Luke 13:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:27 mean?

Luke 13:27 describes a moment when someone is told by Jesus, “I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.” This means that despite their claims or expectations, these people are rejected because they are known for doing wrong, not for belonging to Jesus.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to people who assumed they were accepted by God, but he tells them plainly that he does not recognize them as his own. The setting is a warning about entering God’s kingdom, showing that just being familiar with Jesus or his teachings is not enough—what matters is whether a person truly belongs to him and lives accordingly.

The Greek behind Luke 13:27

• ἐργάται (ergatai, “workers”): This word means people who actively do or practice something. Here, it emphasizes that these people are known by what they continually do—specifically, wrongdoing.
• ἀδικίας (adikias, “iniquity”): This word is often understood as “unrighteousness” or “injustice.” It highlights that the problem is not just a lack of knowledge or association, but a pattern of living in ways that go against what is right.
• ἀπό (apo, “from”): This preposition means “away from” or “out of.” The command to “depart from me” is a strong statement of separation, making it clear that those addressed are being excluded from Jesus’ presence.

Why Luke 13:27 matters

• Luke 13:27 clears up the misunderstanding that simply knowing about Jesus or being around religious things guarantees acceptance; it stresses that what truly matters is one’s actions and relationship to him.
• The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus warns about the narrow door and the reality that not everyone who expects to enter God’s kingdom will be welcomed.
• This statement highlights the seriousness of living in a way that matches one’s claims of faith, showing that Jesus looks for genuine belonging, not just outward association.