingdom")). The parable itself describes a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom, entrusting his servants with money to invest. Crucially, the citizens of his country send a delegation after him, declaring, "[We will not have this man to reign over us](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - The Citizens' Rejection of Their King")" ([Luke 19:14](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - Rejection of Authority")). Upon his return, the nobleman rewards his faithful servants and punishes the unfaithful, culminating in the severe judgment pronounced in verse 27 against those who rejected his kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable likely draws upon contemporary historical realities familiar to Jesus' audience. It was common for rulers in Judea and the surrounding regions, such as Herod the Great or Archelaus (his son), to travel to Rome to receive their authority (a "kingdom" or "tetrarchy") from the Roman emperor. Archelaus, in particular, faced opposition from Jewish delegations who traveled to Rome to protest his rule, echoing the citizens' delegation in the parable ([Luke 19:14](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - The Rebellious Citizens")). This historical backdrop would have made the parable's scenario highly relatable. The expectation of the Kingdom of God appearing immediately was a widespread messianic hope, often tied to a political liberation from Roman rule. Jesus' parable challenges this expectation by introducing a period of delay (the nobleman's journey) and emphasizing accountability and the ultimate judgment of those who oppose the rightful king, rather than immediate earthly triumph.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, asserting Jesus' rightful claim as King and Lord over all, despite human rejection. It underscores the **Reality of Human Rebellion** against God's appointed ruler, a theme evident from the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") and throughout Israel's history. The verse also highlights the **Certainty of Ultimate Judgment** for those who persistently refuse to submit to Christ's reign, contrasting sharply with the rewards for faithful stewardship seen earlier in the parable ([Luke 19:17-19](/luke/19-17-19 "Luke 19:17-19 - Rewards for Faithful Servants")). Finally, it serves as a prophetic anticipation of **Christ's Second Coming**, when He will return to fully establish His kingdom, execute justice, and judge those who have opposed Him, a concept echoed in passages like [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemies (Greek, _echthrós'_):** From a primary root meaning "to hate," this term refers to those who are hateful (passively, odious) or actively hostile. In this context, it denotes adversaries who are deliberately and antagonistically opposed to the nobleman's rule. It's not mere indifference but active, malicious opposition.
* **reign (Greek, _basileúō'_):** Derived from "king," this verb means "to rule" (literally or figuratively). It emphasizes the exercise of kingly authority and the act of sovereign governance. The core offense of these "enemies" was their explicit refusal to allow the nobleman to exercise his rightful, sovereign rule over them.
* **slay (Greek, _kataspháttō'_):** This is a very strong compound verb, combining "down" (κατά) with "to slaughter" (σφάζω). It means "to kill down," or to slaughter, often implying a violent, decisive execution or sacrifice. In the parable, it conveys the absolute, final, and irreversible nature of the judgment pronounced against those who utterly rejected the king's authority, leaving no room for reprieve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them,"**: This initial clause identifies the specific group targeted by the nobleman's wrath: those who actively and intentionally opposed his kingship. The phrase "would not" (G2309 _thélō_ with G3361 _mḗ_) signifies a deliberate, volitional refusal, a conscious choice to reject his authority. These are not merely subjects but declared "enemies" who sent a delegation to prevent his rule, demonstrating their deep-seated animosity and rebellion.
* **"bring hither,"**: This is a direct command for the immediate summoning of the rebellious enemies into the king's presence. "Hither" (G5602 _hōde_) implies bringing them to the place of judgment, before the very one whose rule they defied. It underscores the king's power to enforce his will and gather those accountable to him.
* **"and slay [them] before me."**: This is the chilling and definitive command of judgment. The verb "slay" (G2695 _kataspháttō_) is intensely violent, signifying a complete and utter destruction. The phrase "before me" (G1715 _émprosthen_ G3450 _moû_) emphasizes the king's direct oversight and authority in the execution of this judgment. It is a public, undeniable demonstration of his ultimate power and the finality of the consequences for their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:27, as part of the Parable of the Minas, employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The entire narrative functions as an **Allegory**, where the nobleman represents Jesus Christ, the servants represent His followers, and the rebellious citizens represent those who reject His divine authority. The command to "slay them before me" is a prime example of **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration used to convey a profound spiritual truth rather than a literal instruction for human action. This hyperbole underscores the absolute severity and finality of divine judgment against those who defiantly refuse God's reign. Furthermore, the imagery functions as **Symbolism**: the "slaying" symbolizes the spiritual death and eternal separation from God that is the ultimate consequence of persistent rebellion and unbelief. The nobleman's return and judgment also serve as a **Foreshadowing** of Christ's Second Coming, when He will return in power and glory to execute judgment and fully establish His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:27, though stark in its imagery, is a crucial theological statement about the nature of God's sovereignty and the consequences of rejecting His Son. It reveals that God's patience has limits and that persistent, defiant rebellion against His rightful authority will ultimately be met with decisive judgment. This judgment is not arbitrary but is the just culmination of a deliberate refusal to submit to the King's reign. The verse underscores the absolute necessity of acknowledging Jesus as Lord, not just as Savior, and the dire eternal implications for those who refuse to do so. It reminds us that Christ's kingdom is not merely an offer of grace but a demand for allegiance, and His return will bring both reward for the faithful and retribution for the rebellious.

* [Psalm 2:7-9](/psalms/2-7-9 "Psalm 2:7-9 - The King's Decree and Judgment")
* [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Divine Retribution at Christ's Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:27, despite its challenging imagery, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers and non-believers alike. For those who acknowledge Christ, it reinforces the seriousness of His Lordship and the call to faithful stewardship until His return. It should inspire a deeper commitment to living under His reign, understanding that our actions and allegiances have eternal weight. For those who have not yet submitted to Christ, it serves as a sobering warning: the opportunity to accept His gracious rule is finite. The parable vividly portrays the ultimate outcome for those who defiantly reject the King. This is not a call for Christians to enact violence, but a profound reminder of God's ultimate justice and the reality of eternal consequences. It compels us to examine our own hearts: do we truly desire Christ to reign over every aspect of our lives, or are there areas where we, like the rebellious citizens, resist His authority?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I actively resisting Christ's reign, perhaps subtly or overtly?**
* **How does the severity of the nobleman's judgment in this parable deepen my appreciation for God's grace and patience?**
* **What does "having Christ reign over me" practically look like in my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How can I live in light of Christ's certain return and the ultimate judgment, both for myself and for those who do not know Him?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 19:27 advocate for violence against non-believers?**

Answer: Absolutely not. It is crucial to understand that Luke 19:27 is part of a parable, a story told by Jesus to convey spiritual truths, often using hyperbolic language common in ancient storytelling. The command to "slay them before me" is not a literal instruction for believers to execute those who reject Christ. Instead, it is parabolic imagery symbolizing the final, decisive, and irreversible divine judgment that awaits those who persistently and defiantly refuse to acknowledge Jesus as their rightful King. Jesus explicitly stated that "[My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom")). The advancement of Christ's kingdom is through the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel, repentance, and faith, not through coercion or violence.

**How does this verse reconcile with God's love and mercy?**

Answer: This verse, while stark, does not contradict God's love and mercy; rather, it underscores the completeness of His justice. God is indeed loving and merciful, extending grace and patience to all, desiring that "[all men be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved")" ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Universal Desire")). However, His love and mercy do not negate His holiness, righteousness, and justice. The judgment depicted in Luke 19:27 is reserved for those who, despite ample opportunity and revelation, *willfully* and *defiantly* reject His rightful authority and reign. It highlights that there are ultimate, eternal consequences for persistent rebellion against a holy God. The parable serves as a warning, emphasizing the urgency of responding to God's gracious invitation before the time of final accounting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:27, though a parable, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The nobleman who goes to receive a kingdom and returns to judge is a clear allegorical representation of Jesus Christ Himself. He came to earth, was rejected by many of His own people, and ascended to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God, where He truly "[received a kingdom](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")" ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - Christ's Kingdom and Authority")). His future return, often referred to as the Second Coming, will be a time when He fully establishes His kingdom and executes judgment, just as the nobleman in the parable did. Passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") vividly portray Christ returning in glory to judge all nations, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. The "enemies" who "would not that I should reign over them" are those who, throughout history, have rejected Christ's Lordship and salvation. Their ultimate "slaying" before Him symbolizes the eternal condemnation and separation from God that awaits all who refuse to submit to the sovereign King of kings, as described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, Luke 19:27 powerfully underscores Christ's absolute authority, His certain return, and the inescapable reality of His final, just judgment upon all who reject His gracious reign.

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

Luke 19:14

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

Psalms 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

Psalms 21:9

Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

Matthew 22:7

But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Hebrews 10:13

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Numbers 16:30

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

Numbers 16:35

¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.