Luke 12:49
47 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
48 But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!
51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
- KJV
- I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
- WEB
- “I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled.
- ASV
- I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
- DARBY
- I have come to cast a fire on the earth; and what will I if already it has been kindled?
- BLB
- I came to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
- ÅB
- Ild er jeg kommet for å kaste på jorden; og hvor gjerne jeg ville den alt var tent!
- OTB
- “Jeg har kommet for å bringe ild på jorden, og hvordan jeg ønsker at den allerede var tent!
- B1930
- Ild er jeg kommet for å kaste på jorden; og hvor gjerne jeg vilde den alt var tendt!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”
Read in contextMatthew 3:10–12
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Read in contextMalachi 3:2–3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap.
Read in contextLuke 12:51–52
Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.
Read in contextJoel 2:30–31
I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.
Read in contextIsaiah 11:4
but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
Read in contextJohn 9:4
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Read in contextLuke 13:31–33
At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.”
Read in context