Devine Scripture

Luke 13:26

What does Luke 13:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 13:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 13:26 means

Those locked out attempt to argue for their inclusion by citing their past superficial association with Jesus. They claim, "We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets." These are external, public acts that might suggest familiarity or even partial allegiance. However, these claims are presented as insufficient for salvation, implying that outward religious observance or proximity to Christ's ministry without genuine internal transformation is ultimately meaningless for entry into the kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then you will say, We have taken food and drink with you, and you were teaching in our streets.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then ye may begin to say, We did eat before thee, and did drink, and in our broad places thou didst teach;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then you shall begin to say: We have eaten and drunk in thy presence: and thou hast taught in our streets.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten in thy presence and drunk, and thou hast taught in our streets;

Context

Following the master's rejection in verse 25, this verse details the inadequate excuses offered by those denied entry. It explains that outward association with Jesus' ministry—eating, drinking, and hearing His teaching—will not be enough for salvation. This revelation highlights the difference between superficial acquaintance and genuine saving faith and repentance, setting up the master's definitive and harsh rejection in the subsequent verse.

v.25When 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;

v.26This passage

v.27and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Timothy 3:5

    holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.

  • Isaiah 58:2

    Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near unto God.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

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