New Testament
Luke 12:50
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus speaks about a 'baptism' that He must undergo, which symbolizes His impending suffering and death.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it's completed!
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.