New Testament

Luke 12:8

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

"I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me publicly will be acknowledged by the Son of Man before the angels of God.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

What Luke 12:8 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of openly acknowledging Him in front of others. He assures His followers that if they confess their faith in Him publicly, He will also recognize and affirm them before God’s angels. This highlights the reciprocal relationship between believers and Christ; their willingness to stand up for Him will be rewarded in the heavenly realm. The term 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus Himself, indicating His authority and role as the mediator between humanity and God. This verse encourages believers to be bold in their faith, reminding them that their public declaration of belief is significant and will not go unnoticed in the spiritual realm. It serves as a call to action for Christians to share their faith without fear, knowing that such acts of courage will be honored by Christ in the presence of God.

How to apply Luke 12:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to be open about our faith in Jesus. In our daily lives, we can look for opportunities to share our beliefs with others, whether through conversations, social media, or community involvement. Remember, acknowledging Christ publicly can strengthen our faith and inspire others.

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.

A painting of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary

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

The low dark stone ruins of Capernaum, with the Sea of Galilee and hills behind.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Luke 12:8

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 12:8

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 12:8 mean?

Luke 12:8 means that if someone openly acknowledges their faith in Jesus, He will also acknowledge them before God’s angels. This highlights the importance of being public about one’s belief in Christ.

What is the significance of confessing Jesus publicly in Luke 12:8?

Confessing Jesus publicly is significant because it shows courage in one’s faith and a willingness to stand up for Christ. According to this verse, such public acknowledgment will be rewarded by Jesus in the heavenly realm.

What does 'Son of Man' refer to in Luke 12:8?

In Luke 12:8, 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus Himself. It emphasizes His authority and role as the mediator between humanity and God.

How can I apply Luke 12:8 in my life?

You can apply Luke 12:8 by looking for opportunities to share your faith in Jesus with others, whether in conversations or on social media. Being open about your beliefs can strengthen your faith and encourage those around you.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.