New Testament
Luke 12:50
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it's completed!
Compare translations
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
What Luke 12:50 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about a 'baptism' that He must undergo, which symbolizes His impending suffering and death. The term 'baptism' here refers to a deep, transformative experience that He must face, indicating His commitment to fulfilling God's plan for salvation. His distress reflects the weight of this mission, showing that He is aware of the pain and sacrifice required. Jesus expresses a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil as He anticipates the completion of this task. This moment highlights His humanity and the profound struggle He faces, emphasizing the seriousness of His mission. The baptism signifies not just a ritual but a significant event that will lead to redemption for humanity. Jesus' distress reveals His deep love and commitment to His purpose, reminding us of the cost of following God's will and the sacrifices involved in fulfilling our own callings.
How to apply Luke 12:50 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own commitments and the sacrifices we may need to make in our lives. Just as Jesus faced distress for a greater purpose, we too can find strength in our struggles when pursuing our goals and serving others. Embrace your challenges as part of your journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 12:50
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 12:50
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 12:50 mean?
In Luke 12:50, Jesus refers to a 'baptism' that symbolizes His upcoming suffering and death. He expresses distress about this mission, highlighting the emotional weight of fulfilling God's plan for salvation.
What is the meaning of 'baptism' in Luke 12:50?
In this verse, 'baptism' represents a deep, transformative experience that Jesus must endure, indicating His commitment to the suffering and sacrifice required for humanity's redemption.
Why does Jesus feel distressed in Luke 12:50?
Jesus feels distressed in Luke 12:50 because He is aware of the pain and sacrifice involved in His mission. His emotional turmoil reflects the weight of the task ahead and His deep commitment to it.
How can we apply Luke 12:50 to our lives?
Luke 12:50 encourages us to reflect on our own commitments and the sacrifices we may face. It reminds us that challenges can be part of our journey towards fulfilling our goals and serving others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.