Luke 13:27

Luke 13:27, in plain English

Jesus warns that simply knowing about Him is not the same as truly knowing Him. What matters is a real, living relationship — not just showing up.

Why it's here

This is part of a conversation where someone asked Jesus if only a few people would be saved, and He responds with a sobering picture of a closed door.

Who's speaking

Jesus is the one speaking here, and He places Himself in the role of the one who decides who enters the kingdom.

Where it sits in the story

Picture people knocking on a door, insisting they know the homeowner — but He says He doesn't recognize them. It's a wake-up call to move beyond surface-level faith.

The scholarly reading

Jesus declares final exclusion using the phrase 'workers of iniquity' (ergazomenoi tēn adikian), echoing Psalm 6:8 LXX. This rejection is not arbitrary but based on the lack of genuine relationship.

Language and setting

This continues the narrow-door discourse (13:22-30), where mere proximity to Jesus during His earthly ministry proves insufficient for entry into the kingdom.

Voice

Jesus speaks as the eschatological judge, using first person to identify Himself as the one who grants or denies entrance to the kingdom.

Significance

Within the parable of the narrow door, the master of the house has shut the door and now renders final judgment on latecomers who claim familiarity but lack true discipleship.

25After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’

26Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

27And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’

28There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out.

29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.

Read all of Luke 13 — A bent-over woman is healed on the Sabbath, a mustard seed grows into a tree, and Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's refusal to come home.