Luke 12:58
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
Luke 12:58 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Luke in the Bible emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes before they escalate to a legal battle. The verse suggests that it is crucial to seek reconciliation with your adversary before the matter reaches the court, as once it does, the consequences could be severe. The advice given is to make every effort to settle the dispute amicably along the way to court, in order to avoid being handed over to authorities and potentially facing imprisonment. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize peace and reconciliation in all dealings with others, and to take proactive steps to resolve conflicts before they spiral out of control. It underscores the importance of seeking resolution and reconciliation in a timely manner to prevent serious legal repercussions.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus uses a legal analogy to teach a spiritual truth. The imagery of going to the magistrate with an adversary speaks to the idea of sin as our adversary, accusing us before God's judgment. The urgency to settle matters quickly with our adversary before reaching the judge reflects the need for repentance and reconciliation with God while there is still time. The warning of being handed over to the officer and cast into prison serves as a caution against the consequences of unrepentant sin leading to eternal separation from God. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration with God through diligence and humility, avoiding the ultimate judgment of facing eternal punishment. Through theological interpretation, we can understand the significance of staying in right relationship with God and seeking reconciliation with Him to avoid the dire consequences of sin.
Luke 12:58 in other translations
American Standard Version
For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer, and the officer shall cast thee into prison.
World English Bible
For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.
Douay-Rheims
And when thou goest with thy adversary to the prince, whilst thou art in the way, endeavour to be delivered from him: lest perhaps he draw thee to he judge, and the judge deliver thee to the exacter, and the exacter cast thee into prison.
Geneva Bible (1599)
While thou goest with thine aduersarie to the ruler, as thou art in the way, giue diligence in the way, that thou mayest be deliuered from him, least he drawe thee to the iudge, and the iudge deliuer thee to the iayler, and the iayler cast thee into prison.