Luke 12:59
I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
7 of 13
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
οὐ
G3739
οὐ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Debtors' prison was common in Roman legal system—creditors could imprison debtors until full restitution. For those unable to pay, this meant indefinite imprisonment. Jesus uses this familiar reality to illustrate eternal judgment's inescapability. The 'last mite' (smallest coin) emphasizes absolute completeness—no debt overlooked, no penalty reduced.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the impossibility of 'paying the last mite' drive you to Christ's substitutionary payment rather than religious self-effort?
- What does this parable teach about the urgency of accepting God's offer of reconciliation through Christ?
- How should awareness of inescapable future judgment affect present priorities and eternal preparation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite (λέγω σοι, οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃς ἐκεῖθεν, ἕως καὶ τὸ ἔσχατον λεπτὸν ἀποδῷς)—Jesus concludes the legal parable with finality. The double negative ou mē (not...not, absolutely will not) emphasizes impossibility of escape. Heos (until, till) sets the condition: payment of to eschaton lepton (the very last mite). The lepton was the smallest Jewish coin (the widow's mite, Luke 21:2). Complete payment required before release.
This terrifying conclusion depicts eternal judgment's finality. Those entering God's tribunal without Christ's righteousness face impossible debt. The 'last mite' suggests a debt that can never be fully paid—eternal condemnation. The parable's urgency: settle accounts through Christ before reaching judgment, because after, escape is impossible. This anticipates Jesus's teaching on eternal punishment (Luke 16:26—unbridgeable gulf).