Luke 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Original Language Analysis
δοκεῖτε
Suppose ye
G1380
δοκεῖτε
Suppose ye
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
1 of 14
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰρήνην
peace
G1515
εἰρήνην
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
3 of 14
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
παρεγενόμην
I am come
G3854
παρεγενόμην
I am come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
4 of 14
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
δοῦναι
to give
G1325
δοῦναι
to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῇ
earth
G1093
γῇ
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
8 of 14
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectation emphasized Messiah bringing peace, defeating enemies, establishing righteous kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:5). Jesus reframes this: before eschatological peace comes present conflict. The 'sword' of the gospel (Matthew 10:34) divides even families as individuals choose for or against Christ. First-century disciples faced this reality—conversion often meant family rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's 'division-bringing' mission challenge therapeutic Christianity avoiding conflict?
- What relationships have experienced 'division' because of your allegiance to Christ?
- How do you balance Jesus's call to be peacemakers with his warning that following him brings division?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division (Δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ' ἢ διαμερισμόν)—Jesus corrects messianic expectations. The question format (dokeite, suppose ye?) challenges the assumption that he brings eirēnē (peace). Instead: diamerismos (division, separation). This startles hearers expecting the peaceful messianic kingdom prophesied in Isaiah.
Jesus brings ultimate peace with God but immediate conflict among people. The gospel divides humanity—those receiving Christ versus those rejecting him. This isn't Jesus's desire but the inevitable result of light confronting darkness, truth opposing falsehood. Neutrality about Christ is impossible; he forces decision.