Devine Scripture

Luke 6:16

What does Luke 6:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:16 means

The final two apostles named were Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who is explicitly identified as the one who became a traitor. The inclusion of Judas Iscariot, even with the knowledge of his future betrayal, emphasizes the sovereign choice of Jesus and the profound reality of human free will. It also serves as a poignant reminder that even within the closest circle of Christ, human sin and treachery could manifest, foreshadowing the immense cost of redemption.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Judas, the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, he who was false to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Judas of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became betrayer;)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[and] Judas [brother] of James, and Judas Iscariote, who was also [his] betrayer;

Context

This verse concludes the list of the twelve apostles, notably including Judas Iscariot and foretelling his betrayal. This significant detail injects a somber note into the otherwise triumphal selection, reminding the reader of the ever-present reality of sin and human failure even within the inner circle. This forewarning carries forward into the subsequent teachings, underscoring the importance of true discipleship.

v.15and Matthew and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,

v.16This passage

v.17and he came down with them, and stood on a level place, and a great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judæa and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Cross references

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

  • John 14:22

    Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

  • Matthew 26:14

    Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Acts 1:16

    Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Mark 3:18

    and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and Simon the Cananæan,

  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?

  • Acts 1:25

    to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

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