And why don’t you
This phrase challenges the audience to engage in self-reflection and personal responsibility. In the context of Jesus' ministry, He often encouraged His listeners to think critically and not rely solely on religious leaders for understanding. This approach aligns with the broader biblical theme of personal accountability before God, as seen in passages like Romans 14:12, which emphasizes that each person will give an account of themselves to God.

judge for yourselves
The call to "judge for yourselves" underscores the importance of discernment and wisdom. In the Jewish context of the time, religious leaders often interpreted the Law for the people. However, Jesus is urging individuals to apply their own understanding and discernment. This echoes Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises believers to trust in the Lord and lean not on their own understanding, yet also to acknowledge Him in all ways, implying a balance of divine guidance and personal judgment.

what is right?
Determining "what is right" involves moral and ethical discernment, which is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings. The concept of righteousness is central to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus redefines righteousness beyond legalistic adherence to the Law, focusing instead on the heart's intentions. This phrase also connects to Micah 6:8, which summarizes what the Lord requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Jesus' question challenges His audience to align their judgments with God's standards of righteousness, which are often countercultural and require a transformation of the heart.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd, teaching them about discernment and the importance of understanding the times.

2. The Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, they are being instructed to develop spiritual discernment.

3. The Crowd
A larger group of people who are also listening to Jesus' teachings, representing the general populace of Israel at the time.

4. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, they are often the implicit audience in Jesus' teachings about discernment and righteousness.

5. The Context of Judgment
This verse is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is urging His listeners to recognize the signs of the times and to make righteous judgments.Develop Spiritual Discernment
Jesus calls us to judge for ourselves what is right, emphasizing the need for personal discernment. This requires a deep understanding of God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Recognize the Signs of the Times
Just as Jesus urged His listeners to interpret the times, we must be aware of the spiritual and moral climate around us and respond appropriately.

Righteous Judgment
Our judgments should be based on righteousness and truth, not on appearances or societal pressures. This requires aligning our values with biblical principles.

Personal Responsibility
Jesus' question implies that we have a personal responsibility to seek and understand what is right. We cannot rely solely on others for spiritual guidance.

Seek Divine Guidance
In making judgments, we must seek God's wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures, ensuring our decisions align with His will.1. What is the meaning of Luke 12:57?

2. How can we "judge for yourselves what is right" in daily decisions?

3. What does Luke 12:57 teach about personal responsibility in moral discernment?

4. How does Luke 12:57 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on seeking God's wisdom?

5. In what ways can we apply Luke 12:57 to conflict resolution?

6. How does understanding Luke 12:57 enhance our spiritual growth and maturity?

7. How does Luke 12:57 challenge personal responsibility in moral decision-making?

8. What historical context influences the interpretation of Luke 12:57?

9. How does Luke 12:57 relate to the concept of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 12?

11. Is it right to judge others?

12. What is the Sermon on the Plain about?

13. How does Luke 18:1-8 reconcile the idea of a just God with the need for persistent prayer to gain His attention?

14. If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?And

• The word links Jesus’ challenge in verse 57 directly to the warning He has just given about “interpreting the present time” (Luke 12:54–56).

• He has shown the crowd that they can read the sky to predict weather, yet they miss the clear spiritual signs of His Kingdom.

• Matthew 16:2–3 echoes this: “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

• “And” therefore signals continuity—Jesus’ next sentence is not a new topic but the practical application of everything He has just said.

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why don’t you

• The question has the tone of a gentle yet pointed rebuke. It assumes ability; the only issue is willingness.

• Mark 4:13 shows a similar moment when Jesus says, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?” He expected His listeners to engage their minds and hearts.

• James 1:22–24 reminds believers that hearing truth without acting on it is self-deception. Jesus’ “why don’t you” exposes that danger.

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judge for yourselves

• Jesus places responsibility squarely on each hearer. Spiritual discernment cannot be outsourced.

• John 7:24 commands, “Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” The same call echoes here: look beneath surface traditions and see the reality of the Messiah standing in front of you.

• 1 Corinthians 11:31 adds, “If we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.” Self-examination now spares harsher judgment later.

• Personal, Spirit-led judgment operates within the boundaries of revealed Scripture (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16).

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what is right?

• “Right” speaks of righteousness—what aligns with God’s character and commands.

• Micah 6:8 summarizes: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

• Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

• Psalm 19:9–11 celebrates the LORD’s judgments as “true and altogether righteous… in keeping them there is great reward.” Jesus invites the crowd to apply those perfect standards to their current moment—recognizing Him, repenting, and aligning with God’s purposes.

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summary

Luke 12:57 is Jesus’ heartfelt push for immediate, personal discernment. “And” ties His words to the warning already given; “why don’t you” exposes reluctance, not inability; “judge for yourselves” assigns each listener the duty of Spirit-guided evaluation; “what is right?” directs them to God’s unwavering standard of righteousness. The verse calls every believer today to read the signs, weigh everything against Scripture, and act without delay on the truth God has made plain.

(57) Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?--Better, judge that which is just. The meaning of the words is not that they did not know what was right, but that they did not act upon their knowledge. They were passing an unrighteous judgment on the preachers of repentance, on the Baptist and on the Christ, because they came to tell them of the time of their visitation, when their action ought to have been as true and spontaneous as their daily judgment about the weather. It is possible, though not, I think, probable, that the question "Why even of yourselves . . ." may have some reference to the request of the disciple, in Luke 12:13, that our Lord would act as judge.

Parallel Commentaries ...

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

don’t
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

you judge
κρίνετε (krinete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

for
ἀφ’ (aph’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

yourselves
ἑαυτῶν (heautōn)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

what [is]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

right?
δίκαιον (dikaion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.


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NT Gospels: Luke 12:57 Why don't you judge for yourselves what (Luke Lu Lk)