Bible Strands
Luke 12:41
“Lord,” said Peter, “are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter speaks to Jesus immediately after the teaching on unexpected readiness in Luke 12:40. He asks whether the preceding parable targets the disciples specifically or extends to the wider crowd.
The words — Peter uses Εἶπεν (Eipen) to mark the beginning of his direct question and ἡμᾶς (hēmas) to identify the group he speaks for. The preposition πρὸς (pros) structures his inquiry about the intended recipients of the instruction.
The thread — The scope of Jesus’ watchfulness command appears in Mark 13:37, where the directive is explicitly broadened to everyone. Peter later addresses the same audience question in 1 Peter 4:7 by applying the nearness of the end to his readers, while Mark 14:37 records his prior inability to maintain the watch he now questions.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to verify the intended audience of a teaching before applying it. It demands precise attention to whether a command addresses a specific group or a universal mandate.
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
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Cross-references
- Mark 13:37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”
- 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
- Mark 14:37 Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.