Luke 12:48
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γνούς
he that knew
G1097
γνούς
he that knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
4 of 26
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ποιήσας
did commit
G4160
ποιήσας
did commit
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 26
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἄξια
things worthy
G514
ἄξια
things worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
7 of 26
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
πληγῶν
of stripes
G4127
πληγῶν
of stripes
Strong's:
G4127
Word #:
8 of 26
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
δαρήσεται
shall be beaten
G1194
δαρήσεται
shall be beaten
Strong's:
G1194
Word #:
9 of 26
properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash
ὀλίγας
with few
G3641
ὀλίγας
with few
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
10 of 26
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
ᾧ
to whom men
G3739
ᾧ
to whom men
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐδόθη
is given
G1325
ἐδόθη
is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 26
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πολύ
much
G4183
πολύ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
15 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
πολύ
much
G4183
πολύ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ζητηθήσεται
required
G2212
ζητηθήσεται
required
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
17 of 26
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾧ
to whom men
G3739
ᾧ
to whom men
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παρέθεντο
have committed
G3908
παρέθεντο
have committed
Strong's:
G3908
Word #:
22 of 26
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
πολύ
much
G4183
πολύ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
23 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
περισσότερον
G4053
περισσότερον
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
24 of 26
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
Cross References
James 3:1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.Leviticus 5:17And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.John 15:22If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.Matthew 13:12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:Luke 16:2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:1 Timothy 1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.Titus 1:3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Historical Context
This concludes Jesus' parable about faithful and unfaithful servants (vv. 42-48). Peter asked if the teaching applied only to apostles or to all (v. 41). Jesus' response established universal principles—all are stewards of what God gives, but leaders face greater accountability (James 3:1). First-century believers received varied amounts of spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunity. This teaching warned against presuming privilege without corresponding responsibility. Church history shows God judges Christian leaders and nations with greater knowledge more strictly than pagans ignorant of truth (Amos 3:2). Modern Christians in nations with abundant biblical access face greater accountability than those with limited access.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle 'to whom much is given, much required' apply to spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunities?
- What does this teaching reveal about the relationship between privilege and accountability in God's kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus teaches: 'For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.' This principle of proportional accountability applies universally. Greater privilege demands greater responsibility; more knowledge requires greater obedience. The Greek 'panti hō edothē poly' (παντὶ ᾧ ἐδόθη πολύ) emphasizes the giving—gifts are given, not earned, creating obligation. The phrase 'shall be required' (Greek 'zētēthēsetai,' ζητηθήσεται, will be sought) indicates accountability—God will evaluate stewardship of what He entrusted. Those receiving more (revelation, opportunity, gifts) face stricter judgment for unfaithfulness.