Luke 9:62
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 9:62
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Chapter Context
Luke 9 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-62: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 9:62
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Analysis
Jesus responds to a would-be disciple: 'No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.' The plowing metaphor illustrates single-minded devotion—a plowman looking back makes crooked furrows. 'Looking back' (Greek 'blepōn eis ta opisō,' βλέπων εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω) means focusing on what's behind rather than forward. Kingdom work requires undistracted commitment, not divided loyalty. The statement 'is fit' (Greek 'euthe tos,' εὔθετός) means suitable, useful—divided hearts are useless for kingdom purposes. Discipleship demands wholehearted, forward-focused commitment.
Historical Context
This was the third in a series of discipleship encounters (vv. 57-62). A man wanted to follow Jesus but first bury his father (v. 59-60), another wanted to say goodbye to family (v. 61). Jesus' responses seem harsh by cultural standards—honoring parents and proper burial were sacred duties. Yet Jesus demands priority over even legitimate obligations. Plowing was common agricultural work in first-century Palestine, requiring focused attention to create straight furrows for planting. A plowman constantly looking back produced unusable, crooked rows. The metaphor of 'looking back' may allude to Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26), who looked back on what she was leaving and became a pillar of salt.
Reflection
- How does the plowing metaphor illustrate the necessity of wholehearted, undivided commitment in discipleship?
- What does Jesus' demand for priority over legitimate family obligations teach about the radical nature of kingdom commitment?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Philippians 3:13, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 10:38