Luke 6:47

KJV

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3956} cometh {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165}, and {G2532} heareth {G191} my {G3450} sayings {G3056}, and {G2532} doeth {G4160} them {G846}, I will shew {G5263} you {G5213} to whom {G5101} he is {G2076} like {G3664}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone who comes to me, hears my words and acts on them -- I will show you what he is like:

Berean Standard Bible

I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them:

American Standard Version

Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:47 serves as a pivotal introduction to Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, encapsulating the essence of true discipleship. It articulates a three-fold call to those who would follow Christ: to come to Him, to attentively hear His teachings, and crucially, to actively put them into practice. This verse underscores that genuine adherence to Jesus' words is not merely intellectual assent or passive reception, but a transformative commitment that forms the unshakeable foundation for a life capable of withstanding spiritual and existential challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:47 is the concluding exhortation of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" (`/luke/6-17-49`), a discourse delivered to a large crowd of disciples and other people who had gathered from various regions. This sermon, which parallels Matthew's "Sermon on the Mount" (`/matthew/5-7`), encompasses foundational teachings on blessing and woe, love for enemies, turning the other cheek, giving generously, and judging righteously. Verse 47 specifically acts as a direct preface to the parable of the two builders (`/luke/6-48-49`), drawing a clear distinction between the one who hears and acts versus the one who only hears. It emphasizes that the preceding ethical and spiritual principles are not just abstract concepts but demands for practical living, setting the stage for the critical importance of obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, the relationship between a rabbi (teacher) and his disciples was deeply significant. Disciples were expected not only to listen to their rabbi's teachings but to internalize them and live them out. This was a holistic formation, not just academic instruction. Jesus, as the ultimate Rabbi, called for a radical commitment that went beyond mere intellectual assent to His words. The imagery of building a house was also highly relatable in a region where sudden, violent storms (`/luke/6-48`) could devastate structures built on unstable ground, while those on rock endured. This spoke powerfully to the practical wisdom of preparing for life's inevitable challenges by establishing a secure foundation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Active Discipleship**, emphasizing that true followership of Jesus requires a dynamic engagement with His teachings, moving beyond passive hearing to intentional doing. This theme is echoed throughout the Gospels, such as when Jesus declares, "[If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples](/john/8-31 "John 8:31 - True Discipleship")." Secondly, the verse underscores the **Primacy of Obedience**, presenting it as the ultimate measure of one's wisdom and the stability of their spiritual life. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent message that "[faith without works is dead](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")" (`/james/2-14-26`). Finally, it introduces the theme of **Building a Secure Foundation for Life**, directly anticipating the parable that follows. Obedience to Christ's words is presented as the bedrock upon which a resilient life is constructed, capable of withstanding the trials and storms that inevitably come, much like the "[wise man who built his house on the rock](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - The Wise Builder")" in Matthew's parallel account.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whosoever (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word, meaning "all, any, every, the whole," emphasizes the universal invitation and scope of Jesus' teaching. It indicates that the call to come, hear, and do is open to everyone, without exception, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.
* **Heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** More than just perceiving sound, _akoúō_ implies an attentive, understanding, and obedient hearing. It suggests a listening that leads to comprehension and a willingness to respond. This is not passive reception but an active engagement with the message, internalizing it with the intent to act.
* **Sayings (Greek, _lógos'_):** This term refers to "something said," "a topic," "reasoning," or "a word." In the context of Jesus' teachings, _lógos_ encompasses His entire body of instruction, His message, and His divine revelation. It signifies the authoritative and life-giving content that His followers are called to receive and obey.
* **Doeth (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb means "to make or do," "to perform," or "to execute." It signifies intentional and active execution. When combined with "heareth," it creates a powerful dynamic, indicating that true understanding of Jesus' words is demonstrated through their practical application and embodiment in one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever cometh to me":** This phrase establishes the initial and foundational step: a personal, intentional approach to Jesus. It implies a conscious decision to draw near to Him, signifying a commitment to follow and learn from Him as Lord and Teacher. This "coming" is an act of faith and submission, initiating the relationship.
* **"and heareth my sayings":** This clause emphasizes the importance of receiving and understanding Jesus' teachings. The "hearing" is not superficial but implies attentive listening, comprehension, and an internalization of His words. It speaks to the necessity of engaging with the content of His divine instruction, which forms the basis for all subsequent action.
* **"and doeth them":** This is the crucial, active component. It signifies the practical application and obedience to what has been heard and understood. This "doing" demonstrates the authenticity of one's faith and the depth of their commitment to Jesus' authority. It is the tangible evidence that the "hearing" has truly taken root and transformed the individual.
* **"I will shew you to whom he is like":** This final clause serves as a direct introduction to the parable of the two builders. Jesus promises to reveal the outcome or character of such a person—one who comes, hears, and does. It sets up the impending illustration, indicating that the consequences of obedience versus mere hearing will be made clear through the analogy of building a house.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:47 employs several significant literary devices. The verse functions as a **Conditional Statement**, implicitly setting up an "if...then" scenario, where the actions of coming, hearing, and doing lead to a specific outcome, which is then illustrated by the subsequent parable. This directly leads into an **Analogy** or **Simile**, as Jesus states, "I will shew you to whom he is like," foreshadowing the comparison to a wise builder. The entire verse, in conjunction with the following parable, serves as a powerful **Allegory**, where the "house" represents one's life, the "foundation" represents one's response to Jesus' words, and the "storm" represents life's inevitable trials. Furthermore, there is an element of **Parallelism** at play, as the verse sets up a contrast between two types of hearers—those who hear and do, and those who hear but do not do—a contrast that is fully developed in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:47 profoundly shapes our understanding of authentic Christian discipleship, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a dynamic, obedient relationship with Christ. It asserts that true faith is not passive but active, demonstrated by a life transformed through the practical application of Jesus' teachings. This verse links the internal reception of God's Word with external, tangible obedience, revealing that the stability and resilience of one's spiritual life are directly proportional to the degree to which Christ's commands are lived out. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on walking in a manner worthy of the calling, where hearing the Word is merely the first step towards a life of faithful action, building a secure foundation that can withstand the inevitable storms of life.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Two Builders")
* [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Keeping Jesus' Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:47 presents a profound challenge and invitation for every believer to examine the depth and authenticity of their discipleship. It calls us to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture or passive attendance at religious gatherings, urging us to cultivate a life where Jesus' words are not just heard but deeply internalized and consistently applied. This means intentionally creating space to listen to His voice through dedicated time in His Word and prayer, seeking to understand the profound implications of His teachings for every area of our lives. More critically, it demands a courageous and humble commitment to put those teachings into practice, even when it is difficult, counter-cultural, or requires personal sacrifice. Whether it's extending forgiveness, showing unconditional love, practicing radical generosity, or pursuing righteousness, active obedience builds a spiritual foundation that allows us to navigate life's inevitable storms with unwavering faith and resilience, knowing that our lives are securely anchored in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently hearing Jesus' sayings but struggling to do them?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to move from passive hearing to active obedience in one particular area of Jesus' teaching?**
* **How might a deeper commitment to "doing" Jesus' words strengthen my spiritual foundation and prepare me for future challenges?**
* **What barriers (internal or external) prevent me from consistently applying Jesus' teachings, and how can I address them?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "hearing" and "doing" Jesus' sayings?**

Answer: In Luke 6:47, "hearing" (Greek: _akoúō_) implies more than just passively perceiving sound; it means listening attentively, understanding, and internalizing Jesus' teachings. It's about receiving the message into one's mind and heart. "Doing" (Greek: _poiéō_), however, refers to the active, intentional application of those teachings in one's life. It's the practical obedience that demonstrates the truth of one's hearing. Jesus emphasizes that true wisdom and a stable spiritual foundation (`/luke/6-48-49`) come not from merely hearing His words, but from actively putting them into practice. As [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word") states, we are called to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only."

**Does this verse imply that obedience is necessary for salvation?**

Answer: Luke 6:47, in context with the broader New Testament, highlights that obedience is the *evidence* and *fruit* of genuine faith, rather than the *means* of earning salvation. Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (`/ephesians/2-8-9`). However, true saving faith is never barren; it naturally expresses itself in obedience to Christ's commands. Jesus' teaching here, and in the parallel account in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"), underscores that those who truly "come" to Him and "hear" His words will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, also "do" them. This active obedience builds a life that can withstand spiritual storms, demonstrating that one's faith is real and rooted in Christ, the solid foundation (`/1_corinthians/3-11`).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:47 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who is not only the speaker of these life-giving "sayings" but also the perfect embodiment and foundation of all truth. He is the very "Word" [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") made flesh, who perfectly heard and perfectly did the will of His Father [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food Is to Do God's Will"). When Jesus calls us to "come to me, and hear my sayings, and do them," He is inviting us into a life built upon Himself, for He is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone") and the only unshakeable foundation upon which a truly resilient life can be constructed [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation"). Our obedience to His words is not merely a set of rules to follow, but a dynamic participation in His life, character, and mission. By doing His sayings, we are conforming to the image of the One who perfectly obeyed, finding our stability, wisdom, and eternal security in Him who learned obedience through suffering [Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8-9 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Jesus Learned Obedience"), and thus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

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

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.