Luke Chapter 13 · Verse 27
But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐρεῖ
he shall say
G2046
ἐρεῖ
he shall say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 17
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πόθεν
whence
G4159
πόθεν
whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
8 of 17
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἀπόστητε
depart
G868
ἀπόστητε
depart
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
10 of 17
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:Psalms 6:8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.Psalms 119:115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Luke 13:25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:Psalms 28:3Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.Psalms 125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Psalms 101:8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.Hosea 9:12Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Historical Context
This teaching directly challenges Jewish confidence in ethnic and religious privilege. Many assumed that being Abraham's descendants and members of the covenant community guaranteed salvation (Matthew 3:9, John 8:39-41). Jesus insists that genealogy and religious heritage save no one—only personal faith and repentance matter. The early church struggled with this truth, as Jewish Christians initially resisted Gentile inclusion and Gentile equality (Acts 10-11, 15, Galatians 2). Paul addresses this extensively in Romans 2-4, arguing that true children of Abraham are those who share his faith, not merely his DNA.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'workers of iniquity' teach about the incompatibility of genuine Christianity with ongoing, unrepentant sin?
- How does Jesus' rejection of those who claim association with Him challenge contemporary evangelism that emphasizes decisions without discipleship?
- In what ways might people today assume salvation based on religious heritage, church attendance, or doctrinal knowledge without genuine heart transformation?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds to their claims: 'But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.' The repeated 'I know you not whence ye are' emphasizes that Jesus doesn't recognize them as His own. Despite their claims of association, He declares 'depart from me,' a judicial dismissal. The phrase 'workers of iniquity' indicates active pursuit of sin, not passive failure. The term 'workers' means laborers—these people worked at sin with the same energy others should work at righteousness. External religious profession combined with immoral living exposes false faith. This echoes Jesus' warning in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:21-23) that many who claim 'Lord, Lord' will be rejected.