But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
knew.
Leviticus 5:17 And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Romans 2:12-16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; …
For.
Luke 16:2,10-12 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward…
Genesis 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
Matthew 25:14-29 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods…
From everyone who has been given much, much will be required;
This phrase underscores the biblical principle of stewardship. In the historical context, Jesus often spoke to audiences familiar with the responsibilities of managing resources, whether in agriculture, trade, or household management. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) similarly illustrates that those entrusted with more are expected to produce more. This principle is not only about material wealth but also spiritual gifts, opportunities, and knowledge. The expectation of greater accountability is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that blessings come with responsibilities.
and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
This phrase reinforces the idea of stewardship and accountability. The repetition of the concept serves to emphasize its importance. In the biblical narrative, figures like Moses, David, and the apostles were entrusted with significant responsibilities and faced greater expectations. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereign distribution of gifts and the expectation of faithfulness. The concept is also prophetic, pointing to the ultimate judgment where believers will give an account of their stewardship (Romans 14:12). This phrase challenges believers to consider how they are using their God-given resources and opportunities for His glory.
- Jesus immediately distinguishes between intentional rebellion and unintentional failure. Ignorance does not erase guilt, yet the Lord applies a lighter discipline to the uninformed servant.
- This principle echoes Luke 12:47, where the servant “who knew his master’s will and yet did not get ready … will be beaten with many blows.” The contrast emphasizes divine fairness.
- Acts 17:30 says, “Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.” God still calls the ignorant to account, but with tempered judgment.
- Romans 2:12-16 explains that those “without the law” perish apart from the law, judged by the light they possess. The standard is adjusted, never abandoned.
- Practical takeaway:
• We are responsible to pursue light when it is available.
• Failing to seek truth is itself culpable (cf. Proverbs 1:24-25).
- The Lord now turns from lesser judgment to heightened expectation. Gifts—spiritual, material, intellectual—come with strings attached.
- Matthew 25:14-30 (parable of the talents) illustrates that servants receive varying amounts, yet each must produce proportional fruit.
- James 4:17 warns that knowing the good and not doing it is sin; knowledge itself enlarges accountability.
- Points of application:
• Blessings are trusts, not trophies.
• Stewardship spans time, ability, influence, and revelation.
• Passivity under privilege displeases God more than activity under scarcity.
- The verse crescendos: exceptional trust draws exceptional scrutiny. Leaders, teachers, parents, and those with spiritual authority stand in the spotlight.
- James 3:1 cautions, “Not many of you should become teachers, … because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 depicts believers as “stewards of the mysteries of God,” where the primary requirement is faithfulness.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 urges that each use received grace “to serve one another, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
- Living it out:
• Embrace roles God assigns; shrinking back does not lessen duty.
• Measure success by faithfulness, not applause.
• Seek the Spirit’s empowerment, recognizing that heavier loads come with richer supply (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Luke 12:48 assures us that God’s judgments are perfectly calibrated: less light, lighter discipline; more light, heavier obligation. Ignorance is not innocence, yet it moderates punishment. Privilege multiplies responsibility, and entrusted stewardship invites intensified scrutiny. Therefore, we cherish every gift as a sacred trust, walk in the light we possess, and labor faithfully, knowing our just Master weighs both opportunity and response.
(48) He that knew not.--The words manifest the tenderness of a considerate equity, like that which uttered itself in our Lord's words as to Sodom and Tyre and Sidon, in Luke 10:12-13. Man's knowledge is the measure of his responsibilities; and in the absence of knowledge, more or less complete, though stripes may be inflicted as the only effective discipline for teaching men what things are or are not worthy of stripes, yet they shall be "few." The words throw a gleam of hope on the darkness that lies behind the veil. We know not whether the "few stripes" imply limited duration, or suffering less acute, the tolerabilior damnatio of Augustine, and need not care to know. We may well be content to leave that question to Him who spake the words, and in so doing gave the most convincing proof that the Judge of all the earth will assuredly do right (Genesis 18:25).Unto whomsoever much is given.--The two clauses differ slightly, though they are parallel in meaning; the first referring to "gifts" which involve what we speak of as a general moral responsibility, the second to that which has been solemnly "committed to men as a trust or deposit." (Comp. 1Timothy 6:20; 2Timothy 1:12; 2Timothy 1:14.) . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...