Devine Scripture

Luke 12:7

What does Luke 12:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 12:7 means

Jesus intensifies the assurance: God numbers even the hairs of their heads. That image portrays exhaustive, attentive care. Therefore, they must not fear; their value to God surpasses that of many sparrows. This does not promise exemption from harm, but it guarantees that nothing happens apart from the Father’s knowledge and regard. Such truth steadies a disciple’s heart, enabling boldness in witness and endurance in trial. Knowing their worth before God frees them from grasping at worldly status or safety, so they can live openly and truthfully for Christ, trusting that their Father measures and keeps all their days.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But even the hairs of your head are numbered. Have no fear: you are of more value than a flock of sparrows.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but even the hairs of your head have been all numbered; therefore fear ye not, than many sparrows ye are of more value.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore, ye are better than many sparrows.

Context

This word completes the balanced picture: fear God, yet do not fear as orphans. With the Father’s intimate knowledge set before them, Jesus transitions to the necessity of confessing Him before people. The security of being valued by God undergirds public allegiance to the Son of man, even when it draws opposition. Thus assurance fuels obedience in the next section’s solemn promises and warnings about confessing and denying Christ.

v.6Are not five sparrows sold for two pence? and not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God.

v.7This passage

v.8And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 12:12

    How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

  • 2 Samuel 14:11

    Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember Jehovah thy God, that the avenger of blood destroy not any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

  • 1 Samuel 14:45

    And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

  • Psalms 8:6

    Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:

  • Isaiah 43:3

    For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead.

  • Acts 27:34

    Wherefore I beseech you to take some food: for this is for your safety: for there shall not a hair perish from the head of any of you.

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