Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

LUKE 12:51KJV
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Luke 12:51 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:51 mean?

Luke 12:51 records Jesus saying that he did not come to bring peace on earth, but rather division. Jesus is telling his listeners that his message and mission will not unite everyone, but will instead cause disagreements and separation, even among close relationships.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, warning them about the real impact of his coming. Although many expected the Messiah to bring immediate peace, Jesus clarifies that following him will often lead to conflict, as people respond differently to his teachings. The verse highlights the challenging and sometimes divisive nature of his message.

The Greek behind Luke 12:51

  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it often refers to wholeness or harmony. Jesus’ use of it here emphasizes that he is not promising an easy or universally accepted message.
  • διαμερισμός (diamerismos, "division"): This word points to a strong kind of separation or splitting apart. Jesus is warning that his presence and message will create clear lines between people, even within families or communities.

Why Luke 12:51 matters

  • Luke 12:51 corrects the common expectation that the Messiah would bring only outward peace; instead, Jesus prepares his followers for the reality of division.
  • The verse helps explain why, in the following verses, Jesus describes families being split over him—showing that the division he speaks of is deeply personal and close to home.
  • Understanding this verse clarifies that Jesus’ mission was not to avoid conflict at all costs, but to call people to a decision that would sometimes lead to disagreement and separation.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“Nay” Greek G3780 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

“ye” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.