Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

LUKE 12:57KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 12:57 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:57 mean?

Luke 12:57 is Jesus asking His listeners why they do not judge for themselves what is right. He is urging them to use their own sense of justice and discernment rather than relying only on others or ignoring what is plainly true.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, challenging them to think carefully and honestly about their own decisions, especially in matters of right and wrong. The verse comes as part of a larger conversation where Jesus encourages people to recognize the signs of the times and to respond wisely, rather than passively or blindly.

The Greek behind Luke 12:57

  • The word "right" comes from the Greek δίκαιος (dikaios), which means "just," "righteous," or "fair." Here, it points to what is morally or ethically correct, not just what is legal or customary.
  • The phrase "of yourselves" uses ἑαυτῶν (heautōn), emphasizing personal responsibility. Jesus is highlighting that each person has the ability—and the duty—to discern what is right, not just follow the crowd or outside opinions.

Why Luke 12:57 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that people are always dependent on religious leaders or external authorities to know what is right; Jesus is saying individuals can and should make moral judgments themselves.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Jesus criticizes people for recognizing obvious things in daily life but ignoring spiritual or moral truths that are just as clear.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and honest self-examination, which are key themes in Jesus’ teaching throughout Luke 12.

Where else these words appear

“right” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“ye” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?