Luke 13:4
New International Version
Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?

New Living Translation
And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem?

English Standard Version
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

Berean Standard Bible
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?

Berean Literal Bible
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: Do you think that these were debtors beyond all the men dwelling in Jerusalem?

King James Bible
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

New King James Version
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?

New American Standard Bible
Or do you think that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse offenders than all the other people who live in Jerusalem?

NASB 1995
“Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?

NASB 1977
“Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?

Legacy Standard Bible
Or do you think that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse offenders than all the men who live in Jerusalem?

Amplified Bible
Or do you assume that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem?

Christian Standard Bible
Or those eighteen that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the other people who live in Jerusalem?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Or those 18 that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the people who live in Jerusalem?

American Standard Version
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?

Contemporary English Version
What about those 18 people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were worse than everyone else in Jerusalem?

English Revised Version
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
What about those 18 people who died when the tower at Siloam fell on them? Do you think that they were more sinful than other people living in Jerusalem?

Good News Translation
What about those eighteen people in Siloam who were killed when the tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem?

International Standard Version
What about those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem?

Majority Standard Bible
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?

NET Bible
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who live in Jerusalem?

New Heart English Bible
Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwell in Jerusalem?

Webster's Bible Translation
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Weymouth New Testament
Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, do you suppose they had failed in their duty more than all the rest of the people who live in Jerusalem?

World English Bible
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do you think that these became debtors beyond all men who are dwelling in Jerusalem?

Berean Literal Bible
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: Do you think that these were debtors beyond all the men dwelling in Jerusalem?

Young's Literal Translation
'Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; think ye that these became debtors beyond all men who are dwelling in Jerusalem?

Smith's Literal Translation
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that these were debtors above all men dwelling in Jerusalem?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they also were greater transgressors than all the men living in Jerusalem?

New American Bible
Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them —do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?

New Revised Standard Version
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and it killed them; do you think that they were greater sinners than all the men who live in Jerusalem?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Or those eighteen upon whom the tower of Shilokha fell and killed them; do you think that they were sinners more so than all the children of men who dwell in Jerusalem?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Or, those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were greater debtors than all other men that were living in Jerusalem?

Godbey New Testament
Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Saloam fell, and killed them, do you think that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?

Haweis New Testament
Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were debtors to divine justice above all the men who dwell at Jerusalem?

Mace New Testament
or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, do you think they were greater criminals than the other inhabitants of Jerusalem?

Weymouth New Testament
Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, do you suppose they had failed in their duty more than all the rest of the people who live in Jerusalem?

Worrell New Testament
Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and slew them, suppose ye that they were offenders above all the men dwelling in Jerusalem?

Worsley New Testament
Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do ye think that they were sinners above all the inhabitants in Jerusalem?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Repentance
3No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”…

Cross References
Job 1:18-19
While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, / when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Ecclesiastes 9:12
For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.

1 Kings 20:30
The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.

Nehemiah 4:10
Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”

Isaiah 30:13
this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant!

Amos 9:1
I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape.

Zephaniah 1:10-11
On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills. / Wail, O dwellers of the Hollow, for all your merchants will be silenced; all who weigh out silver will be cut off.

2 Samuel 11:21
Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’”

Judges 16:30
Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.

Matthew 24:2
“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Mark 13:2
“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Acts 5:5
On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.

Acts 5:10
At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Acts 12:23
Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.


Treasury of Scripture

Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelled in Jerusalem?

in Siloam.

Nehemiah 3:15
But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

John 9:7,11
And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing…

fell.

1 Kings 20:30
But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

Job 1:19
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

sinners.

Luke 7:41,42
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty…

Luke 11:4
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Jump to Previous
Crushed Debtors Duty Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Eighteen Failed Fell Jerusalem Killed Live Offenders Others Rest Siloam Silo'am Sinners Slew Suppose Think Tower Worse
Jump to Next
Crushed Debtors Duty Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Eighteen Failed Fell Jerusalem Killed Live Offenders Others Rest Siloam Silo'am Sinners Slew Suppose Think Tower Worse
Luke 13
1. Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.
6. The fruitless fig tree may not stand.
10. He heals the crooked woman;
18. shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed,
20. and of leaven;
22. exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;
31. and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.














Or those eighteen
The phrase "those eighteen" refers to a specific group of individuals who suffered a tragic death. The number eighteen in biblical numerology often symbolizes bondage or oppression, which can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition under sin. This reference to a specific number of people highlights the personal nature of the tragedy and invites the audience to consider the individual lives lost, rather than viewing them as mere statistics.

who were killed
The Greek word used here for "killed" is "apokteino," which means to kill or put to death. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe violent or untimely deaths, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpected nature of the event. The use of this word underscores the fragility of life and the reality of mortality, reminding believers of the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times.

when the tower in Siloam fell on them
The "tower in Siloam" refers to a structure in the area of Siloam, a neighborhood in Jerusalem known for its pool, which is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible (John 9:7). Archaeological evidence suggests that Siloam was a significant site during the Second Temple period. The falling of the tower is a historical event that Jesus uses to illustrate a spiritual truth. It serves as a reminder that disasters can occur without warning and are not necessarily a direct result of personal sin.

do you think that they were more sinful
The phrase "more sinful" challenges the common belief that suffering is directly correlated with personal sinfulness. The Greek word for "sinful" here is "opheiletes," which can also mean debtor. This term suggests a moral or spiritual debt, implying that all humans are inherently sinful and in need of redemption. Jesus is addressing the misconception that those who suffer are being punished for their sins, urging His listeners to reflect on their own spiritual state.

than all the others living in Jerusalem
"All the others living in Jerusalem" broadens the scope of the discussion to include the entire population of the city. Jerusalem, as the spiritual and cultural center of Jewish life, represents the collective identity of God's chosen people. By comparing the victims to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Jesus emphasizes the universality of sin and the need for repentance among all people, not just those who experience tragedy.

(4) Upon whom the tower in Siloam fell.--Here, again, we have a reference to an incident not recorded elsewhere. It was clearly one that had impressed the minds of men with horror, as a special judgment. At or near to Siloam, the modern Birket-Silwan, is a swimming-pool, or tank (John 9:7), where the valley of Tyrop?on opens into that of the Kedron. It was supplied through artificial conduits, and appears to have been one of a series of pools so fed. It is not unlikely, connected as Siloam thus was with the water-system of the city, that the tower in question was part of the works which Pilate had planned, and partly executed, for the construction of an aqueduct, and for which he appropriated part of the Corban or sacred treasure of the Temple, and if so, the popular excitement which this measure caused (see Note on Matthew 27:2) might well lead men to look on its fall as an instance of a divine judgment on what they regarded as an act of sacrilege.

Verse 4. - Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? "You remember," goes on the Master, "the catastrophe of the fall of the tower in Siloam; the poor sufferers who were crushed there were not specially wicked men." The Lord used these occasions, we see, for something more than the great national lesson. Men are too ready, now as then, to give way to the unloving error of looking at individual misfortune as the consequence of individual crime. Such human uncharitable judgments the Lord bitterly condemns. Ewald's conjecture in connection with this Siloam accident is ingenious. He supposes that the rigid Jews looked on the catastrophe as a retribution because the workmen who perished were paid by Pilate out of the sacred corban money (see Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:09. 4). The works were no doubt in connection with the aqueduct to the Pool of Siloam.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

those
ἐκεῖνοι (ekeinoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

eighteen
δέκα‿ (deka)
Adjective
Strong's 1176: Ten. A primary number; ten.

who
οὓς (hous)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

were killed
ἀπέκτεινεν (apekteinen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.

[when] the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tower
πύργος (pyrgos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4444: A tower, fortified structure. Apparently a primary word; a tower or castle.

of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Siloam
Σιλωὰμ (Silōam)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4611: Siloam, a spring within the walls, in the south-east corner of Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Siloam, a pool of Jerusalem.

collapsed
ἔπεσεν (epesen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4098: A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.

on
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

them:
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

Do you think
δοκεῖτε (dokeite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

they
αὐτοὶ (autoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

were
ἐγένοντο (egenonto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

more
παρὰ (para)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

sinful
ὀφειλέται (opheiletai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3781: From opheilo; an ower, i.e. Person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor.

[than] all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[others]
ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

living
κατοικοῦντας (katoikountas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2730: To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.

in Jerusalem?
Ἰερουσαλήμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.


Links
Luke 13:4 NIV
Luke 13:4 NLT
Luke 13:4 ESV
Luke 13:4 NASB
Luke 13:4 KJV

Luke 13:4 BibleApps.com
Luke 13:4 Biblia Paralela
Luke 13:4 Chinese Bible
Luke 13:4 French Bible
Luke 13:4 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 13:3
Top of Page
Top of Page