Luke 12:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus calls His disciples His friends and tells them not to fear those whose power ends at the death of the body.
What Does Luke 12:4 Mean?
Here Jesus addresses the disciples with striking tenderness — my friends — precisely because the subject is hard. Persecution is coming, and some who follow Him will be killed for it. He does not hide that possibility; He reframes it, measuring exactly how far human threats can reach.
Fear is a measure of power, and Jesus takes the measure of persecutors: they can kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. Their reach ends at the grave; it cannot touch the soul, the future, or the love of God. Friendship with Christ does not exempt His people from danger — it places them beyond ultimate harm.
Luke 12:4 in the Original Language
philos (φίλος), 'friends' -- a dear and trusted companion, one beloved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 12:4
What does Luke 12:4 mean?
Jesus calls His disciples His friends and tells them not to fear those whose power ends at the death of the body.