Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Original Language Analysis
Τί
why
G5101
Τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καλεῖτε
call ye
G2564
καλεῖτε
call ye
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
4 of 11
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Malachi 1:6A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.Matthew 25:44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?Matthew 25:24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:Matthew 25:11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Historical Context
Jewish use of 'lord' (adon) ranged from polite address to acknowledging divine authority. Calling Jesus 'Lord' could be merely respectful or could acknowledge His messianic authority. Jesus insists that genuine recognition of His lordship produces obedience. This theme appears throughout Scripture—true faith works (James 2:14-26), genuine love obeys (John 14:15), real disciples bear fruit (John 15:8). Jesus' later parable of two builders (Luke 6:47-49) illustrates this principle—hearing without doing produces catastrophic collapse when storms come.
Questions for Reflection
- How does calling Jesus 'Lord' without obeying Him expose the difference between verbal profession and genuine faith?
- What does Jesus' question teach about the necessity of obedience as evidence of authentic discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus challenges superficial discipleship: 'Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?' The repeated 'Lord, Lord' (Greek 'kyrie kyrie,' κύριε κύριε) indicates verbal acknowledgment of Jesus' authority without corresponding obedience. True lordship requires submission and obedience, not merely verbal recognition. Calling Jesus 'Lord' while disobeying contradicts itself—genuine faith produces obedience. This warning exposes the danger of orthodoxy without orthopraxy, profession without practice, lip service without life transformation.