Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

LUKE 13:26KJV
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Luke 13:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:26 mean?

Luke 13:26 describes people trying to justify themselves to Jesus by pointing out that they had shared meals with him and listened to his teaching in their towns. The verse shows that being physically close to Jesus or hearing his words is not the same as truly following him.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd and warning them about the coming judgment. He pictures people pleading at the closed door, saying they had eaten and drunk with him and heard him teach in their streets, hoping this connection will be enough. The verse highlights that mere association with Jesus—being around him or hearing his teaching—is not what he is looking for; something deeper is required.

The Greek behind Luke 13:26

  • The word for "presence" is ἐνώπιον (enōpion), which often means "in front of" or "in the sight of." This emphasizes that these people were not just nearby but directly in Jesus’ company, making their claim more personal.
  • The word for "streets" is πλατείαις (plateiais), meaning broad streets or public places. This suggests that Jesus’ teaching was public and accessible, not hidden or secret.

Why Luke 13:26 matters

  • Luke 13:26 clarifies that simply being present at Jesus’ teachings or sharing meals with him does not guarantee acceptance; personal response and relationship matter more than proximity.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus warns about the narrow door, stressing that not everyone who claims association with him will be welcomed.
  • It challenges assumptions that outward religious activity or casual connection to faith is enough, pointing instead to the need for a genuine response.

Where else these words appear

“streets” Greek G4113 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

“drunk” Greek G4095 · used in 66 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

“begin” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“presence” 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.