I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

LUKE 12:49KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 12:49 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:49 mean?

Luke 12:49 records Jesus saying that He has come to bring “fire on the earth,” and He expresses a strong desire for it to be already kindled. This statement uses vivid imagery to show that Jesus’ coming will bring significant change or upheaval, not just peace or comfort.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and a larger crowd, warning them that His mission will have dramatic effects. The “fire” is often understood as a symbol for judgment, purification, or the powerful impact of His message. Jesus’ words show that He is fully aware of the disruption and division His presence will cause, and He is eager for His mission to move forward.

The Greek behind Luke 12:49

  • “fire” (πῦρ, pyr): This Greek word means literal fire, but here it is often seen as a symbol for judgment, purification, or the powerful, transforming work Jesus brings.
  • “send” (βάλλω, ballō): This word means to throw or cast. Jesus is not just passively allowing fire; He is actively sending or causing it.
  • “already” (ἤδη, ēdē): This word means “already” or “by now,” highlighting Jesus’ eagerness for this change to begin.
  • “kindled” (ἅπτω, haptō): This means to light or ignite. The idea is of something being set ablaze, showing the active and powerful effect Jesus expects.

Why Luke 12:49 matters

  • Luke 12:49 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus only came to bring peace and comfort; He also came to challenge, purify, and even divide.
  • This verse highlights Jesus’ awareness that His message would not always be easy or welcomed, but would cause real change and sometimes conflict.
  • Understanding the “fire” as more than just destruction helps connect this verse to the wider passage, where Jesus speaks about division and the cost of following Him.

Where else these words appear

“be” Greek G381 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
  • James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

“already” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“fire” Greek G4442 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

“send” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?