Luke 12:48

“But he that knew not, etc.] His Lord's will; either not having the means of knowing it, as the Heathens; or through neglect of them, not attending to them, and making use of them, which is the case of many, where the Gospel revelation is: and did commit things worthy of stripes; or punishment; as the Gentiles, by sinning against the law, and light of nature; and those who might have the advantage of a divine revelation, but neglect it: the Septuagint in (<052502>Deuteronomy 25:2) have the same phrase as here, axiov plhgwn, “worthy of stripes”: shall be beaten with few stripes; their punishment shall be less, and it shall be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment, than for knowing…”

“knew not--that is knew but partially; for some knowledge is presupposed both in the name "servant" of Christ, and his being liable to punishment at all. many . . . few stripes--degrees of future punishment proportioned to the knowledge sinned against. Even heathens are not without knowledge enough for future judgment; but the reference here is not to such. It is a solemn truth, and though general, like all other revelations of the future world, discloses a tangible and momentous principle in its awards.”

“Few stripes - The Jews never inflicted more than forty stripes for one offence, Deuteronomy 25:3. For smaller offences they inflicted only four, five, six, etc., according to the nature of the crime. In allusion to this, our Lord says that he “that knew not” - that is, he who had comparatively little knowledge - would suffer a punishment proportionally light. He refers, doubtless, to those who have fewer opportunities, smaller gifts, or fewer teachers. Much is given - They who have much committed to their disposal, as stewards, etc. See the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. return to 'Top of Page'”

“knew: Lev 5:17; Act 17:30; Rom 2:12-16; Ti1 1:13 For: Luk 16:2, Luk 16:10-12; Gen. 39:8-23; Matt. 25:14-29; Joh 15:22; Co1 9:17, Co1 9:18; Ti1 1:11, Ti1 1:13, Ti1 6:20; Tit 1:3; Jam 3:1 \*Gr. Luke 12:49”