Luke 12 4

Luke 12:4 kjv

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:4 nkjv

"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:4 niv

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Luke 12:4 esv

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

Luke 12:4 nlt

"Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 4 Meaning

Luke 12:4 presents a direct command from Jesus to His disciples, whom He intimately calls "my friends," to cast aside fear of those who can inflict only physical harm, such as killing the body. This counsel underscores the significant limitation of human power, asserting that earthly adversaries cannot extend their dominion beyond this mortal life to affect one's eternal soul or spirit. It sets the stage for a critical distinction between the transient threats posed by humans and the ultimate power held by God.

Luke 12 4 Context

Luke chapter 12 primarily addresses themes of discipleship, divine providence, and judgment, warning against hypocrisy, greed, and unreadiness. Immediately prior to verse 4, Jesus warns His disciples against the "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" (v.1), stating that "nothing is covered up that will not be revealed" (v.2). This sets the stage for an authentic, fearless witness. Luke 12:4-5 is a pivotal section where Jesus explicitly contrasts the limited power of man (who can only kill the body) with the absolute power of God (who can cast into hell), shifting the focus of fear from the temporal to the eternal. He is speaking directly to His followers, distinguishing them from the general crowd and the adversarial Pharisees mentioned earlier. Historically, followers of Jesus were beginning to face ostracism, ridicule, and potentially even physical harm for their faith, making this warning and encouragement incredibly relevant for their perseverance.

Luke 12 4 Word analysis

• And I say unto you: Jesus is making a solemn and authoritative declaration. This is not mere advice but a command rooted in divine understanding. It introduces a crucial teaching directly from the Lord.
• my friends: (philoi - φίλοι, Greek for beloved friends). This intimate term reflects Jesus' deep affection and trust for His disciples. It highlights the special relationship between Him and His chosen ones, distinguishing them from the crowds or adversaries. The shared bond underscores the importance of the forthcoming warning and comfort.
• Be not afraid: (me phobēthēte - μὴ φοβηθῆτε, Greek aorist imperative with negation, meaning "stop being afraid" or "do not become afraid"). This is an imperative, a direct command from Jesus, demonstrating that fear of men is an inappropriate response for His followers. It calls for a courageous, faith-filled mindset, emphasizing trust over dread.
• of them that kill: (apokteinontōn - ἀποκτεινόντων, Greek present participle). This refers to those with the power to cause physical death. In the Roman context, this could include civil authorities or religious persecutors. The present tense emphasizes the potential for ongoing threats.
• the body: (to sōma - τὸ σῶμα, Greek for the physical body). This specifies the object of their power—only the physical, mortal shell. It underscores the limitation of human destructive capability, which cannot touch the immaterial essence or eternal destiny.
• and after that: (kai meta tauta - καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα, Greek for "and after these things"). This phrase emphatically points to the end of their power. Once the physical body is destroyed, human adversaries are powerless to inflict any further harm, especially concerning the soul's ultimate state.
• have no more that they can do: This clearly delineates the boundary of human malice. It signifies the complete impotence of persecutors to affect the deeper, spiritual reality of the believer's existence or their eternal fate, contrasting sharply with God's ultimate authority.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And I say unto you my friends": This introductory phrase highlights the personal and authoritative nature of Jesus' address. He is not merely teaching a general principle but offering a profound truth directly to those closest to Him, inviting trust and obedience based on their relationship. The warmth of "my friends" contrasts with the severity of the coming threat, reassuring His listeners of His care.
• "Be not afraid of them that kill the body": This core command confronts a very real and existential threat. Jesus directly addresses the natural human fear of physical suffering and death, recognizing it as a major impediment to faithfulness. By specifying "the body," He implicitly points to a greater reality that human power cannot touch, thereby shifting the focus from earthly dangers to eternal concerns.
• "and after that have no more that they can do": This critical clause precisely defines the limit of human malevolence and power. It offers profound reassurance that the worst a human persecutor can inflict—physical death—is ultimately not the final word. Their power ends at the grave, whereas God's power extends beyond it, assuring believers that their ultimate destiny remains secure in His hands.

Luke 12 4 Bonus section

The emphasis on the limited power of "them that kill the body" serves as a direct counter-narrative to contemporary pagan and Roman beliefs which often elevated imperial authority and earthly power to an almost divine status. By asserting that man's power ends at physical death, Jesus fundamentally challenges the notion that any earthly ruler or system has ultimate control over a believer's true being or eternal destiny. This teaching therefore instilled a revolutionary courage in His followers, liberating them from paralyzing fear of earthly authorities and redirecting their ultimate awe and reverence towards God alone, who holds the keys to both life and afterlife. It suggests that while persecution is real and painful, it is never final for the believer.

Luke 12 4 Commentary

Luke 12:4 is a cornerstone verse on discipleship and courageous faith. Jesus delivers this exhortation not to the masses, but intimately to "my friends," recognizing the unique challenges they would face as His followers. The command "Be not afraid" directly addresses the universal human fear of death and suffering, which often hinders obedience and public confession of Christ. However, Jesus immediately qualifies this fear by defining the limited scope of human power: they can only "kill the body." This is the ultimate extent of earthly tyranny; human adversaries possess no authority or ability to harm the soul or alter one's eternal standing with God. This verse teaches that valuing temporary, physical life over eternal spiritual life is a miscalculation rooted in misdirected fear. True disciples must understand that human power, no matter how intimidating, is inherently finite. The implications call for a bold, unwavering commitment to Christ, prioritizing eternal truth and allegiance to God above personal safety or comfort in the face of persecution. Examples abound throughout Christian history, from early martyrs like Polycarp to believers enduring modern persecution, who have embraced this truth, finding freedom from fear by recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty.