Luke 6:47
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενος
cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός
to
G4314
πρός
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγων
sayings
G3056
λόγων
sayings
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιῶν
doeth
G4160
ποιῶν
doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑποδείξω
I will shew
G5263
ὑποδείξω
I will shew
Strong's:
G5263
Word #:
14 of 18
to exhibit under the eyes, i.e., (figuratively) to exemplify (instruct, admonish)
τίνι
to whom
G5101
τίνι
to whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.James 4:17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.1 Peter 2:4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Historical Context
Luke places this teaching at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49), Jesus's programmatic discourse delivered to both disciples and crowds in Galilee. First-century Palestinian construction required deep foundations due to seasonal flooding from winter rains—builders who cut corners faced catastrophic losses. The imagery would resonate powerfully with Jesus's agrarian audience.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of the three conditions (coming, hearing, doing) represents your weakest area of discipleship currently?
- How does Jesus's emphasis on obedience challenge contemporary 'grace alone' perspectives that minimize behavioral transformation?
- What 'floods' (trials, temptations, cultural pressures) are currently testing whether your faith is built on rock or sand?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them (ὁ ἐρχόμενος πρός με καὶ ἀκούων μου τῶν λόγων καὶ ποιῶν αὐτούς)—Jesus establishes three progressive conditions for true discipleship: coming (erchomai, approaching in relationship), hearing (akouō, attentive listening), and doing (poieō, active obedience). Luke's account emphasizes that genuine faith must manifest in obedience, not mere intellectual assent or emotional experience.
The phrase I will shew you to whom he is like introduces a parable about foundations—a common rabbinic teaching method. Jesus positions himself as the authoritative interpreter of what constitutes wise living, claiming divine prerogative to judge the validity of one's spiritual foundation. This echoes the Shema's call to not only hear but to obey (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).