Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

LUKE 6:47KJV
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Luke 6:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:47 mean?

In Luke 6:47, Jesus introduces a picture of a person whose response to him includes both listening and action. He says he will show what such a person is like, preparing his listeners for the comparison that follows.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples within earshot of a larger crowd. After asking why people call him “Lord” without doing what he says in verse 46, he describes the person who comes to him, hears his sayings, and puts them into practice.

The Greek behind Luke 6:47

  • “sayings” — λόγος (logos): The Greek word can mean words, speech, or a message. Here it refers to what Jesus has been saying, rather than to a single instruction.
  • “shew” — ὑποδείκνυμι (hypodeiknymi): This word carries the sense of showing or pointing something out. Jesus is introducing an illustration that will make the comparison visible to his listeners.

Why Luke 6:47 matters

  • Jesus leaves the comparison unfinished in this verse. The promise “I will shew you” leads into verse 48, where the listener and doer is compared to a builder who lays a foundation on rock.
  • The foundation in the next verse gives weight to the actions named here. In the picture, a flood strikes the house, but the house stands because it was well built.
  • The contrast reaches beyond two kinds of houses. Verse 49 describes someone who hears but does not act, helping explain why Jesus includes “doeth them” alongside hearing in verse 47.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Greek G5263 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.