And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

LUKE 9:62KJV
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Luke 9:62 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:62 mean?

Luke 9:62 describes Jesus telling someone that anyone who starts following Him but keeps looking back or hesitating is not suited for God’s kingdom. The verse uses the image of plowing a field to show that following Jesus requires single-minded commitment, without being distracted by past attachments or second thoughts.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a person who wants to follow Him but is hesitant because of personal ties. The image of putting one’s hand to the plough and looking back would have been familiar to people in an agricultural society; it means trying to do important work while being distracted, which leads to crooked furrows and poor results. Jesus is emphasizing that following Him is not something to do half-heartedly or with divided loyalty.

The Greek behind Luke 9:62

  • "πρὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον" (pros ton anthrōpon, "unto him"): Jesus is addressing a specific person, making the statement personal and direct.
  • "ἐπιβαλὼν τὴν χεῖρα ἐπ’ ἄροτρον" (epibalōn tēn cheira ep’ arotron, "having put his hand to the plough"): This phrase paints a vivid picture of beginning a task that requires focus and steady attention.
  • "βλέπων εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω" (blepōn eis ta opisō, "looking back"): The Greek carries the sense of repeatedly or habitually looking back, not just a single glance, highlighting ongoing hesitation or regret.
  • "εὔθετός" (euthetos, "fit"): This word means suitable or well-placed, suggesting that divided attention makes someone unprepared or unsuitable for the demands of God’s kingdom.

Why Luke 9:62 matters

  • Luke 9:62 clears up the idea that following Jesus can be done casually or without full commitment; Jesus calls for undivided focus.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where several people express a desire to follow Jesus but hesitate due to personal concerns, showing that Jesus expects His followers to put Him first.
  • The agricultural metaphor would have resonated with Jesus’ audience, making the cost and seriousness of discipleship clear in everyday terms.

Where else these words appear

“fit” Greek G2111 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

“put” Greek G1911 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • John 7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

“back” Greek G3694 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Mark 13:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
  • John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

“looking” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.