Luke 13:27

And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus pronounces this judgment to individuals who previously claimed shared meals and attendance at his teachings. He speaks this response to them during a warning about the narrow door and the reality of exclusion.

The words — The Greek οὐκ οἶδα (ouk oida) literally means "I do not know," denying any relational or covenantal recognition. The command ἀπόστητε (apostēte) translates as "Depart from me," a definitive severance of fellowship.

The thread — This rejection language parallels Psalm 6:8 and Psalm 119:115, where God commands evildoers to depart. It also aligns with Matthew 25:41, where the same imperative marks eternal separation for the cursed.

Why it lands — The text demands that religious proximity or past association cannot substitute for genuine obedience. It requires readers to examine whether their standing rests on claimed familiarity or actual alignment with God's commands.

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

καὶkaiAnd ἐρεῖ·ereihe will speak;λέγωνlegōnsaying ὑμῖν·huminto you;οὐκouknot οἶδαoidaI do know ὑμᾶςhumasyou πόθενpothenfrom where ἐστέ,esteyou are,ἀπόστητεapostētedo depart ἀπ᾽ap᾽from ἐμοῦemoume πάντεςpantesall [you]οἱhoi<the>ἐργάταιergataiworkers τῆςtēs<the>ἀδικίας.adikiasof unrighteousness.

King James Version

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Cross-references

Psalms 6:8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
Matthew 25:41 Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Psalms 119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Psalms 1:6 For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalms 5:6 You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
Hosea 9:12 Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
Luke 13:25 After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
Psalms 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.