New International VersionDo you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
New Living TranslationDo you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!
English Standard VersionDo you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Berean Standard BibleDo you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.
Berean Literal BibleDo you think that I came to give peace on the earth? No, I say to you, but rather division.
King James BibleSuppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
New King James VersionDo you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
New American Standard BibleDo you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division;
NASB 1995“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;
NASB 1977“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;
Legacy Standard BibleDo you think that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;
Amplified BibleDo you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division [between believers and unbelievers];
Christian Standard BibleDo you think that I came here to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Holman Christian Standard BibleDo you think that I came here to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!
American Standard VersionThink ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Contemporary English VersionDo you think that I came to bring peace to earth? No indeed! I came to make people choose sides.
English Revised VersionThink ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Do you think I came to bring peace to earth? No! I can guarantee that I came to bring nothing but division.
Good News TranslationDo you suppose that I came to bring peace to the world? No, not peace, but division.
International Standard VersionDo you think that I came to bring peace on earth? Not at all, I tell you, but rather division!
NET BibleDo you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!
New Heart English BibleDo you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.
Webster's Bible TranslationSuppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, No; but rather division:
Weymouth New TestamentDo you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? No, I tell you that I came to bring dissension. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDo you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.
World English BibleDo you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionDo you think that I came to give peace in the earth? No, I say to you, but rather division;
Berean Literal BibleDo you think that I came to give peace on the earth? No, I say to you, but rather division.
Young's Literal Translation 'Think ye that peace I came to give in the earth? no, I say to you, but rather division;
Smith's Literal TranslationThink ye that I came to give peace in the earth? Nay, I say to you; but rather division: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThink ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.
Catholic Public Domain VersionDo you think that I have come to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.
New American BibleDo you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
New Revised Standard VersionDo you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDo you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? I say to you, No, but divisions;
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? I say to you, no, but division.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentDo you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I toll you, No; but rather dissension.
Godbey New TestamentDo you think that I have come to give peace on the earth? I say unto you, Nay, but division.
Haweis New Testament
Think ye that I came to bring peace upon earth? No, I tell you; but rather division:
Mace New Testament
do you imagine that my coming will produce peace on the earth? I tell you, no; but rather division.
Weymouth New Testament
Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? No, I tell you that I came to bring dissension.
Worrell New Testament
Think ye that I came to give peace in the earth? I tell you, nay, but rather division.
Worsley New Testament
Do ye think that I am come to give peace on the earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Not Peace, But Division… 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51Do you thinkthatI have cometo bringpeacetotheearth?No,I tellyou,butdivision.52From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.…
Cross References Matthew 10:34-36Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. / For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
Micah 7:6For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
John 7:43So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.
John 9:16Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.
John 10:19Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.
Matthew 24:6-7You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Acts 14:4The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
Acts 23:7-10As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. / For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. / A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” ...
1 Corinthians 11:18-19First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. / And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Isaiah 9:6-7For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
Jeremiah 6:14They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
Ezekiel 13:10Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,
Zechariah 11:6For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.”
Malachi 4:5-6Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Treasury of Scripture Suppose you that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, No; but rather division: Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? Zechariah 11:7,8,10,11,14 And I will feed the flock of slaughter,even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock… Matthew 10:34-36 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword… Jump to Previous DissensionDivisionEarthGrantOpinionPeaceRatherSupposeThinkJump to Next DissensionDivisionEarthGrantOpinionPeaceRatherSupposeThinkLuke 12 1.Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy13.and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.22.We must not worry about earthly things,31.but seek the kingdom of God;33.give alms;35.be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.41.Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,49.and look for persecution.54.The people must take this time of grace;57.because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?This phrase challenges the common expectation of the Messiah as a bringer of peace. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah was anticipated to establish a reign of peace and prosperity. Jesus, however, addresses a misconception about His mission. The question is rhetorical, prompting listeners to reconsider their understanding of His purpose. This echoes the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is called the "Prince of Peace," yet here, Jesus clarifies that His immediate mission involves a different kind of impact. The peace He offers is spiritual and internal, not necessarily societal or political. No, I tell you, but division.
Jesus introduces the concept of division as a necessary consequence of His ministry. This division is not a contradiction to His role as the Prince of Peace but highlights the reality of human response to His message. The division arises from differing reactions to the Gospel, as seen in families and communities where some accept and others reject His teachings. This is further illustrated inMatthew 10:34-36, where Jesus speaks of setting family members against each other. The division is a result of the truth confronting sin and the world’s values, leading to a separation between those who follow Christ and those who do not. This division is a fulfillment of prophecy and a type of the refining process that distinguishes true believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples and followers, challenging their expectations of His mission. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing those who are committed to following Him and learning from His teachings. 3. EarthSymbolically represents the world and its systems, which are often in opposition to the Kingdom of God. 4. DivisionThe result of Jesus' coming, as His message and mission create a clear distinction between those who accept Him and those who reject Him. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' mission was not to bring superficial peace but to challenge the status quo and call people to a decision about Him. The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus may lead to division, even among close relationships, as His truth demands a response that can separate believers from non-believers. Spiritual DiscernmentBelievers are called to discern the truth of Jesus' message and stand firm, even when it leads to conflict or division. Peace vs. DivisionTrue peace comes from reconciliation with God through Christ, which may initially result in division as people respond differently to the Gospel. Commitment to ChristBelievers must prioritize their commitment to Christ above all else, understanding that this may lead to difficult choices and divisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 12:51?
2.How does Luke 12:51 challenge our understanding of Jesus' mission on earth?
3.In what ways can division be a result of following Christ's teachings?
4.How does Luke 12:51 relate to Matthew 10:34 about bringing a sword?
5.How can believers prepare for divisions within families due to faith in Christ?
6.What practical steps can we take to prioritize faith amidst familial conflict?
7.How does Luke 12:51 align with Jesus' message of peace and love?
8.Why does Jesus say He brings division in Luke 12:51?
9.What historical context explains the division mentioned in Luke 12:51?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 12?
11.What did Jesus mean by bringing a sword, not peace?
12.What does the Bible say about division and unity?
13.What did Jesus mean by bringing a sword, not peace?
14.If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why did He say He came to bring "division" (Luke 12:51-53)?What Does Luke 12:51 Mean Do you thinkJesus opens with a probing question. He wants His listeners to examine their assumptions before He corrects them. • Crowds around Him carried patriotic and personal hopes—some wanted a miracle worker, others a political liberator (John 6:15;Acts 1:6). • By asking, He exposes how easily sincere people can embrace a partial truth instead of the whole counsel of God (Luke 11:29;John 2:23-25). • This is the gracious pattern of Scripture: God confronts first, then clarifies (Genesis 3:9;Isaiah 1:18).
that I have come to bring peace to the earth?Yes, the Messiah is called “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and the angels did sing, “on earth peace among men” (Luke 2:14). Yet Jesus distinguishes two kinds of peace: • Peace with God—secured through His atoning work (Romans 5:1;Colossians 1:20). • Peace in circumstances—which will not be universal until His second coming (Revelation 19:11-16). Other passages echo this tension: He offers “My peace” to believers (John 14:27), yet warns of tribulation in the world (John 16:33). The immediate mission, therefore, is reconciliation, not social tranquility.
No, I tell you, but division.Truth always divides between belief and unbelief. Jesus states it plainly: “From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three” (Luke 12:52; cf.Matthew 10:34-36). • Familial division—parents, children, siblings may part over allegiance to Christ. • Religious division—synagogues then, secular culture now, split over the exclusivity of the gospel (John 9:16;Acts 14:4). • Personal division—within every heart, the word “cuts” like a sword, exposing motives (Hebrews 4:12;Ephesians 6:17). The Lord does not celebrate conflict, yet He refuses to dilute truth to avoid it. Receiving Him means choosing sides (John 3:18-21;1 Corinthians 1:18).
summaryJesus challenges wishful thinking: the first coming does not guarantee societal calm but confronts every soul with a choice. Peace with God is available now through Christ, but unified earthly peace awaits His return. Until then, loyalty to Jesus inevitably creates division between those who submit to His lordship and those who reject it. (51-53) Suppose ye that I am come to give peace?--See Notes on Matthew 10:34-35. The chief variations are "division" for "sword," and, in Luke 12:53, the doubled statement of reciprocated enmity in each relationship. Verse 51. - Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. But the Master quickly leaves himself and his own sad forebodings. He puts by for a season his own holy impatience and continues his warnings. "I have been dwelling on the troublous times quickly coming on. Do not deceive yourselves, my disciples; the great change about to be inaugurated will only be carried out in war and by divisions in the individual house as in the nation. I bring not peace, but a sword, remember." And then follows a curious picture of a home torn asunder by the conflict of thought which would spring up as the result of the cross and of the preaching of the cross.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Do you thinkΔοκεῖτε(Dokeite)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1380:A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.I have comeπαρεγενόμην(paregenomēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3854:From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.to bringδοῦναι(dounai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.peaceεἰρήνην(eirēnēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515:Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.toἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.earth?γῇ(gē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.No,οὐχί(ouchi)Adverb
Strong's 3780:By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.I tellλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.division.διαμερισμόν(diamerismon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1267:Breaking up; discord, hostility. From diamerizo; disunion.
Links Luke 12:51 NIVLuke 12:51 NLTLuke 12:51 ESVLuke 12:51 NASBLuke 12:51 KJV
Luke 12:51 BibleApps.comLuke 12:51 Biblia ParalelaLuke 12:51 Chinese BibleLuke 12:51 French BibleLuke 12:51 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 12:51 Do you think that I have come (Luke Lu Lk) |
