Luke 12:57
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
Original Language Analysis
Τί
and why
G5101
Τί
and why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 9
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφ'
of
G575
ἀφ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 9
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἑαυτῶν
yourselves
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
yourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 9
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Historical Context
Jewish thought recognized both revealed law (Torah) and natural law accessible to Gentiles. Prophets appealed to innate moral sense when condemning injustice (Amos, Micah). Jesus's question suggests recognizing his messianic identity and righteous teaching shouldn't require additional signs—it should be self-evident to honest hearts seeking truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What moral truths do you suppress despite innate awareness of their validity?
- How does self-interest or fear override your internal moral compass?
- In what areas have you stopped trusting your God-given ability to discern right from wrong?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Τί δὲ καὶ ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν οὐ κρίνετε τὸ δίκαιον;)—Jesus appeals to innate moral capacity. The phrase aph heautōn (of yourselves, from within yourselves) indicates internal moral knowledge independent of external authority. To dikaion (what is right, the just thing) should be self-evident. Why don't they krinō (judge, discern) it?
This assumes humans possess God-given moral intuition—Paul's 'law written in their hearts' (Romans 2:15). Jesus implies his claims are self-evidently righteous; rejecting him requires suppressing internal witness. Their problem isn't lack of evidence but suppression of truth known innately. This echoes Romans 1:18-20: rejecting truth despite internal and external witness.