But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

LUKE 19:27KJV
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Luke 19:27 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“reign” Greek G936 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

“But” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“enemies” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.