What does Luke 13:27 mean?
What is the meaning of Luke 13:27?

And he will answer

• Jesus pictures Himself as the Master of the house responding personally (Luke 13:25).

• The fact that He “will answer” shows that every plea receives a clear, just response (Romans 2:6; Hebrews 4:13).

• Similar scenes: “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you’ ” (Matthew 25:12), underscoring that the issue is settled by His own word.


I tell you

• This phrase carries divine authority; He is not giving opinion but verdict (Matthew 24:35; John 14:6).

• Whenever Jesus says, “I tell you,” hearts are laid bare (John 8:34–36). We listen knowing His word stands forever.


I do not know where you are from

• The problem is relational, not informational—He knows all facts but does not acknowledge them as His own (2 Timothy 2:19).

• “ ‘I never knew you; depart from Me’ ” (Matthew 7:23) echoes this truth.

• Outward association with Christ (eating and drinking in His presence, Luke 13:26) cannot replace genuine faith and obedience (John 10:14, 27).


Depart from me

• A solemn command of separation—no further opportunity remains once the door is shut (Luke 13:25; Revelation 22:11).

• Judgment involves exclusion from God’s presence: “They will be punished with eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

• The Master’s house is for the redeemed; evildoers must leave (Psalm 5:5).


all you evildoers

• The charge is moral: continual practice of sin marks those outside (1 John 3:8).

• “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).

• The term covers more than wicked acts; it describes hearts untransformed by grace (Romans 6:17–18). Repentance and faith in Christ remain the only remedy (Acts 3:19).


summary

Luke 13:27 is Jesus’ unwavering verdict on people who relied on proximity rather than repentance. He, the righteous Judge, declares with authority that mere familiarity cannot substitute for true relationship. Unrepentant sinners, though once near, face separation because holiness cannot dwell with evil. The passage urges sincere faith that produces obedience, assuring that those truly known by Christ will never hear these chilling words.

Why do those in Luke 13:26 claim familiarity with Jesus, yet are denied entry?
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