Warnings against Hypocrisy and Confession before Men
Luke 12:1-12
Luke.12.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- επισυναχθεισων: VERB,aor,pass,ptcp,gen,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- μυριαδων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- οχλου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ωστε: CONJ
- καταπατειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αλληλους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ηρξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- λεγειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- μαθητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- πρωτον·Προσεχετε: ADV
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ζυμης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ητις: PRON,rel,nom,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- υποκρισις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Φαρισαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Matthew 16:6-12 (verbal): Direct parallel warning: Jesus tells disciples to 'beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees' — same leaven imagery and admonition as Luke 12:1.
- Mark 8:15 (verbal): Close Synoptic parallel: Jesus cautions 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod,' using the same leaven metaphor in a similar context.
- Luke 11:39-44 (thematic): Same Lucan critique of Pharisaic hypocrisy ('woe to you... you are like whitewashed tombs'), developing the theme of inward corruption that Luke 12:1 labels 'hypocrisy.'
- Matthew 23:27-28 (thematic): Extended denunciation of Pharisaic hypocrisy ('whitewashed tombs... inwardly full of lawlessness'), thematically linked to Luke's warning against the Pharisees' hypocrisy.
- Galatians 5:9 (verbal): Paul uses the same leaven metaphor ('a little leaven leavens the whole lump') to warn about the corrupting spread of false teaching, echoing Jesus' leaven imagery as a contaminating influence.
Alternative generated candidates
- At that time a great crowd had gathered, so that they trod on one another; and he began, first addressing his disciples: 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'
- In the meantime, when a very large crowd of people had gathered so that they trod on one another, he began saying first to his disciples, 'Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'
Luke.12.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- συγκεκαλυμμενον: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- αποκαλυφθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- κρυπτον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- γνωσθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 10:26 (verbal): Almost identical saying in Matthew: 'There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known'—same saying applied to fearlessness in proclamation.
- Mark 4:22 (verbal): Parallel aphorism in Mark about nothing hidden that will not be revealed; used in the context of parables and disclosure of truth.
- Luke 8:17 (verbal): Luke uses the same formulation earlier: 'For nothing is secret that will not be revealed,' emphasizing that hidden deeds will come to light.
- John 3:20-21 (thematic): Thematically related: contrast between deeds done in darkness and light—hidden sin exposed and truth manifest—echoing the theme of revelation.
- Romans 2:16 (thematic): Paul expects God to judge the secrets of men—the idea that hidden things will be disclosed at divine judgment resonates with Luke's saying.
Alternative generated candidates
- For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, nor hidden that will not be made known.
- There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
Luke.12.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ανθ᾽ων: PREP
- οσα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- σκοτια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ειπατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- φωτι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ακουσθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ελαλησατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ταμειοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- κηρυχθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δωματων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
Parallels
- Matthew 10:27 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel: Jesus/commission instructs to speak publicly what was spoken in private or darkness; nearly identical teaching about revealing whispered words on housetops.
- Luke 12:2 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding sentence states that nothing concealed will remain hidden, providing the direct rationale for verse 3's proclamation imagery.
- Mark 4:21-22 (thematic): Uses the lamp/light metaphor and the motif that hidden things will be brought to light—same theme of secrecy exposed as in Luke 12:3.
- Luke 8:17 (verbal): Parallel wording within Luke: declares that nothing secret will remain hidden and all will be revealed, echoing the disclosure theme underlying verse 3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in inner rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
- Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you whispered in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Luke.12.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- φιλοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- μη: PART
- φοβηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,pl
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αποκτεινοντων: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- μη: PART
- εχοντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,m
- περισσοτερον: ADV,comp
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- Matthew 10:28 (verbal): Nearly identical warning: do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul — a close synoptic parallel in wording and intent.
- Luke 12:5 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same pericope that specifies whom to fear (God) and contrasts human killing with divine judgment—completes the thought of 12:4.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 (thematic): Speaks of Christ destroying the power of death and freeing people from slavery to the fear of death—theologically addresses the same concern about fearing human death.
- Acts 5:29-42 (thematic): The apostles face threats of bodily death without fear, trusting divine authority and judgment rather than human intimidation—an example of not fearing those who can kill the body.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.
- I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.
Luke.12.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υποδειξω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- φοβηθητε·φοβηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αποκτειναι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- εξουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εμβαλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γεενναν·ναι: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τουτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- φοβηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 10:28 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and warning: do not fear those who kill the body but fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell—direct Gospel parallel.
- Luke 12:4 (structural): Immediate context: v.4 begins the contrast between fearing human persecutors and fearing God, which v.5 specifies—same speech unit.
- Hebrews 10:31 (thematic): ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God’—echoes the call to fear God rather than mortal enemies.
- Matthew 25:41 (thematic): Jesus speaks of eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels—parallels the theme of divine authority to consign to final punishment (Gehenna).
- Revelation 20:14-15 (thematic): The final judgment scene where Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire parallels the idea of God’s authority to cast into eternal punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I will show you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into Gehenna—yes, I tell you, fear him.
- But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Luke.12.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουχι: PART
- πεντε: NUM,acc,pl,m
- στρουθια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- πωλουνται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
- ασσαριων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εξ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- επιλελησμενον: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,n
- ενωπιον: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 10:29-31 (verbal): Almost identical saying about sparrows sold for two pennies and God’s knowledge; both passages use the example to teach God's care for the least and reassure disciples of their value before God.
- Luke 12:7 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same teaching—moves from sparrows not forgotten to God’s numbering of the hairs on your head; reinforces the point about God’s intimate knowledge and care.
- Matthew 6:26 (thematic): Uses birds (birds of the air) to illustrate divine providence; thematically parallels the argument that God cares for small creatures and therefore cares for people.
- Psalm 139:13-16 (thematic): Speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of a person (knitting in the womb, numbering days), thematically echoing Luke’s claim that nothing about individuals is forgotten or unknown to God.
- Psalm 33:13-15 (thematic): Declares that the LORD looks down from heaven and sees all people, knowing their hearts and works—parallels Luke’s emphasis on God’s watchful, comprehensive knowledge of even the smallest creatures and details.
Alternative generated candidates
- Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
- Are not five sparrows sold for two small copper coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Luke.12.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- τριχες: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- κεφαλης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- πασαι: ADJ,nom,pl,f
- ηριθμηνται·μη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- φοβεισθε·πολλων: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- στρουθιων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- διαφερετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 10:30-31 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel: both passages say the hairs of your head are numbered and urge fearlessness, stressing human value above sparrows.
- Luke 12:6 (structural): Immediate context in the same pericope: mentions sparrows sold cheaply and that not one is forgotten by God, which 12:7 develops into the assurance about hair-counting and worth.
- Matthew 6:26 (thematic): The teaching about observing the birds of the air to illustrate God's provision and care parallels the use of sparrows to reassure believers of God's attention to them.
- Psalm 139:13-16 (allusion): Old Testament background of God's intimate knowledge and care for the individual (knitting in the womb; all days ordained) parallels the motif of God knowing even the smallest details (hairs) of a person's life.
Alternative generated candidates
- Indeed, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
- Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke.12.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- αν: PART
- ομολογηση: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ομολογησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγγελων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 10:32-33 (verbal): Closely parallel saying in the Matthew tradition: whoever acknowledges Jesus before people will be acknowledged by Jesus before the heavenly Father (promise of divine acknowledgment).
- Luke 9:26 (verbal): Parallel Lukan saying: whoever is ashamed of Jesus and his words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory—same theme of public confession vs. shame and eschatological acknowledgment.
- Mark 8:38 (thematic): The Markan warning against being ashamed of Jesus and his words, for the Son of Man will come in the glory of the Father with the holy angels—shares the eschatological and angelic imagery and the cost of disowning Jesus.
- Revelation 3:5 (verbal): Promise that the faithful will be confessed before the Father and his angels and not have their names blotted out—echoes the motif of divine/angelic acknowledgment for those who confess Christ.
- Romans 10:9 (thematic): Paulic formulation linking confession with salvation—the emphasis on verbal confession/acknowledgment of Jesus as decisive parallels Luke’s call to acknowledge Jesus before others.
Alternative generated candidates
- I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God.
- I tell you, everyone who confesses me before people, the Son of Man will confess before the angels of God.
Luke.12.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- αρνησαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,m,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ενωπιον: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- απαρνηθησεται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- ενωπιον: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγγελων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 10:32-33 (verbal): Promises that whoever acknowledges Jesus before men will be acknowledged before the Father, and whoever denies him before men will be denied—close verbal and thematic parallel about public confession/denial.
- Mark 8:38 (verbal): Jesus warns that whoever is ashamed of him and his words before people will have the Son of Man ashamed of them—parallel concern with public denial/shame.
- Luke 9:26 (verbal): Immediate Lukan parallel: whoever is ashamed of Jesus and his words will be ashamed of them when he comes in glory—same wording/theme within Luke's account.
- 2 Timothy 2:12 (thematic): Paul states that if we deny Christ he will deny us—an early Christian echo of the consequence of denying Christ.
- John 12:42-43 (thematic): Notes that some believed but would not confess Jesus publicly for fear of the Pharisees—illustrates the problem of failing to acknowledge Christ before people.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
- But the one who denies me before people will be denied before the angels of God.
Luke.12.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ερει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- υιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αφεθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- βλασφημησαντι: PART,aor,act,dat,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- αφεθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Mark 3:28-29 (quotation): Direct parallel teaching that all sins can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin (same saying in Mark's account).
- Matthew 12:31-32 (quotation): Very close verbal parallel: distinguishes sins/words against the Son of Man (forgivable) from blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (not forgiven), and adds the eschatological dimension about speaking against the Son of Man and the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 10:33 (thematic): Warns that anyone who denies/renounces Jesus before others will be denied before the Father — related theme of the consequences of speaking against or rejecting the Son of Man.
- Luke 9:26 (thematic): Same Lucan context about the Son of Man's witness and honor/shame: whoever is ashamed of Jesus and his words will find the Son of Man ashamed of them — parallels the consequence for rejecting/speaking against Jesus.
- Hebrews 6:4-6 (thematic): Warnings about those who have once been enlightened and then fall away and cannot be restored — conceptually parallels the irreversible/serious character of the sin described as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Alternative generated candidates
- And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
- And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke.12.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οταν: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- εισφερωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- επι: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- συναγωγας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- αρχας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- εξουσιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- μη: PART
- μεριμνησητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
- πως: ADV
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- απολογησησθε: VERB,aor,mid,subj,2,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ειπητε·: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 10:19-20 (verbal): Jesus gives virtually identical instruction not to worry about what to say when brought before authorities, because the Father/Spirit will speak through you.
- Mark 13:11 (verbal): Parallel warning in Mark: do not premeditate your defense; the Spirit will give you words—closest verbal parallel in the Synoptics.
- Luke 12:12 (structural): Immediate follow-up in Luke: the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you ought to say, completing the assurance of 12:11.
- Luke 21:14-15 (verbal): Same promise in Luke’s teaching about persecution—do not plan your defense beforehand, for Jesus will give you a mouth and wisdom in that hour.
- Acts 4:8 (thematic): An early apostolic example: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks boldly before the council—illustrates the promised Spirit-given words when brought before authorities.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they bring you before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not be anxious about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
- When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not be anxious about how or what you should answer, nor about what you are to say.
Luke.12.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- αγιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- διδαξει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ωρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ειπειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- Matthew 10:19-20 (verbal): Jesus tells disciples not to worry what to say when persecuted, for it will be given in that hour—‘for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father’—a close verbal parallel about the Spirit supplying words.
- Mark 13:11 (verbal): Warning about not premeditating defense because ‘whatever is given you in that hour, speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit’—a near-verbatim parallel to Luke's promise.
- Luke 21:14-15 (structural): Within Luke's own narrative this instruction recurs: do not prepare your defense beforehand, for Jesus will give you words and wisdom and it will be the Holy Spirit who speaks—same teaching in a parallel Lukan context.
- John 14:26 (thematic): Jesus promises the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will teach the disciples and remind them of his words—thematic connection emphasizing the Spirit’s role as teacher and revealer.
- Acts 4:8 (thematic): When filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter speaks boldly before authorities—an example of the Spirit empowering and giving words in situations of interrogation or witness, reflecting Luke 12:12 in practice.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you ought to say.'
- For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
In the meantime, when an innumerable crowd had gathered so that they were trampling one another, he began by saying to his disciples, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'
There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that can do nothing more. But I will show you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, fear him.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small copper coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Indeed, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. And I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will confess before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
When they bring you before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not be anxious about how or what you are to answer, or what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.