Luke Chapter 12 · Verse 41
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
5 of 16
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολὴν
parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
10 of 16
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
λέγεις
speakest thou
G3004
λέγεις
speakest thou
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Historical Context
Peter frequently serves as spokesman for the Twelve (Matthew 16:16, John 6:68), asking questions that clarify teaching for all the disciples. This question reflects first-century Jewish understanding of different levels of religious obligation—rabbis and religious leaders were held to higher standards than common people. Jesus' answer would establish that while all Christians are accountable servants awaiting their Master's return, those in leadership positions (pastors, elders, teachers) bear greater responsibility and face stricter judgment (James 3:1).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's question reveal about the relationship between privilege, responsibility, and accountability in God's kingdom?
- How should Christian leaders understand their heightened responsibility compared to general believers?
- In what ways does everyone, not just leaders, bear responsibility for watchfulness and faithful stewardship?
Analysis & Commentary
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? (εἶπεν δὲ ὁ Πέτρος, Κύριε, πρὸς ἡμᾶς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην λέγεις ἢ καὶ πρὸς πάντας; eipen de ho Petros, Kyrie, pros hēmas tēn parabolēn tautēn legeis ē kai pros pantas;)—Peter's question seeks clarification about the parables' intended audience. The pronoun hēmas (ἡμᾶς, us) likely refers to the apostles or inner circle of disciples, distinguished from pantas (πάντας, all)—the broader crowd of followers or humanity generally.
The question reveals Peter's awareness that different levels of responsibility accompany different levels of proximity to Christ. Does the stringent watchfulness apply only to apostolic leadership, or to all believers? Jesus' response (verses 42-48) establishes both universal application and graduated responsibility: all must be ready, but those entrusted with more (leaders, teachers, those with greater knowledge) face stricter accountability. The question sets up Jesus' teaching on faithful versus unfaithful stewardship and proportional judgment based on knowledge.