I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

LUKE 12:59KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 12:59 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:59 mean?

Luke 12:59 means that a person will not be released from a situation of judgment or obligation until every last part of what is owed has been paid, down to the smallest amount. Jesus is warning that there are real and lasting consequences for unresolved debts or wrongs.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using the example of settling with an adversary before reaching the judge. The "mite" refers to a very small coin, emphasizing that nothing will be overlooked. The setting is a warning about the seriousness of being accountable, urging listeners to make things right before facing final judgment.

The Greek behind Luke 12:59

  • "mite" (λεπτόν, lepton): This word means a tiny coin of very little value. Its use here stresses that not even the smallest debt or detail will be ignored.
  • "paid" (ἀποδῷς, apodōs): This word means to give back or pay off. The sense is that full repayment or restitution is required, not just a partial effort.
  • "last" (ἔσχατος, eschatos): This word means the very end or the final part. It highlights that the obligation extends to the absolute last bit.

Why Luke 12:59 matters

  • Luke 12:59 clarifies that Jesus is not just talking about money, but about the seriousness of moral and spiritual debts—nothing is too small to be overlooked.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of making things right before it is too late, connecting to Jesus’ broader teaching about readiness and judgment in Luke 12.
  • This warning helps clear up any idea that small wrongs or unfinished business do not matter; Jesus teaches that every detail counts.

Where else these words appear

“mite” Greek G3016 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
  • Luke 21:2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

“paid” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
  • Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.