But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

LUKE 12:9KJV
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Luke 12:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:9 mean?

Luke 12:9 says that anyone who denies Jesus in front of other people will, in turn, be denied by Jesus in front of God’s angels. This is a warning that public rejection of Jesus has serious consequences in the presence of God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a gathered crowd, teaching about the importance of loyalty to him even when it is difficult. The setting is one where Jesus is preparing his followers for opposition and encouraging them to stand firm. The verse highlights the seriousness of acknowledging or denying Jesus, especially when facing pressure from others.

The Greek behind Luke 12:9

  • "denieth" (ἀρνήσηται, arnēsētai): This Greek word means to refuse, disown, or reject. Here, it carries the sense of publicly disassociating from Jesus, not just a private doubt or fear.
  • "before" (ἐνώπιον, enōpion): This word means "in the presence of." The verse uses it twice—first for denying Jesus in front of people, and then for being denied in front of God’s angels, emphasizing the public and relational aspect of both actions.
  • "men" (ἀνθρώπων, anthrōpōn): This word means "people" or "humans" in general, not just men. The warning applies to any situation where someone might be pressured by others.
  • "denied" (ἀπαρνηθήσεται, aparnēthēsetai): This is the future passive form, meaning "will be denied." It shows that the consequence is not just natural but will be actively carried out in the future, specifically before the angels of God.

Why Luke 12:9 matters

  • Luke 12:9 clarifies that following Jesus is not just a private matter; public allegiance or denial has lasting significance.
  • The verse connects personal choices now with future consequences in God’s presence, making the stakes of discipleship clear.
  • This warning fits into Jesus’ broader teaching in Luke 12, where he prepares his followers for opposition and urges them to remain faithful even when under pressure.

Where else these words appear

“denied” Greek G533 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

“denieth” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“before” Greek G1799 · used in 89 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.