Luke 12:52

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

For {G1063} from {G575} henceforth {G3568} there shall be {G2071} five {G4002} in {G1722} one {G1520} house {G3624} divided {G1266}, three {G5140} against {G1909} two {G1417}, and {G2532} two {G1417} against {G1909} three {G5140}.

For from now on, a household of five will be divided, three against two, two against three.

From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.

for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

Commentary

Luke 12:52 is part of a challenging discourse by Jesus, where He speaks about the profound impact His coming would have. This verse specifically illustrates the social division that would arise because of His message and the commitment it demands.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' declaration in Luke 12:49 that He came to "send fire on the earth" and desired it were already kindled. He then speaks of a "baptism" He must undergo (His suffering and death) and the distress He feels until it is accomplished. The immediate preceding verse, Luke 12:51, directly states, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." Luke 12:52 then serves as a vivid, numerical example of this predicted division, specifically within the closest social unit: the household.

Key Themes

  • Division for Truth's Sake: Jesus' mission, while ultimately bringing peace with God, would not bring immediate social peace. His truth would expose allegiances and create a dividing line between those who accept Him and those who reject Him, even within families.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ demands ultimate loyalty, which can lead to conflict with traditional family ties. This emphasizes that true discipleship sometimes requires a radical reordering of allegiances, placing Christ above all else.
  • Spiritual vs. Familial Loyalty: The verse highlights the potential for the Gospel to disrupt the most fundamental social structures of the time, where family loyalty was paramount. The "three against two, and two against three" vividly portrays this internal household strife, making it a profound statement about the disruptive power of the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided" underscores the immediate and inevitable nature of this division. The numerical examples (three against two, and two against three) are not meant to be a literal count, but rather a stark illustration of how intimately and fundamentally the conflict would manifest. It signifies a complete breakdown of unity, where even small groups within a family unit would be set against each other due to differing responses to Jesus' message.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant today. It teaches us that:

  • Expect Opposition: Following Jesus may not always lead to easy relationships, even with loved ones. Believers should be prepared for potential misunderstandings or opposition from those who do not share their faith.
  • Prioritize Christ: Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ. While we are called to love our families, our commitment to His truth and kingdom must take precedence.
  • Gospel's Power: The Gospel is not merely a comforting message; it is a powerful, transformative force that demands a response, and that response can be a dividing factor in society and personal relationships. It challenges the status quo and calls for radical commitment.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 14:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

  • Acts 14:4 (5 votes)

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • John 15:18 (5 votes)

    If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

  • John 15:21 (5 votes)

    But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

  • John 9:16 (4 votes)

    Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

  • John 10:19 (4 votes)

    ¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

  • John 10:21 (4 votes)

    Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?