1At that very time some people were present who reported to him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. [13:2] He answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered these things? [13:3] No, I say to you — but unless you change your minds, you will all likewise perish. [13:4] Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them — do you think that they were worse debtors than all the other people living in Jerusalem? [13:5] No, I say to you — but unless you change your minds, you will all likewise perish."
LUK 13:1-5
A Call to Repentance
In the world it was spoken into
In first-century Judea, the mention of Pilate mingling Galilean blood with their sacrifices would have evoked immediate horror. Galileans were often viewed as troublemakers by Roman authorities, and this act of violence would have been seen as both sacrilegious and politically charged, violating Jewish purity laws and Temple sanctity. The collapse of the tower in Siloam, a known structure in Jerusalem, would have been interpreted as a divine judgment by many, as such disasters were often linked to moral failings. Jesus’ audience likely assumed these events were punishments for specific sins, reflecting a common belief in retributive justice. Jesus challenges this assumption, using the term (repent) to call for a fundamental reorientation of heart and life, not merely regret. The reference to (debtors) underscores moral accountability, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish and Greco-Roman ethical thought. Jesus shifts the focus from external judgment to internal transformation, urging readiness for divine reckoning.
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How other translations render this
LUK 13:1
- KJV
- There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
- BSB
- At that time some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
- Koinōnos
- At that very time some people were present who reported to him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
LUK 13:2
- KJV
- And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
- BSB
- To this He replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this way?
- Koinōnos
- He answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered these things?
LUK 13:3
- KJV
- I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- BSB
- No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
- Koinōnos
- No, I say to you — but unless you change your minds, you will all likewise perish.
LUK 13:4
- KJV
- Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
- BSB
- Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?
- Koinōnos
- Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them — do you think that they were worse debtors than all the other people living in Jerusalem?
LUK 13:5
- KJV
- I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- BSB
- No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
- Koinōnos
- No, I say to you — but unless you change your minds, you will all likewise perish.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 13:1
- time:The word translated 'time' here refers to a specific, opportune moment, a season or a fitting occasion, rather than just a general span of chronological time.
- mingled:The term used here for 'mingled' implies a thorough mixing or blending, suggesting a close association or combination of elements.
LUK 13:3
- you shall repent,:The word translated 'you shall repent' signifies a fundamental change of mind, a reorientation of one's entire outlook and purpose, not merely feeling sorry for past actions.
LUK 13:4
- debtors:The word translated 'debtors' refers to those who owe a debt, whether financial or moral, and are therefore under an obligation or liability.