When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

LUKE 12:58KJV
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Luke 12:58 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:58 mean?

Luke 12:58 uses the example of settling a dispute before reaching a judge to urge the listener to resolve conflicts quickly and wisely, rather than letting them escalate to harsher consequences. The verse warns that failing to make peace on the way could result in being handed over to authorities and ultimately imprisoned.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a practical situation—two people heading to court—to illustrate a broader point about reconciliation and judgment. The language paints a vivid picture: as someone is "in the way" with an adversary, they should "give diligence" to settle matters before reaching the magistrate, or else risk a chain of events leading to imprisonment. The context suggests Jesus is teaching about the urgency of making things right before facing final judgment or irreversible outcomes.

The Greek behind Luke 12:58

  • ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ (en tē hodo, "in the way"): This phrase emphasizes the time before reaching the judge, highlighting the opportunity to act while there is still time.
  • δὸς ἐργασίαν (dos ergasian, "give diligence"): The Greek word here carries the sense of making every effort or being earnest in seeking resolution, not just a casual attempt.
  • ἀντίδικος (antidikos, "adversary"): This word refers to an opponent in a legal sense, sharpening the image of a real dispute that could have serious consequences if not settled.
  • παραδῷ (paradō, "deliver"): The Greek here often means to hand over or entrust, underlining the seriousness of being passed from one authority to another, each step bringing greater loss of control.

Why Luke 12:58 matters

  • Luke 12:58 clarifies that Jesus is not just giving legal advice but using a legal scenario to teach about the urgency of reconciliation and the consequences of unresolved conflict.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage, where Jesus warns about being ready for judgment and making wise choices before it is too late.
  • This verse helps prevent the misunderstanding that spiritual matters can always be delayed; instead, it stresses that some opportunities for peace and resolution are time-sensitive.

Where else these words appear

“delivered” Greek G525 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
  • Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

“adversary” Greek G476 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

“diligence” Greek G2039 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
  • Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
  • Acts 19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

“judge” Greek G2923 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.