New Testament
Luke 11:31
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The Queen of the South will stand up at the judgment alongside the people of this generation and condemn them, because she traveled from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom — and someone greater than Solomon is standing right here.
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The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
What Luke 11:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba, who traveled a great distance to hear the wisdom of King Solomon. He uses her example to highlight the lack of faith and recognition among the people of His time. Despite her long journey to seek wisdom, the people around Jesus fail to see that He embodies a greater wisdom than Solomon. This serves as a warning that those who do not respond to the truth presented to them will be judged more harshly than those who sought wisdom from afar. The Queen's actions demonstrate a thirst for understanding and truth, contrasting with the indifference of Jesus' contemporaries. Jesus emphasizes that His presence and teachings surpass even the greatest wisdom of the past, urging listeners to recognize and respond to His message.
How to apply Luke 11:31 to your life
This verse challenges us to seek wisdom and truth actively. Just as the Queen of Sheba traveled far to gain understanding, we should pursue spiritual growth and not take for granted the teachings of Jesus. Recognizing His greater wisdom can transform our lives.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus says that at the final judgment, the queen of the south will stand up with his generation and condemn them. She traveled from the far end of the earth just to hear Solomon's wisdom. But someone greater than Solomon is right in front of this generation. They still will not listen. That makes their rejection worse than anything she could be blamed for.
Read It in Context
The crowd has been demanding a miraculous sign from Jesus (verse 16). He says the only sign they will get is the sign of Jonah (verse 29). This verse is part of that answer. It shows that an outsider with far less reason to seek God was more eager than this generation.
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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 11:31 mean?
Luke 11:31 refers to the Queen of Sheba, who traveled a long distance to hear King Solomon's wisdom. Jesus uses her example to illustrate that the people of His time are missing the greater wisdom He offers, highlighting their lack of faith and recognition.
What is the significance of the Queen of Sheba in Luke 11:31?
The Queen of Sheba represents those who seek wisdom and truth, contrasting with the indifference of Jesus' contemporaries. Her journey to hear Solomon's wisdom emphasizes the importance of recognizing and pursuing greater truths, which Jesus embodies.
What does 'someone greater than Solomon' mean in Luke 11:31?
In Luke 11:31, 'someone greater than Solomon' refers to Jesus Himself. He is asserting that His teachings and wisdom surpass even that of Solomon, urging people to acknowledge and respond to His message.
How does Luke 11:31 relate to judgment?
Luke 11:31 indicates that the Queen of Sheba will stand in judgment against those who fail to recognize Jesus' wisdom. It suggests that those who ignore the truth presented to them will face harsher judgment than those who actively sought wisdom.
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