Luke 11:23
What does Luke 11:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:23 means
Jesus delivers a stark declaration regarding spiritual allegiance, leaving no room for neutrality. He states that anyone who is not actively "with me"—meaning on His side, working for His kingdom—is, by default, "against me." Similarly, those who do not actively "gather with me" in advancing God's purposes are effectively scattering, or hindering, His work. This emphasizes the critical choice presented by His ministry.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who is not with me is against me, and he who will not give me help in getting people together is driving them away.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is not with me is against me, and he who is not gathering with me doth scatter.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathers not with me scatters.
Context
This verse delivers a sharp call to spiritual commitment, flowing directly from Jesus' teaching on His power over Satan and the arrival of the kingdom. It reinforces the idea that there is no middle ground in the spiritual battle. This statement serves as a prelude to the following warning about spiritual vacancy and the danger of an empty house, emphasizing the necessity of positive allegiance.
v.22but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
v.23This passage
v.24The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came out.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 9:40
For he that is not against us is for us.
- Revelation 3:15
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
- Luke 9:50
But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.
- Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
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