New International VersionI tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
New Living TranslationAnd if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.”
English Standard VersionI tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Berean Standard BibleI tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Berean Literal BibleI say to you, you shall never come out from there until you shall have paid even the last lepton."
King James BibleI tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
New King James VersionI tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”
New American Standard BibleI tell you, you will not get out of there until you have paid up the very last lepton.”
NASB 1995“I say to you, you will not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”
NASB 1977“I say to you, you shall not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”
Legacy Standard BibleI say to you, you will not get out of there until you have paid the last lepton.”
Amplified BibleI say to you, you [absolutely] will not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”
Christian Standard BibleI tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleI tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last cent.”
American Standard VersionI say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the very last mite.
Contemporary English VersionYou won't get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
English Revised VersionI say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the very last mite.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI can guarantee that you won't get out until you pay every penny of your fine."
Good News TranslationThere you will stay, I tell you, until you pay the last penny of your fine."
International Standard VersionI tell you, you will never get out of there until you pay back the last penny!"
NET BibleI tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the very last cent!"
New Heart English BibleI tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."
Webster's Bible TranslationI tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Weymouth New TestamentNever, I tell you, will you get free till you have paid the last farthing." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
World English BibleI tell you, you will by no means get out of there until you have paid the very last penny.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI say to you, you may not come forth from there until even the last mite you may give back.”
Berean Literal BibleI say to you, you shall never come out from there until you shall have paid even the last lepton."
Young's Literal Translation I say to thee, thou mayest not come forth thence till even the last mite thou mayest give back.'
Smith's Literal TranslationI say to thee, thou shouldest not come out thence, even till also thou shouldest give back the last small coin. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI say to thee, thou shalt not go out thence, until thou pay the very last mite.
Catholic Public Domain VersionI tell you, you will not depart from there, until you have paid the very last coin.”
New American BibleI say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
New Revised Standard VersionI tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTruly I say to you, you will not come out from thence, until you pay the last penny.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“I say to you, you shall not go out from there until you give the last quarter cent.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI say to you, You shall not come out thence, till you have paid the very last mite.
Godbey New TestamentI say unto you, You can by no means come out thence, till you have even paid the last mite.
Haweis New Testament
I tell thee, thou mayest in no wise come out from thence, until thou hast paid the very last mite.
Mace New Testament
I tell you, you will not get out, till you have paid to the last farthing.
Weymouth New Testament
Never, I tell you, will you get free till you have paid the last farthing."
Worrell New Testament
I tell you, you will in no wise come out thence, till you shall pay even the last mite."
Worsley New Testament
I tell thee, thou shalt not come out from thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Reconcile with an Adversary… 58Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. 59I tellyou,you will not get outuntilyou have paidtheverylastpenny.”
Cross References Matthew 5:25-26Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 18:34-35In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. / That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Romans 13:7Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
James 2:13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Proverbs 6:1-5My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, / if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, / then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. ...
Proverbs 25:8-10do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.
1 Peter 3:18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,
Colossians 3:13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Corinthians 6:7-8The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? / Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!
Hebrews 12:14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Isaiah 55:6-7Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
Ezekiel 18:30-32Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
Micah 6:8He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Zechariah 8:16-17These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, / do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.
Treasury of Scripture I tell you, you shall not depart there, till you have paid the very last mite. thou shalt. Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, thatwould come from thence. Matthew 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. Matthew 25:41,46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: … mite. Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Jump to Previous CentCopperDepartFarthingFreeLastMayestMeansPaidPaymentPennyThenceJump to Next CentCopperDepartFarthingFreeLastMayestMeansPaidPaymentPennyThenceLuke 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.I tell youThis phrase indicates the authority of Jesus as a teacher and prophet. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often uses "I tell you" to emphasize the importance and truth of His statements. It reflects His role as the ultimate authority on spiritual matters, echoing the Old Testament prophets who spoke on behalf of God. This authoritative introduction underscores the seriousness of the message that follows. you will not get out
This part of the verse suggests a form of confinement or judgment. In the context ofLuke 12, Jesus is speaking about the importance of reconciling with others and settling disputes before facing divine judgment. The imagery of not getting out until a debt is paid can be seen as a metaphor for the consequences of unresolved sin or conflict. It reflects the Jewish understanding of justice and the need for atonement, which is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus. until you have paid
The concept of paying a debt is a common biblical metaphor for sin and forgiveness. In Jewish culture, debts were taken seriously, and failure to pay could result in imprisonment. This phrase highlights the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions. It also points to the broader biblical theme of redemption and the need for repentance. The idea of paying a debt can be connected to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where offerings were made to atone for sin. the very last penny.
The "very last penny" refers to the smallest Roman coin, the lepton, emphasizing the completeness of the payment required. This detail underscores the thoroughness of divine justice and the necessity of full reconciliation. In a broader theological context, it points to the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement, where He paid the full price for humanity's sins. The imagery of the last penny also serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation before it is too late. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd, teaching them about the importance of reconciliation and the consequences of failing to do so. 2. The CrowdThe audience to whom Jesus is speaking, which includes His disciples and others gathered to hear His teachings. 3. The AdversaryIn the broader context of Luke 12, Jesus uses the metaphor of an adversary taking someone to court to illustrate the urgency of settling disputes. 4. The JudgeRepresents God's ultimate judgment, emphasizing the need for reconciliation before facing divine justice. 5. The PrisonSymbolizes the consequences of unresolved sin or conflict, where one remains until the debt is fully paid. Teaching Points Urgency of ReconciliationJesus emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts quickly. In our lives, we should prioritize making peace with others to avoid spiritual and relational consequences. Consequences of Unresolved ConflictThe imagery of being imprisoned until the last penny is paid serves as a warning about the cost of unresolved sin or disputes. We must be diligent in addressing issues before they escalate. Divine Justice and AccountabilityThis verse reminds us of God's ultimate judgment. We are accountable for our actions and must strive to live in a way that honors God and others. The Cost of SinThe "last penny" signifies the completeness of the debt. Sin has a cost, and without reconciliation through Christ, we face the full weight of that debt. Practical Steps for ReconciliationAs believers, we should actively seek forgiveness and offer it to others, following the example of Christ's love and mercy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 12:59?
2.How does Luke 12:59 emphasize the importance of settling disputes promptly?
3.What does "until you have paid the very last penny" signify about accountability?
4.How can Matthew 5:25-26 help us understand Luke 12:59 better?
5.In what ways can we apply Luke 12:59 to our daily conflicts?
6.How does Luke 12:59 encourage personal responsibility in our spiritual lives?
7.What does Luke 12:59 mean by "the last penny" in a spiritual context?
8.How does Luke 12:59 relate to the concept of divine justice?
9.What historical context influenced the message in Luke 12:59?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 12?
11.What are the key teachings and events in Luke?
12.Who were the Galileans in the Bible?
13.In Luke 12:22-24, Jesus tells followers not to worry about their basic needs. How realistic is this advice in a world where countless people face poverty and starvation?
14.Luke 12:51 suggests Jesus brings division rather than peace. How does this claim fit with other verses that present Him as the Prince of Peace who unites people?What Does Luke 12:59 Mean I tell you• Jesus speaks personally and authoritatively. He is not offering opinion but giving a binding word of warning (seeJohn 3:3, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”). • The phrase sets the tone: the Lord Himself is the Judge whose verdict cannot be overturned (John 5:22). • By prefacing His statement this way, Christ graciously alerts His hearers that what follows is both urgent and certain (Luke 13:3).
you will not get out• The context (Luke 12:54-58) pictures an adversary taking someone to court. Jesus applies that earthly scene to the heavenly courtroom. • “Get out” points to release from custody; failure to settle now results in confinement later. CompareMatthew 5:25-26, where the same imagery is used. • Scripture consistently teaches a coming judgment from which there is no escape apart from God’s provision (Hebrews 9:27;Revelation 20:12-15).
until you have paid• Debt language reminds us that sin incurs real liability before God (Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death”). • Payment implies full satisfaction of justice. We cannot negotiate partial terms or plead ignorance (Romans 2:4-5). • Praise God, Christ stepped in to settle the account for all who trust Him: “having canceled the debt… He took it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
the very last penny• The phrase underscores total accountability. Not even the smallest obligation is overlooked (James 2:10;Galatians 3:10). • Divine justice is exact; God does not grade on a curve. Every sin—thought, word, deed—must be answered for (Ecclesiastes 12:14). • For believers, the “last penny” was paid at Calvary (1 Peter 2:24). For those who refuse Christ, the debt remains and must be borne personally (John 3:18, 36).
summaryLuke 12:59 warns that failing to reconcile with God now results in a day when release is impossible because His justice demands complete payment. Jesus, the authoritative Judge, teaches that every sin carries a debt, and nothing short of full satisfaction will do. The “last penny” was paid by Christ for all who repent and believe; those who decline His mercy will face the full, exacting cost themselves. (59) I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence . . .--See Note on Matthew 5:26. St. Luke substitutes the yet smaller coin, the "mite," or half-quadrans (see Note on Mark 12:42), for the "farthing" of St. Matthew.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek 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,σοι(soi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.you will not get outἐξέλθῃς(exelthēs)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.untilἕως(heōs)Conjunction
Strong's 2193:A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.you have paidἀποδῷς(apodōs)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 591:From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.veryκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.lastἔσχατον(eschaton)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2078:Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.penny.”λεπτὸν(lepton)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3016:Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled, i.e. A small coin.
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NT Gospels: Luke 12:59 I tell you you will by no (Luke Lu Lk) |
