But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

LUKE 12:5KJV
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Luke 12:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:5 mean?

Luke 12:5 warns that people should have a healthy fear of God, who alone has the authority not just over physical life and death, but also over what happens after death—including the power to cast into hell. Jesus is teaching that ultimate respect and awe belong to God, not to any human threat.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he prepares them for opposition and persecution. He urges them not to be afraid of those who can only harm the body, but instead to recognize God's ultimate authority over both body and soul. The focus is on putting things in perspective: only God has the final say over eternal matters.

The Greek behind Luke 12:5

  • "Fear" (φοβέομαι, phobeomai): This Greek word means to be afraid, but it can also mean to deeply respect or revere. Here, it points to a serious, weighty respect for God's authority, not just terror.
  • "Power" (ἐξουσία, exousia): This word means authority or the right to act. Jesus emphasizes that God alone has the true right to decide eternal outcomes, not just temporary ones.
  • "Hell" (γέεννα, geenna): This term refers to a place of final judgment, often pictured as a place of destruction or punishment after death. Jesus uses it to stress the seriousness of God's authority over eternal destiny.

Why Luke 12:5 matters

  • Luke 12:5 clears up the common misunderstanding that human threats are the greatest danger; Jesus redirects attention to God's ultimate authority.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which Jesus treats the reality of judgment and the afterlife, making it clear that these are not just symbolic ideas.
  • This teaching fits into the wider context where Jesus prepares his followers for hardship, reminding them that their loyalty and awe should be directed to God above all else.

Where else these words appear

“forewarn” Greek G5263 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

“hell” Greek G1067 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

“yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“him” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.