Luke 6:47

What does Luke 6:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:47 means

Jesus declared that He would show those who come to Him, hear His words, and *do* them, to whom they are like. This introduces a parable illustrating the essential nature of obedience in authentic discipleship. It highlights that merely hearing His teachings is insufficient; true spiritual stability and a genuine relationship with Christ depend on actively putting His words into practice. This sets up the comparison that will explain the profound difference between superficial listening and transformative obedience, which is the cornerstone of a stable spiritual life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Everyone who comes to me and gives ear to my words and does them, I will make clear to you what he is like:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Every one who is coming unto me, and is hearing my words, and is doing them, I will shew you to whom he is like;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Every one that cometh to me and heareth my words and doth them, I will shew you to whom he is like.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Every one that comes to me, and hears my words and does them, I will shew you to whom he is like.

Context

Following the challenge about calling Him "Lord" without obedience, this verse introduces the parable of the two builders, which will illustrate the critical importance of actively applying Jesús' teachings. It sets the framework for the comparison by identifying those who truly come to Him, hear His words, and then *do* them. This preparation helps the listener understand the profound consequences detailed in the subsequent verses.

v.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

v.47This passage

v.48he is like a man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been well builded.

Cross references

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

  • John 14:15

    If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

  • Matthew 12:50

    For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.

  • James 4:17

    To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

  • Romans 2:7

    to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

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