New Testament
Luke 11:23
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"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever doesn't gather with me scatters.
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He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
What Luke 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of allegiance and commitment. He states that there is no neutral ground when it comes to following Him; one is either actively supporting His mission or opposing it. The phrase 'gather with me' refers to working towards the goals of the Kingdom of God, while 'scatter' implies causing division or hindering progress. This teaching challenges individuals to reflect on their actions and attitudes towards Jesus and His work. It serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and being passive or indifferent is akin to being against Him. Jesus calls for active participation in His mission, urging believers to unite in their efforts to spread His message and love. This verse invites us to consider where we stand in relation to Christ and encourages us to take a definitive stance in our faith and actions.
How to apply Luke 11:23 to your life
This verse challenges us to evaluate our commitment to Christ. Are we actively supporting His mission in our lives, or are we remaining passive? We should strive to gather with Him by sharing His love and message with others, ensuring our actions align with our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus says there is no middle ground with him. A person is either with him or against him. The second part makes the same point: a person either gathers alongside Jesus or scatters. Not joining his work counts as working against it.
Read It in Context
Some in the crowd had just accused Jesus of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub, the chief of the devils. Jesus answered that Satan would not fight against his own side. This verse closes that argument: not being on Jesus's side means being on the other side.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:23 mean?
Luke 11:23 means that there is no neutral position when it comes to following Jesus. You are either supporting His mission or opposing it, emphasizing the need for commitment to His work.
What is the meaning of 'gather with me' in Luke 11:23?
'Gather with me' refers to actively participating in the goals of the Kingdom of God. It means working together to spread Jesus' message and love, rather than causing division.
How can I apply Luke 11:23 in my life?
You can apply Luke 11:23 by evaluating your commitment to Christ and actively supporting His mission. This means sharing His love and message with others and ensuring your actions reflect your faith.
What is the main message of Luke 11:23?
The main message of Luke 11:23 is the importance of allegiance to Jesus. It challenges individuals to take a clear stance in their faith, either supporting His mission or opposing it.
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