Luke 9:62

KJV

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, No man {G3762}, having put {G1911} his {G846} hand {G5495} to {G1909} the plough {G723}, and {G2532} looking {G991} back {G1519}{G3694}, is {G2076} fit {G2111} for {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To him Yeshua said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit to serve in the Kingdom of God.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

American Standard Version

But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:62 presents Jesus' stark declaration on the absolute nature of discipleship, employing the vivid metaphor of a farmer plowing. It underscores that anyone who commits to following Christ, yet harbors a divided heart or longs for their former life, is fundamentally unsuited for the Kingdom of God. This verse serves as a profound call for unwavering focus, singular devotion, and complete abandonment of past attachments in pursuit of God's redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a challenging series of encounters between Jesus and potential followers, immediately following two other demanding calls to discipleship in [Luke 9:57-60](/luke/9-57-60 "Luke 9:57-60 - The Cost of Following Jesus"). In the preceding verses, Jesus tests the commitment of individuals, one of whom offers to follow "whithersoever thou goest" but is warned about the lack of earthly comforts, and another who asks to bury his father but is told to "let the dead bury their dead." The individual in [Luke 9:61](/luke/9-61 "Luke 9:61 - Another Prospective Disciple") desires to "bid them farewell, which are at home at my house," a seemingly reasonable request that Jesus nonetheless meets with this uncompromising statement. This sequence highlights Jesus' radical redefinition of priorities for those who would join His mission, emphasizing that the Kingdom's demands supersede all earthly obligations and attachments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of plowing was deeply familiar to Jesus' agrarian audience in first-century Galilee. Plowing was a physically demanding and precise task. To plow a straight furrow, a farmer had to fix his gaze forward, typically on a distant landmark, and maintain a steady hand on the plow. Any distraction, especially looking backward, would inevitably result in a crooked, unproductive furrow, wasting effort and rendering the land less fertile. This agricultural reality served as a powerful, relatable illustration of the single-minded focus required for any significant endeavor. Furthermore, the concept of leaving family to follow a rabbi or prophet, while not unheard of, was radical in a culture where familial ties and obligations were paramount. Jesus' call represented a fundamental reordering of societal norms and personal loyalties.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No Looking Back") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the **radical nature of discipleship**, which demands absolute commitment and a willingness to forsake all other allegiances for Christ's sake, as seen in [Luke 14:26-33](/luke/14-26-33 "Luke 14:26-33 - The Cost of Discipleship"). It also underscores the **priority of the Kingdom of God**, asserting that the work and purposes of God must take precedence over personal comfort, family duties, or past attachments. The theme of **perseverance and endurance** is implicit, as the Christian journey, like plowing, requires sustained, forward-looking effort without succumbing to the temptation of turning back. Finally, it highlights the **transformative power of the call**, indicating that true discipleship involves a complete reorientation of one's life and gaze toward God's future, not the world's past.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plough (Greek, _árotron'_):** This word (G723) refers to the agricultural implement used for tilling the soil. In this context, it symbolizes the work or task of the Kingdom of God. The act of "putting his hand to the plough" signifies committing to this work, undertaking the labor of discipleship and ministry. It implies a tangible, active engagement in the mission Jesus has set forth.
* **Looking back (Greek, _blépō'_ and _opísō'_):** The verb _blépō_ (G991) means "to look at" or "to perceive," while _opísō_ (G3694) means "to the back" or "backward." Combined, "looking back" signifies a divided gaze, a longing for what has been left behind, or a reluctance to fully embrace the future. It implies a lack of full commitment, a distraction from the task at hand, or a desire to return to a former way of life that is incompatible with the demands of the Kingdom. This is not merely a glance, but a sustained focus that hinders forward progress.
* **Fit (Greek, _eúthetos'_):** Derived from _eú_ (well) and a derivative of _títhēmi_ (to place), this word (G2111) literally means "well placed" or "properly disposed." Figuratively, it signifies being "suitable," "appropriate," or "ready" for a task. It's not about moral worthiness alone, but about practical readiness and effectiveness. Someone who is "fit" for the Kingdom is someone whose disposition, focus, and commitment align perfectly with its demands, enabling them to be productive in God's service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto him,"**: This introduces Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the third prospective disciple in this series of encounters, emphasizing the personal and weighty nature of His words.
* **"No man, having put his hand to the plough,"**: This clause establishes the metaphor and the initial commitment. It refers to anyone who has made a decision to engage in the work of the Kingdom, symbolized by the farmer who has begun the laborious and focused task of plowing. It implies an initial step of dedication and engagement.
* **"and looking back,"**: This is the critical condition. It describes the action of turning one's attention or desire away from the task at hand and towards what has been left behind. This "looking back" signifies a divided heart, a lack of full resolve, or a nostalgic longing for the past that compromises present commitment.
* **"is fit for the kingdom of God."**: This is the consequence of the divided focus. Such a person, despite their initial commitment, is deemed unsuitable or inappropriate for the work and inheritance of God's Kingdom. Their divided loyalty renders them ineffective and disqualified for the demands of discipleship and the ultimate blessings of God's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No Looking Back") is **Metaphor**. Jesus uses the familiar agricultural practice of plowing to illustrate a profound spiritual truth about discipleship. The act of "putting one's hand to the plough" is a metaphor for committing to the work of the Kingdom of God, while "looking back" is a metaphor for a divided heart, a longing for the past, or a lack of full commitment. This metaphor is extended through **Symbolism**, where the straight furrow represents effective, focused, and productive discipleship, and the crooked furrow (implied by looking back) symbolizes ineffective or disqualified service. The absolute nature of Jesus' statement ("No man... is fit") also carries a degree of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme importance of undivided devotion rather than suggesting a literal impossibility for anyone who ever experiences a moment of doubt. The vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of spiritual commitment tangible and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of the nature of true discipleship, emphasizing that commitment to Christ is not merely an intellectual assent or a partial endeavor, but a radical reorientation of one's entire being. It highlights that the Kingdom of God demands total allegiance, a complete severance from the gravitational pull of the past, and an unwavering focus on the future God is building. This is not a call to perfection, but to singular devotion, where the pursuit of God's will becomes the supreme priority, eclipsing all other desires and attachments. The "fitness" for the Kingdom is thus defined by one's capacity for sustained, forward-looking obedience and trust.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [Philippians 3:13-14](/philippians/3-13-14 "Philippians 3:13-14 - Pressing On Toward the Goal")
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race with Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - The Call to Unwavering Discipleship") serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, challenging us to honestly assess the depth and sincerity of our commitment to Christ. It compels us to identify and confront any "looking back" in our own lives—whether it be lingering attachments to past sins, worldly comforts, unfulfilled ambitions, or even nostalgic longings for a life not fully surrendered to God. True discipleship demands a forward gaze, a readiness to embrace the unknown path Christ leads us on, and a willingness to leave behind anything that hinders our spiritual progress or divides our allegiance. This verse calls us to a life of active, present-focused obedience, reminding us that the work of the Kingdom requires our undivided attention and effort, ensuring that our spiritual "furrows" are straight and productive for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old life" or past attachments might I still be "looking back" towards, preventing my full commitment to Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life am I demonstrating a divided heart, rather than singular devotion to God's Kingdom?**
* **How can I cultivate a more forward-looking, focused posture in my faith, actively pressing into God's call rather than dwelling on what I've left behind?**

### FAQ

**What does the "plough" symbolize in this verse?**
Answer: The "plough" symbolizes the work, mission, and demands of the Kingdom of God. To "put one's hand to the plough" means to commit to following Jesus and actively engaging in the tasks and lifestyle of discipleship, which often involves labor, sacrifice, and unwavering focus. It represents the active service and dedication required of those who would be part of God's redemptive plan.

**Why is "looking back" so detrimental to being "fit for the kingdom of God"?**
Answer: "Looking back" signifies a divided heart or a lack of full commitment. Just as a farmer looking back while plowing would create a crooked, unproductive furrow, a disciple who is distracted by or longs for their past life cannot effectively serve God or advance His Kingdom. It implies a reluctance to fully embrace the new life in Christ, a desire to return to former comforts, or an unwillingness to fully surrender to the radical demands of discipleship. This divided loyalty renders one unsuitable or ineffective for the focused and forward-moving work of God's Kingdom. This concept is echoed in [Luke 17:32](/luke/17-32 "Luke 17:32 - Remember Lot's Wife"), where Lot's wife looked back at Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt, symbolizing the danger of clinging to what God has called one to abandon.

**Does this verse mean that if I ever doubt or struggle, I am not "fit" for God's Kingdom?**
Answer: While Jesus' words are strong and absolute, they are primarily a warning against a *pattern* of divided loyalty or a *fundamental* unwillingness to fully commit, rather than a condemnation of every moment of human struggle or doubt. The emphasis is on the direction of one's heart and life. True discipleship is characterized by a prevailing forward movement and a primary allegiance to Christ, even amidst struggles. The verse calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, not a flawless performance. It highlights that a person whose heart is consistently divided between the Kingdom and the world will not be effective or ultimately inherit its full blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - Jesus' Call to Undivided Discipleship") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus' demanding call to His followers but also in His own perfect embodiment of this principle. Jesus Himself never "looked back" from the mission given to Him by the Father. From His humble birth to His resolute journey to Jerusalem, culminating in the cross, His gaze was fixed on the ultimate goal of redemption. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus") beautifully captures this, describing Jesus as "the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross." He perfectly demonstrated the single-minded devotion He demanded from His disciples, never wavering from the path of obedience, even unto death. Furthermore, it is through Christ's finished work that we are even made "fit" for the Kingdom. Our own ability to "put our hand to the plough" and not look back is empowered by His Spirit, transforming our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, enabling us to walk in newness of life ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). He is not only the one who calls us to unwavering commitment but also the one who provides the grace and power to live it out, drawing us forward into the glorious future of His Kingdom ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")).

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

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Luke 17:31

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Luke 17:32

Remember Lot's wife.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.