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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 12:4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/42_Luk_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 12:4 - Fear God Alone" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they cannot do any more to you after that. <a href="/esv/luke/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. <a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I say to you, My friends, you should not fear because of those killing the body and after these things not being able to do anything more abundantly. <a href="/kjv/luke/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/nkjv/luke/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/nasb_/luke/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. <a href="/nasb/luke/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/nasb77/luke/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/lsb/luke/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “But I say to you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/amp/luke/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. <a href="/csb/luke/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “I say to you, my friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. <a href="/hcsb/luke/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220And I say to you, My friends, don&#8217t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. <a href="/asv/luke/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/cev/luke/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. <a href="/erv/luke/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them which kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/gwt/luke/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "My friends, I can guarantee that you don't need to be afraid of those who kill the body. After that they can't do anything more. <a href="/gnt/luke/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot afterward do anything worse. <a href="/isv/luke/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But I tell you, my friends, never be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can't do anything more. <a href="/msb/luke/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. <a href="/net/luke/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. <a href="/nheb/luke/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/wbt/luke/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I say to you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But to you who are my friends I say, "'Be not afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do nothing further. <a href="/web/luke/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those killing the body, and after these things are not having anything more to do; <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I say to you, My friends, you should not fear because of those killing the body and after these things not being able to do anything more abundantly. <a href="/ylt/luke/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And I say to you, my friends, be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these things are not having anything over to do; <a href="/slt/luke/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I say to you, my friends, Be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these not having anything remaining to do.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/cpdv/luke/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do. <a href="/nabre/luke/12.htm">New American Bible</a> I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I say to you, my friends, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And I say to you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after this there is nothing more for them to do.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I say to you, my friends, Fear not them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. <a href="/godbey/luke/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these things, having nothing more to do.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of those who may kill the body, but after that, have nothing farther which they can do. <a href="/mace/luke/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As for you, my friends, be not afraid of those, who can kill the body, and after that can effect nothing more. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But to you who are my friends I say, "'Be not afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do nothing further. <a href="/worrell/luke/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"And I say to you, my friends, be not frightened by those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Now I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them, that <Fr>can only<FR> kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=4986" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Fear God Alone</a> 3What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. 4<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5384.htm" title="5384: philois (Adj-DMP) -- Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.">friends,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phobēthēte (V-ASP-2P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">do not be afraid</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apokteinontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">kill</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-ANS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">after</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">can</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">do</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">no</a> <a href="/greek/4053.htm" title="4053: perissoteron (Adj-ANS-C) -- From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.">more.</a> 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a> So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” <a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12</a> “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? <a href="/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4</a> In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a> The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a> The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">1 Peter 3:14</a> But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Philippians 1:28</a> without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.my.<a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Song of Solomon 5:1,16</a> I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved… <a href="/isaiah/41-8.htm">Isaiah 41:8</a> But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.<a href="/john/15-14.htm">John 15:14</a> Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Be.<a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7-13</a> Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings… <a href="/jeremiah/1-8.htm">Jeremiah 1:8,17</a> Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD… <a href="/jeremiah/26-14.htm">Jeremiah 26:14,15</a> As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/11-41.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/luke/11-36.htm">Body</a> <a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Death</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/9-61.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/luke/10-35.htm">Further</a> <a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Killing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/luke/12-5.htm">Body</a> <a href="/luke/12-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/luke/12-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/13-27.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/luke/22-71.htm">Further</a> <a href="/luke/13-31.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/luke/12-5.htm">Killing</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 12</div>1. <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy</a> 13. <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/12-22.htm">We must not worry about earthly things,</a> 31. <a href="/luke/12-31.htm">but seek the kingdom of God;</a> 33. <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">give alms;</a> 35. <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,</a> 49. <a href="/luke/12-49.htm">and look for persecution.</a> 54. <a href="/luke/12-54.htm">The people must take this time of grace;</a> 57. <a href="/luke/12-57.htm">because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I tell you, My friends Jesus addresses His disciples with a term of endearment, indicating a close relationship. This reflects the intimate bond between Christ and His followers, emphasizing that His teachings are meant for those who are committed to Him. The use of "friends" aligns with <a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a>, where Jesus calls His disciples friends because He has shared with them everything He learned from the Father.do not be afraid of those who kill the body This phrase acknowledges the reality of persecution and physical harm that believers may face. Historically, early Christians faced severe persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials they will encounter, encouraging them to maintain their faith despite threats to their physical well-being. This echoes the courage shown by Old Testament figures like Daniel, who faced the lion's den without fear.and after that can do no more Here, Jesus contrasts the temporary power of human persecutors with the eternal authority of God. While humans can harm the body, they cannot touch the soul or affect one's eternal destiny. This teaching is consistent with the broader biblical theme of the soul's immortality and the ultimate judgment by God, as seen in <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a>, where Jesus further elaborates on fearing God rather than man. This perspective encourages believers to prioritize spiritual over physical concerns, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing His disciples and followers. He is providing guidance and encouragement in the face of persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching. They are being prepared for the challenges they will face as His followers. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecutors.htm">Persecutors</a> Implied in the text as those who can "kill the body." They represent earthly powers and authorities that may oppose the message of Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_authority.htm">Heavenly Authority</a> While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context implies a contrast between earthly and divine authority. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fear.htm">Fear</a> A central theme in this passage, where Jesus addresses the natural human emotion of fear in the face of mortal danger.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god_vs._fear_of_man.htm">Fear of God vs. Fear of Man</a> Jesus teaches that the fear of God should surpass the fear of human threats. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary, earthly concerns to eternal, spiritual realities. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Believers are encouraged to maintain an eternal perspective, understanding that physical death is not the end for those in Christ. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_persecution.htm">Courage in Persecution</a> This verse calls Christians to stand firm in their faith, even when facing persecution, trusting in God's ultimate authority and justice. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_the_soul.htm">Value of the Soul</a> The teaching underscores the value of the soul over the body, urging believers to prioritize spiritual well-being over physical safety. <a href="/topical/f/friendship_with_christ.htm">Friendship with Christ</a> Jesus addresses His followers as "friends," indicating a personal relationship that offers comfort and assurance in times of fear.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 12</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_overcome_fear_of_god's_wrath.htm">Why fear those who can only kill the body?</a> <a href="/q/why_fear_those_who_kill_the_body.htm">Why fear those who can only kill the body?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_bible_books_contradict_details.htm">If the Bible is historically accurate, why do different biblical books contradict each other in details such as the number of angels at Jesus' tomb?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'fear_of_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does "Fear of the Lord" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4-9) I say unto you my friends.--See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/10-28.htm" title="And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.">Matthew 10:28-32</a>. The opening words, however, in their tender sympathy, anticipating the language of <a href="/context/john/15-14.htm" title="You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.">John 15:14-15</a>, may be noted as peculiar to St. Luke.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. All this the Master knew was true and would shortly happen, His words were verified before fifty years had passed. The triumphant success of the great Christian preachers and the discredited condition of the old rabbinic schools is testified to by snell words as we find in St. Paul's letters. "Where is the wise? where is the scribe?" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a>). But this success the Master well knew would be accompanied with many a suffering on the part of the heralds of his message. Persecution in its many dreary forms would dog their footsteps; a death of agony and shame not unfrequently would be their guerdon. It was, for instance, we know, the earthly recognition of that devoted servant of the Lord (Paul) who, we believe, guided the pen of Luke here. This painful way, which his disciples must surely tread, had already been indicated in no obscure language by the Master ("some of them" - my apostles - "they shall slay and persecute," <a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49</a>). A triumph, greater than any which had ever been given to the sons of men, would surely be theirs, but the Master would not conceal the earthly price which his chosen servants must pay for this splendid success. There was a point, however, beyond which human malice and enmity were utterly powerless; he would have his servants turn their thoughts on that serene region where men as men would have no power. <a href="/commentaries/luke/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I tell Λέγω (Legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. friends, φίλοις (philois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5384.htm">Strong's 5384: </a> Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly. do not be afraid φοβηθῆτε (phobēthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kill ἀποκτεινόντων (apokteinontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. after μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. that ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. can ἐχόντων (echontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. do ποιῆσαι (poiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. no τι (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. more. περισσότερόν (perissoteron) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_4053.htm">Strong's 4053: </a> From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/12-4.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 12:4 I tell you my friends don't be (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 12:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>