Devine Scripture

Luke 6:46

What does Luke 6:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:46 means

Jesus directly challenged His audience, asking, "And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" This rhetorical question exposes the hypocrisy of merely professing allegiance to Jesus without active obedience to His commands. It underscores that true discipleship involves more than verbal acknowledgment or outward religious observance; it demands a heartfelt commitment that translates into tangible action and conformity to His teachings. Calling Him "Lord" implies submission and obedience, so a lack thereof renders the title empty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Why do you say to me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And why do ye call me, Lord, Lord, and do not what I say?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And why call you me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?

Context

This verse marks a critical transition, moving from discussions of inner character and fruit to the direct call for obedience to Jesus' words. It serves as a sharp challenge to the listeners, immediately questioning the sincerity of their verbal commitment to Him. This foundational question sets the stage for the powerful parable that follows, illustrating the consequences of hearing His words versus actually doing them.

v.45The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

v.46This passage

v.47Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 25:44

    Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

  • 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;

  • Matthew 25:24

    And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter;

  • John 13:13

    Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

  • Malachi 1:6

    A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

  • Galatians 6:7

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

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