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Luke 12:51

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 12:51 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Luke 12:51 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
48but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
49I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
51Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
53They shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.
54And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass.
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“peace . . . ? Nay, &c.--the reverse of peace, in the first instance. (See on Mat 10:34-36.) The connection of all this with the foregoing warnings about hypocrisy, covetousness, and watchfulness, is deeply solemn: "My conflict hasten apace; Mine over, yours begins; and then, let the servants tread in their Master's steps, uttering their testimony entire and fearless, neither loving nor dreading the world, anticipating awful wrenches of the dearest ties in life, but looking forward, as I do, to the completion of their testimony, when, reaching the haven after the tempest, they shall enter into the joy of their Lord."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 10:34-36. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Suppose ye that I am come to send peace upon earth - That universal peace will be the immediate effect of my coming? Not so, but quite the contrary. Mat 10:34. Luke 12:52”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:51-53 I have come to divide people: Jesus’ ministry demands a decision for or against God that divides even family members.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 12:49; Zac 11:7, Zac 11:8, Zac 11:10, Zac 11:11, Zac 11:14; Mat 10:34-36, Mat 24:7-10 Luke 12:52”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification