Luke 6 14

Luke 6:14 kjv

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Luke 6:14 nkjv

Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;

Luke 6:14 niv

Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,

Luke 6:14 esv

Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,

Luke 6:14 nlt

Simon (whom he named Peter),
Andrew (Peter's brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,

Luke 6 verses

Luke 6 14 Meaning

This verse enumerates the first six individuals chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ from among His many disciples to be His twelve apostles, a specific group commissioned for a distinct ministry. It notably highlights the pivotal renaming of Simon to Peter, underscoring its spiritual significance and his foundational role among the apostles.

Luke 6 14 Context

Luke 6:14 is embedded within a pivotal section of Luke's Gospel, specifically detailing the calling of Jesus's chosen apostles. Immediately preceding this verse, in Luke 6:12, Jesus spends an entire night in solitary prayer on a mountain. This deep, intimate communion with God directly precedes and informs His most significant administrative act of His earthly ministry: the selection of the twelve apostles (Lk 6:13). The selection of "twelve" is highly symbolic, representing the reconstitution of God's people, analogous to the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing a new foundation for God's kingdom on earth. Following this list, Jesus descends to the plain and delivers the Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6:17-49), instructing not only the apostles but also a great multitude. Thus, verse 14 highlights the inauguration of a specialized leadership within Christ's growing ministry, designed to expand His reach and eventually to lay the foundation for the Church after His ascension.

Luke 6 14 Word analysis

• and (καὶ - kai): Connects the previous statement about choosing the twelve (Lk 6:13) to the actual listing of names. It denotes continuation and addition.
• Simon (Σίμων - Simōn): The original name of the disciple, a common Hebrew name. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee. His original identity serves as a contrast to his divinely given new name.
• whom he also named Peter (ὃν καὶ ὠνόμασεν Πέτρον - hon kai onomasen Petros):
  • whom (hon): Points directly back to Simon, emphasizing the specific person receiving the new name.
  • he also named (kai onomasen): Indicates that this renaming was a direct, intentional act by Jesus. The act of renaming often signifies a new identity, destiny, or role given by God (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel).
  • Peter (Πέτρον - Petros): Greek word meaning "rock" or "stone." This renaming foretold Simon's future role as a foundational leader among the apostles and in the early Church, a firm pillar of faith and declaration.
• and Andrew (καὶ Ἀνδρέαν - kai Andrean): The Greek name means "manly." Andrew was Peter's brother and one of the first two disciples Jesus called, along with an unnamed disciple (likely John, according to John's Gospel). He famously brought his brother Simon to Jesus.
• his brother (τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ - ton adelphon autou): Specifically clarifies the familial relationship between Andrew and Simon, highlighting an initial family connection within the early group of disciples. This was common for brothers to follow a rabbi together.
• and James (καὶ Ἰάκωβον - kai Iakōbon): The Greek form of Jacob. James, son of Zebedee, was a fisherman and one of the "sons of thunder" (Mk 3:17), alongside his brother John. He belonged to Jesus' inner circle (Peter, James, John).
• and John (καὶ Ἰωάννην - kai Iōannēn): The Greek form of "Yohanan" meaning "The Lord is gracious." John, son of Zebedee, was also a fisherman and the beloved disciple, often portrayed in deep relationship with Jesus. Part of the inner circle with James and Peter.
• and Philip (καὶ Φίλιππον - kai Philippon): A Greek name meaning "lover of horses." Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew. He plays a distinctive role in John's Gospel, introducing Nathanael to Jesus and interacting in the feeding of the five thousand.
• and Bartholomew (καὶ Βαρθολομαῖον - kai Bartholomaios): An Aramaic name meaning "son of Tolmai." He is widely identified with Nathanael mentioned in John's Gospel (Jn 1:45-51), brought to Jesus by Philip, renowned for his initial skepticism but subsequent declaration of Jesus's identity.

Luke 6 14 Bonus section

The order of apostles often varies slightly across the synoptic Gospels and Acts, but Peter consistently appears first, signifying his preeminence in leadership and proclamation. The concept of "twelve" deliberately mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the continuity and expansion of God's covenant people through Christ and His appointed new spiritual leadership. Each apostle, though individually unique and with their own personal shortcomings, was supernaturally equipped and transformed for their specific calling, collectively serving as eye-witnesses and the foundational pillars of the early Church's doctrine and mission, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. Their selection was a significant step in institutionalizing Christ's earthly ministry and preparing for its global extension.

Luke 6 14 Commentary

Luke 6:14 provides the specific names of the first six of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. This selection, following a night of prayer, underscores the divine wisdom and deliberate purpose behind the formation of this foundational group. The immediate focus on Simon's renaming to Peter ("rock") highlights a profound spiritual transformation and prophetic designation of his future role as a stable leader in the early Church. The inclusion of Andrew, Peter's brother, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, signifies their immediate call and prominent roles within Jesus's ministry. Philip and Bartholomew (likely Nathanael) further demonstrate the Lord's calling extending beyond immediate family connections, bringing together diverse individuals from different backgrounds and with varying spiritual journeys. This verse marks the official beginning of the apostolic body, intended to be trained directly by Christ for the continuation and expansion of His Gospel message and the establishment of His kingdom after His ascension. The diverse initial group selected for leadership demonstrates that God chooses individuals based not on worldly merit, but on divine purpose.