But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

LUKE 12:48KJV
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Luke 12:48 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:48 mean?

Luke 12:48 says that people who are given more knowledge, responsibility, or resources are held to a higher standard and will be expected to give more in return. Jesus teaches that those who do wrong without knowing better will be treated more leniently, but those who have been entrusted with much will be held more accountable.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and a crowd, using a story about servants and their master to explain responsibility and judgment. The verse sums up the idea that God’s expectations match what a person has received—whether knowledge, authority, or opportunity. This saying comes near the end of a longer teaching about being ready and faithful, especially for those in positions of trust.

The Greek behind Luke 12:48

  • The word for "stripes" is πληγή (plēgē), which means blows or lashes. This word shows that Jesus is using the image of physical punishment to make a point about consequences.
  • The word for "required" is ζητέω (zēteō), which means to seek or demand. Here, it carries the sense that more will be expected or demanded from those who have received more.
  • The phrase "much is given" uses πολύς (polys), meaning "much" or "many," and δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning "to give." This emphasizes that the amount entrusted to someone directly relates to what is expected in return.

Why Luke 12:48 matters

  • Luke 12:48 clarifies that God’s judgment is fair and takes into account a person’s knowledge and opportunities, not just their actions.
  • This verse highlights the seriousness of responsibility, especially for leaders or anyone given influence or resources.
  • The verse connects to the wider teaching in Luke 12 about being watchful and faithful, showing that readiness for God’s coming involves living up to what we have been given.

Where else these words appear

“more” Greek G4055 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

“beaten” Greek G1194 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
  • Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“committed” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
  • Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

“stripes” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
  • Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.