Luke 12:48 Meaning and Explanation
“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The servant who did not know is beaten with few stripes; for to whom much is given, much will be required.
What Does Luke 12:48 Mean?
The second case is the servant who did wrong without knowing his lord's will. He remains accountable — wrong is still wrong — but the judgment is measured: few stripes. Then Jesus states the principle that governs both cases: unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.
Judgment, this verse promises, is perfectly proportioned: no one is condemned for light never received, and no one excused for light ignored. That is both comfort and summons. Comfort, because the Judge of all the earth does right by every degree of knowledge. Summons, because most of us are the much-given — Scripture in our hands, truth in our ears, grace upon grace. The measure of the gift is the measure of the calling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 12:48
What does Luke 12:48 mean?
The servant who did not know is beaten with few stripes; for to whom much is given, much will be required.