Luke 12:49
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Original Language Analysis
ἦλθον
I am come
G2064
ἦλθον
I am come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
βαλεῖν
to send
G906
βαλεῖν
to send
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
3 of 12
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the earth
G1093
γῆν
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 12
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Historical Context
In Jewish expectation, Messiah would bring judgment fire upon God's enemies (Malachi 4:1). Jesus reframes this: the fire includes division within Israel itself, even within families, as people choose for or against him. The Pentecost fire (Acts 2:3) and persecution fire (Acts 8:1) both fulfilled this prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's 'fire-bringing' mission challenge modern therapeutic Christianity that avoids conflict and division?
- In what relationships has following Jesus created 'fire'—division, conflict, persecution?
- What does Jesus's urgency ('what will I if it be already kindled?') reveal about his passion for accomplishing his mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη;)—Jesus declares his mission: pur...balein (to cast fire) upon the earth. Fire in Scripture symbolizes judgment, purification, the Holy Spirit, or conflict. Context suggests division/judgment—the following verses describe family conflict (v.51-53). The enigmatic question ti thelō ei ēdē anēphthē (what will I if it already be kindled?) expresses urgency: 'How I wish it were already kindled!'
This startling declaration reveals Jesus's mission includes conflict, not just peace. His coming divides humanity—those receiving him versus those rejecting him. The 'fire' represents the gospel's divisive impact, forcing decisions that fracture families and communities. Jesus isn't a safe, comfortable teacher but a prophet demanding total allegiance.