Luke 12:49
What does Luke 12:49 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:49 means
Jesus declares He came to cast fire on the earth and expresses His desire that it were already kindled. Fire in Scripture often signifies judgment, purification, and the decisive inbreaking of God’s reign. Jesus’ mission provokes a crisis: His word and work burn away pretenses and force a choice. He longs for the consummation of God’s purposes, even as He knows it will mean conflict. His coming does not leave the world unchanged; it ignites a refining and revealing flame, separating those who receive Him from those who resist.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I came to send a fire on the earth, and it may even now have been lighted.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Fire I came to cast to the earth, and what will I if already it was kindled?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am come to cast fire on the earth. And what will I, but that it be kindled?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have come to cast a fire on the earth; and what will I if already it has been kindled?
Context
After teaching on stewardship and accountability, Jesus unveils the larger horizon of His mission: it brings a purifying, dividing crisis to the earth. This prepares for His next admission about a baptism He must undergo—His suffering—and the pressure He feels until it is accomplished. Together, these statements pave the way for the frank assertion that He did not come to bring earthly peace but division, even within families.
v.48but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
v.49This passage
v.50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 13:31
In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee.
- Joel 2:30
And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
- Luke 12:51
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
- Malachi 3:2
But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
- John 12:17
The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.
- Isaiah 11:4
but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
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