But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
LUKE 19:27KJVWhat does Luke 19:27 mean?
Luke 19:27 records Jesus, in a parable, describing a king commanding that his enemies—those who refused his rule—be brought before him and killed. The verse uses strong language to show the king’s total authority and the fate of those who reject him.
In context, Jesus is telling a story to a crowd in Jericho, just before entering Jerusalem. The parable is about a nobleman who goes away to receive a kingdom and later returns. This verse is the conclusion of the story, where the nobleman (representing a king) deals with people who opposed his rule. The words are not a direct command from Jesus, but part of the parable’s dramatic ending, highlighting the seriousness of rejecting the king’s authority.
The Greek behind Luke 19:27
- ἐχθρούς (echthrous, G2190): This word means "enemies" and refers to those who actively oppose or reject the king. The Greek carries a sense of hostility, not just passive disagreement.
- βασιλεύσω (basileusō, G936): This verb means "to reign" or "to rule as king." The emphasis is on the king’s right to authority, which the enemies refuse to accept.
- κατασφάξατε (katasphaxate, G2695): This word means "slay" or "kill violently." The Greek term is very strong, underlining the severity of the judgment described in the parable.
Why Luke 19:27 matters
- Luke 19:27 is often misunderstood as a direct teaching or command from Jesus, but it is actually the words of the king in a parable, not a literal instruction.
- The verse underscores the seriousness with which the king (in the story) responds to rejection, highlighting the theme of accountability found throughout the parable.
- Understanding this verse in context helps clarify that Jesus is using a story to make a point about response to his own authority, not prescribing violence.