Luke 12:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A man in a crowd brings Jesus a family money dispute, and Jesus gently lifts his eyes to something far larger.
The Context of Luke 12:13
Jesus is teaching a large crowd, warning about hypocrisy and fearless witness, when a man interrupts with a personal request. Jesus declines to be his judge, then warns against covetousness and tells the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:14-21).
What Does Luke 12:13 Mean?
The interruption is very human. Jesus is teaching about God and eternity, and a man in the crowd has only one thing on his mind: his brother is holding onto the family inheritance, and he wants his share. He calls Jesus 'Master,' the way one might appeal to a respected rabbi to settle a dispute, and asks Him to take sides. The request is understandable, perhaps even fair. But the man has come to the Lord of life and asked Him to be a referee over property, and his heart is fixed on what he can get.
Rather than divide the estate, Jesus looks past the quarrel to the thing eating at the man: 'Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth' (verse 15). He cares more about the brother's soul than his bank account. This is the Savior who came to give us treasure that no inheritance dispute can touch, who would rather free our hearts from grasping than win us a larger portion of things that will not last.
Luke 12:13 in the Original Language
pleonexia (πλεονεξία), 'covetousness' -- the greedy craving for more, an appetite that is never satisfied.
How to Apply Luke 12:13 Today
We can bring real and even fair concerns to Jesus and still discover He wants to address something deeper in us. He cares about our hearts more than our holdings. When a grievance starts to consume us, His gentle redirection invites us to seek the treasure that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 12:13
What does Luke 12:13 mean?
A man in a crowd brings Jesus a family money dispute, and Jesus gently lifts his eyes to something far larger.
What is the context of Luke 12:13?
Jesus is teaching a large crowd, warning about hypocrisy and fearless witness, when a man interrupts with a personal request. Jesus declines to be his judge, then warns against covetousness and tells the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:14-21).
How can I apply Luke 12:13 today?
We can bring real and even fair concerns to Jesus and still discover He wants to address something deeper in us. He cares about our hearts more than our holdings. When a grievance starts to consume us, His gentle redirection invites us to seek the treasure that lasts.