He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

LUKE 11:23KJV
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Luke 11:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:23 mean?

Luke 11:23 means that Jesus draws a clear line: anyone who does not actively support him is, by default, standing in opposition to him, and anyone who does not help him gather people is actually causing division. There is no neutral ground in the context of his mission.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after being accused of casting out demons by the power of an evil spirit. He responds by showing that his work is aligned with God’s purposes, and he warns that people must choose sides. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of responding to Jesus—he is saying that indifference or passivity is, in effect, opposition.

The Greek behind Luke 11:23

  • μετὰ (meta, "with"): This word means being together with or on the same side as someone. Here, Jesus uses it to stress the idea of partnership or allegiance.
  • σκορπίζει (skorpizei, "scattereth"): This verb means to disperse or drive apart. Jesus contrasts gathering with him (bringing people together) with scattering (causing division or loss), highlighting that not helping him is the same as working against his purpose.

Why Luke 11:23 matters

  • Luke 11:23 clears up the idea that someone can be neutral or uninvolved when it comes to Jesus’ mission; he insists that not choosing is itself a choice against him.
  • The verse highlights the sharp division Jesus draws between his work and any other agenda, making it clear that his followers are called to active participation.
  • In the wider passage, this statement responds to accusations against Jesus and sets the stage for understanding the seriousness of aligning with him or not.

Where else these words appear

“scattereth” Greek G4650 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

“gathereth” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“me” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
  • Acts 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?