Luke 13:25
When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luke 13:25 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Luke in the Bible illustrates the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior during our time on earth. The master of the house represents Jesus, who will one day return to judge the living and the dead. When the master has shut the door, it signifies the finality of judgment, and those who have not accepted Jesus will be left outside. The act of knocking on the door symbolizes the desperate pleas of those who have not lived in accordance with God's will, seeking entrance into His kingdom too late. However, the response from the master that He does not know where they come from indicates that without a personal relationship with Jesus, one cannot enter into His kingdom. Therefore, this verse serves as a warning to believers to not delay in accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, as there will come a time when it is too late to do so.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is essential to understand the context in which Jesus is speaking. This passage from the Gospel of Luke highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as the master of the house, the one who has the authority to open or shut the door. The shutting of the door signifies the finality of judgment, where those who have not taken the opportunity to enter the kingdom of God will be left outside. The pleading of those outside, calling Jesus "Lord, Lord," emphasizes the desperation of those who realize too late that they have missed the opportunity for salvation. However, Jesus' response, "I know you not whence ye are," reveals that mere acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not enough for entrance into the kingdom. True discipleship requires a personal relationship with Jesus, characterized by obedience and faith. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of genuine faith and obedience to Jesus.
Luke 13:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;
World English Bible
When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ then he will answer and tell you, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
Douay-Rheims
But when the master of the house shall be gone in and shall shut the door, you shall begin to stand without; and knock at the door, saying: Lord, open to us. And he answering, shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When the good man of the house is risen vp, and hath shut to the doore, and ye begin to stand without, and to knocke at the doore, saying, Lord, Lord, open to vs, and he shall answere and say vnto you, I know you not whence ye are,