Devine Scripture

Luke 13:27

What does Luke 13:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 13:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 13:27 means

Despite their appeals, the master firmly reiterates, "I know not whence ye are." He then issues a final, severe command: "Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." This clear and irreversible rejection signifies that mere familiarity or geographic proximity to Jesus is not enough for salvation. True entry into the kingdom requires a life of righteousness and genuine repentance, not just outward religious acts. Those who practice iniquity, regardless of their claims, will be cast out.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he will say, Truly, I have no knowledge of you or where you come from; go away from me, you workers of evil.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he shall say, I say to you, I have not known you whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of the unrighteousness.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse delivers the master's decisive and final rejection of those seeking entry, immediately following their inadequate pleas in verse 26. The repeated declaration of "I know not whence ye are" combined with the command to "Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity" underscores that external association with Jesus is meaningless without genuine faith and repentance. This leads directly to the consequence of this rejection: a place of anguish and exclusion.

v.26then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

v.27This passage

v.28There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 119:115

    Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God.

  • Hosea 9:12

    Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, so that not a man shall be left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

  • Matthew 25:12

    But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

  • Psalms 1:6

    For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.

  • Psalms 125:5

    But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.

  • Luke 13:25

    When 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;

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