Luke - 12:41



41 Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?"

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Luke 12:41.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all?
And Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou speak this parable to us, or likewise to all?
And Peter said to him, Lord, sayest thou this parable to us, or also to all?
And Peter said to him, 'Sir, unto us this simile dost thou speak, or also unto all?'
Then Peter said to him, Lord, speak you this parable to us, or even to all?
"Master," said Peter, "are you addressing this parable to us, or to all alike?"
And Peter said to him, Lord, are these words said to us only, or to all men?
Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?"
"Master," said Peter, "are you telling this parable with reference to us or to everyone?"

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Then Peter said unto him, Lord,.... The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "our Lord":
speakest thou this parable: of the master at the wedding, and his servants waiting for him, or of the housekeeper watching that his house be not broken up, or both:
unto us, or unto all? Peter was in doubt whether the above discourse was peculiarly directed to them, the apostles, as containing special instructions to them in the discharge of the ministerial work; or whether it was designed for all his disciples and followers, both in the present age, and in time to come, to the end of the world.

All are to take to themselves what Christ says in his word, and to inquire concerning it. No one is left so ignorant as not to know many things to be wrong which he does, and many things to be right which he neglects; therefore all are without excuse in their sin. The bringing in the gospel dispensation would occasion desolations. Not that this would be the tendency of Christ's religion, which is pure, peaceable, and loving; but the effect of its being contrary to men's pride and lusts. There was to be a wide publication of the gospel. But before that took place, Christ had a baptism to be baptized with, far different from that of water and the Holy Spirit. He must endure sufferings and death. It agreed not with his plan to preach the gospel more widely, till this baptism was completed. We should be zealous in making known the truth, for though divisions will be stirred up, and a man's own household may be his foes, yet sinners will be converted, and God will be glorified.

unto us or even to all?--us the Twelve, or all this vast audience?

Speakest thou this parable to us - Apostles and disciples: Or to all - The people? Does it concern us alone? Or all men?

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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