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.(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)