Luke Chapter 13 · Verse 3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 10
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μετανοῆτε
ye repent
G3340
μετανοῆτε
ye repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
7 of 10
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
Cross References
Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Luke 13:5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Matthew 12:45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Matthew 22:7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Historical Context
This teaching occurred during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:27), likely in the final year of His ministry. The urgency of His call to repentance intensified as crucifixion approached. Within one generation, Jesus' warning would find literal fulfillment when Rome destroyed Jerusalem (AD 70), killing thousands and ending the temple system. Yet the primary reference is to eternal judgment—physical death is temporary, but spiritual death is eternal separation from God. Jesus consistently taught that judgment awaits those who reject Him (Luke 13:28, Matthew 25:46).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' warning challenge modern tendencies to downplay God's judgment and the urgency of repentance?
- What does 'perish' mean in this context—physical death, spiritual death, or both?
- How should the certainty of judgment apart from repentance shape Christian preaching and personal witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus issues a stark warning: 'Nay, I tell you: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish' (οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ' ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε, πάντες ὁμοίως ἀπολεῖσθε). The emphatic 'Nay' (οὐχί, ouchi) rejects their thinking. 'Except ye repent' (ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε, ean mē metanoēte) uses the aorist subjunctive, indicating a decisive act of repentance, not gradual moral improvement. 'Metanoeō' (μετανοέω) means to change one's mind fundamentally, turn from sin to God. 'Ye shall all likewise perish' (πάντες ὁμοίως ἀπολεῖσθε, pantes homoiōs apoleisthe) warns that without repentance, all face the same destruction—not necessarily violent death but eternal judgment. The word 'perish' (ἀπολεῖσθε, apoleisthe, future middle of apollymi) indicates utter destruction, ruin, loss. Jesus pivots from tragedy to gospel urgency—repent or face judgment.