New Testament
Luke 6:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' but don't do what I say?
Compare translations
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
What Luke 6:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus questions why people refer to Him as 'Lord' while failing to follow His teachings. The repetition of 'Lord, Lord' emphasizes a deep acknowledgment of His authority, yet their actions contradict their words. This highlights a common issue where individuals may profess faith or allegiance but do not live according to the principles they claim to believe. Jesus is calling for authenticity in faith, urging His followers to not only recognize Him as Lord but to also act in accordance with His commands. This verse serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves both belief and action, and that mere verbal acknowledgment is insufficient without corresponding behavior that reflects His teachings. It challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure that their actions align with their professed faith, reinforcing the idea that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's word.
How to apply Luke 6:46 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own life and consider areas where your actions may not align with your professed beliefs. Strive to live out your faith actively by following Jesus' teachings in daily decisions and interactions, ensuring that your words and actions are consistent.
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 Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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 6:46
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 6:46
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 6:46 mean?
Luke 6:46 means that Jesus is questioning why people call Him 'Lord' but do not follow His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with their professed beliefs.
What is the significance of 'Lord, Lord' in Luke 6:46?
The phrase 'Lord, Lord' signifies a deep recognition of Jesus' authority. However, it highlights the contradiction when people acknowledge Him as Lord yet fail to obey His commands.
How can I apply Luke 6:46 in my life?
To apply Luke 6:46, reflect on your daily actions and ensure they align with your beliefs. Strive to actively follow Jesus' teachings in your decisions and interactions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.