Luke 13:25
What does Luke 13:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 13:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 13:25 means
Jesus vividly illustrates the finality of salvation by describing a scenario where the "master of the house" has risen and shut the door. Those who are left outside will knock, asking for entry, but the master will refuse, stating, "I know you not whence ye are." This portrays a moment of irreversible judgment, emphasizing that a failure to enter when the opportunity presented itself will result in permanent exclusion. The time for decision is limited, and once that window closes, no pleas will avail.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;
KJV
King James Version · 1611When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When the master of the house has got up, and the door has been shut, and you, still outside, give blows on the door, saying, Lord, let us in; he will make answer and say, I have no knowledge of where you come from.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862from the time the master of the house may have risen up, and may have shut the door, and ye may begin without to stand, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, lord, open to us, and he answering shall say to you, I have not known you whence ye are,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when the master of the house shall be gone in and shall shut the door, you shall begin to stand without; and knock at the door, saying: Lord, open to us. And he answering, shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890From the time that the master of the house shall have risen up and shall have shut the door, and ye shall begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he answering shall say to you, I know you not whence ye are:
Context
Building on the urgent command to strive for the narrow door in verse 24, this verse presents a stark and sobering consequence for those who fail to do so. It vividly describes the finality of judgment, where opportunities for entry are irrevocably closed. This dramatic scenario establishes the critical importance of present repentance and genuine discipleship, setting up the excuses and ultimate rejection of those who thought they were close to the master.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 3:7
Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
- Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
- Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:
- Matthew 25:10
And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.
- Luke 13:27
and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
- Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Repentance
Repentance in the Bible is a turning away from sin and toward God, marked by a change of heart and action.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.