Bible Strands
Luke 12:13
Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — An unnamed person from the crowd addresses Jesus directly, asking Him to command his brother to partition an inheritance. This exchange occurs immediately after Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will supply their words during trials (Luke 12:12).
The words — The Greek term διδασκαλε (didaskale) literally means "Teacher," recording the speaker’s initial address before making a legal demand. The verb Εἶπεν (Eipen) simply denotes the act of speaking without indicating reverence or urgency.
The thread — The appeal for judicial intervention between relatives mirrors the friction described in 1 Timothy 6:5 and the hollow listening noted in Ezekiel 33:31, while the underlying heart posture aligns with the treasure imagery in Luke 6:45.
Why it lands — The text forces the reader to distinguish between seeking spiritual instruction and using it for personal gain, requiring a clear assessment of one’s own motives before making demands of authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
- Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
- Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
- Acts 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
- Psalms 17:14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.