Bible Strands
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples in the middle of a teaching on anxiety and priorities (12:22–34), immediately after telling them to seek the kingdom (v. 31) and before commanding them to sell possessions (v. 33).
The words — εὐδόκησεν (eudokēsen) means "took delight," a deliberate pleasure rather than a mere willingness; ποίμνιον (poimnion) is the diminutive of "flock," marking the group as small and tender.
The thread — The Father's initiative in granting the kingdom to a small people recurs in Hebrews 12:28 (an "unshakable kingdom" received), 1 Peter 1:3 (the Father's mercy giving new birth), and Revelation 1:6 (the redeemed made "a kingdom, priests").
Why it lands — It asks the reader to stop treating the kingdom as something to be earned or secured and to accept that the Father's disposition toward them is one of delight, not reluctant obligation.
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
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
- 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
- Revelation 1:6 who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
- Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
- Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
- Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,
- 2 Peter 1:11 and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.