Luke 12:4
New International Version
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

New Living Translation
“Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.

English Standard Version
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

Berean Standard Bible
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Berean Literal Bible
And I say to you, My friends, you should not fear because of those killing the body and after these things not being able to do anything more abundantly.

King James Bible
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

New King James Version
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

New American Standard Bible
“Now I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

NASB 1995
“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.

NASB 1977
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Legacy Standard Bible
“But I say to you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.

Amplified Bible
“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.

Christian Standard Bible
“I say to you, my friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“And I say to you, My friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.

American Standard Version
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.

English Revised Version
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them which kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"My friends, I can guarantee that you don't need to be afraid of those who kill the body. After that they can't do anything more.

Good News Translation
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot afterward do anything worse.

International Standard Version
"But I tell you, my friends, never be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can't do anything more.

Majority Standard Bible
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

NET Bible
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do.

New Heart English Bible
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I say to you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Weymouth New Testament
"But to you who are my friends I say, "'Be not afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do nothing further.

World English Bible
“I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those killing the body, and after these things are not having anything more to do;

Berean Literal Bible
And I say to you, My friends, you should not fear because of those killing the body and after these things not being able to do anything more abundantly.

Young's Literal Translation
'And I say to you, my friends, be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these things are not having anything over to do;

Smith's Literal Translation
And I say to you, my friends, Be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these not having anything remaining to do.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do.

New American Bible
I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.

New Revised Standard Version
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I say to you, my friends, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And I say to you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after this there is nothing more for them to do.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But I say to you, my friends, Fear not them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Godbey New Testament
And I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these things, having nothing more to do.

Haweis New Testament
But I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of those who may kill the body, but after that, have nothing farther which they can do.

Mace New Testament
As for you, my friends, be not afraid of those, who can kill the body, and after that can effect nothing more.

Weymouth New Testament
"But to you who are my friends I say, "'Be not afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do nothing further.

Worrell New Testament
"And I say to you, my friends, be not frightened by those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do;

Worsley New Testament
Now I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them, that can only kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Fear God Alone
3What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. 4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!…

Cross References
Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Isaiah 51:12
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?

Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Acts 4:19
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Philippians 1:28
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”


Treasury of Scripture

And I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

my.

Song of Solomon 5:1,16
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved…

Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

John 15:14
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Be.

Isaiah 51:7-13
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings…

Jeremiah 1:8,17
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD…

Jeremiah 26:14,15
As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you…

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Luke 12
1. Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13. and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.
22. We must not worry about earthly things,
31. but seek the kingdom of God;
33. give alms;
35. be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.
41. Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49. and look for persecution.
54. The people must take this time of grace;
57. because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.














I tell you
This phrase emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the speaker. In the Greek, "λέγω ὑμῖν" (legō hymin) is a direct address, underscoring the personal and authoritative nature of Christ's teaching. Jesus often uses this phrase to introduce important teachings, indicating that what follows is of significant importance and should be heeded by His listeners.

My friends
The Greek word "φίλοι" (philoi) is used here, which translates to "friends." This term of endearment highlights the intimate relationship Jesus has with His disciples. It is a reminder that His teachings are not just commands but are given out of love and concern for their well-being. Historically, this reflects the close-knit community of early Christians who were bound together by their shared faith and love for Christ.

do not be afraid
The Greek phrase "μὴ φοβεῖσθε" (mē phobeisthe) is a command not to fear. Fear is a common human emotion, especially in the face of persecution or death. Jesus is encouraging His followers to rise above their natural inclinations and trust in God's sovereignty. This echoes the biblical theme found throughout Scripture where God reassures His people not to fear, for He is with them (e.g., Isaiah 41:10).

of those who kill the body
This phrase refers to human persecutors who can cause physical harm or death. The historical context of this passage is significant, as early Christians often faced persecution and martyrdom. Jesus acknowledges the reality of physical threats but contrasts them with the greater spiritual reality. The body, "σῶμα" (sōma) in Greek, is temporary, and its destruction is not the ultimate end.

and after that can do no more
Here, Jesus points out the limitations of human power. Once the body is killed, there is nothing more that earthly persecutors can do. This phrase serves to shift the focus from temporal, earthly concerns to eternal, spiritual realities. It reassures believers that while humans can harm the body, they cannot touch the soul or affect one's eternal destiny. This teaching encourages Christians to maintain their faith and courage in the face of persecution, knowing that their ultimate security lies in God.

(4-9) I say unto you my friends.--See Notes on Matthew 10:28-32. The opening words, however, in their tender sympathy, anticipating the language of John 15:14-15, may be noted as peculiar to St. Luke.

Verse 4. - And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. All this the Master knew was true and would shortly happen, His words were verified before fifty years had passed. The triumphant success of the great Christian preachers and the discredited condition of the old rabbinic schools is testified to by snell words as we find in St. Paul's letters. "Where is the wise? where is the scribe?" (1 Corinthians 1:20). But this success the Master well knew would be accompanied with many a suffering on the part of the heralds of his message. Persecution in its many dreary forms would dog their footsteps; a death of agony and shame not unfrequently would be their guerdon. It was, for instance, we know, the earthly recognition of that devoted servant of the Lord (Paul) who, we believe, guided the pen of Luke here. This painful way, which his disciples must surely tread, had already been indicated in no obscure language by the Master ("some of them" - my apostles - "they shall slay and persecute," Luke 11:49). A triumph, greater than any which had ever been given to the sons of men, would surely be theirs, but the Master would not conceal the earthly price which his chosen servants must pay for this splendid success. There was a point, however, beyond which human malice and enmity were utterly powerless; he would have his servants turn their thoughts on that serene region where men as men would have no power.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I tell
Λέγω (Legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

friends,
φίλοις (philois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5384: Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.

do not be afraid
φοβηθῆτε (phobēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

those who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kill
ἀποκτεινόντων (apokteinontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

body
σῶμα (sōma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

after
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

that
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

can
ἐχόντων (echontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

do
ποιῆσαι (poiēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

no
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

more.
περισσότερόν (perissoteron)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4053: From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.


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