Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

LUKE 12:32KJV
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Luke 12:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:32 mean?

Luke 12:32 records Jesus telling his followers not to be afraid, calling them a "little flock," and assuring them that God the Father is pleased to give them the kingdom. This verse is meant to comfort and encourage, highlighting God's generous and caring nature toward those who trust Him.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples in a setting where he is teaching about worry, possessions, and trust in God. By calling them a "little flock," Jesus uses gentle, shepherd-like language to show care and affection. The promise that God delights in giving them the kingdom emphasizes that belonging to God and sharing in His reign is not something earned by fear or striving, but is a gift rooted in God's own desire and kindness.

The Greek behind Luke 12:32

  • "Fear" (φοβέομαι, phobeomai): This word means to be afraid or anxious. Jesus uses it here to directly address the worries and fears his followers might have about their future or provision.
  • "Little" (μικρός, mikros) and "flock" (ποίμνιον, poimnion): Together, these words paint a picture of a small, vulnerable group, like a tiny group of sheep, which highlights both their need and Jesus' protective care.
  • "Good pleasure" (εὐδοκέω, eudokeō): This word means to take delight or to be well pleased. The verse stresses that God is not reluctant or stingy, but actually delights in giving the kingdom to His people.
  • "Kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This refers to God's reign or rule, both now and in the future. The promise is not just about a future reward, but about being included in God's present and coming work.

Why Luke 12:32 matters

  • Luke 12:32 clears up the idea that God is distant or unwilling to bless; instead, it shows that God is eager and happy to give His people what they need most.
  • The verse emphasizes the smallness and vulnerability of Jesus' followers, yet assures them of God's special care and generosity.
  • In the context of Jesus' teaching about worry and possessions, this verse reassures believers that their security rests not in what they own, but in God's loving intent to include them in His kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“flock” Greek G4168 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
  • Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
  • 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

“is” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“little” Greek G3398 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
  • Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

“Fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.