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Luke 12:58

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 12:58 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer, and the officer shall cast thee into prison.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer, and the officer shall cast thee into prison.
Luke 12:58 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
55And when [ye see] a south wind blowing, ye say, There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass.
56Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?
57And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
58For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer, and the officer shall cast thee into prison.
59I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the very last mite.
← Luke 12:57Luke 12:59 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When thou goest with thine adversary, etc.] The creditor, as the Persic version, and who is the prosecutor, that has commenced a suit of law against another, in order to obtain his right: for Christ is here speaking of a bad man, that will not pay his just debts, so that his creditor is obliged to prosecute him, and have him to the magistrate; ruler, or prince; the Nasi, or prince of the sanhedrim, who sat as judge there: as thou art in the way; going along with the creditor, or prosecutor, to the court of judicature; give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him. The Persic version renders it, “give him the money”; and the Arabic version, “give what thou owest”; and the Syriac…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When thou goest, &c.--(See on Mat 5:25-26). The urgency of the case with them, and the necessity, for their own safety, of immediate decision, was the object of these striking words. Next: Luke Chapter 13”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 5:25-26. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Luke 12". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-12.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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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
“When thou art going - As if he had said, And ye have not a moment to lose. For the executioners of God's vengeance are at hand. And when he hath once delivered you over to them, ye are undone for ever. Mat 5:25. Luke 12:59”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:58 on the way to court: This lawsuit over an unpaid debt would result in debtor’s prison. The officer is the bailiff of the court or the warden of the prison. It is advisable to negotiate accounts with your accuser, if possible, before reaching the courtroom. It is also best to reckon with God before the final day of judgment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thou goest: Pro 25:8, Pro 25:9; Mat 5:23-26 give: Luk 14:31, Luk 14:32; Gen. 32:3-28; 1Sam. 25:18-35; Job 22:21, Job 23:7; Psa 32:6; Pro 6:1-5; Isa 55:6; Co2 6:2; Heb 3:7-13 the judge: Luk 13:24-28; Job 36:17, Job 36:18; Psa 50:22 into: Mat 18:30; Pe1 3:19; Rev 20:7 Luke 12:59”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification