But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Jesus says, "I tell you, I do not know where you come from," it's more than just a statement of unfamiliarity; it's a declaration of His authority to define who truly belongs to Him. He isn't just shutting a door; He's revealing that His knowledge of us is based on more than just outward association or past actions, but on a deep, intimate, and righteous connection.
But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is responding to a question about how many people will be saved, using the metaphor of a master of a house and a locked door. Those who are shut out will plead their connection to him, saying they ate and drank in his presence and heard him teach in their streets. In this dramatic turn, the master of the house definitively rejects them, not recognizing them as truly belonging to him despite their claims.
Have you ever felt like you deserved something good, only to have the door slammed in your face? This verse paints a stark picture of that moment, but with eternal consequences.
Jesus uses the imagery of a homeowner shutting the door to emphasize that God's judgment is not a negotiation.
The Master Arises
When the 'master of the house' finally acts, the opportunity to enter is gone. This isn't a hasty decision, but a definitive one.
The Unchangeable Sentence
Jesus repeats, 'I tell you, I know you not.' This isn't about forgetting; it's about a deliberate and final separation. The sentence is fixed, carrying the weight of ultimate consequence for those outside.
Many people believe they are 'in' with God simply because they've been around. But what if that's not enough?
The people Jesus addresses here make claims based on their past association: 'We have eaten and drunk in your presence; you taught in our streets.' They assume familiarity equates to acceptance.
Superficial Recognition
Their argument is based on outward actions and proximity to Jesus, not an inward transformation or true obedience. They believed their history with Jesus was sufficient.
The Master's Standard
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Jesus' response, 'I know you not... depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,' cuts through their claims. He declares that true belonging isn't about outward association, but about genuine righteousness and separation from sin.
What does it mean to be a 'worker of iniquity,' and why does it lead to exclusion from God's kingdom?
Jesus' final pronouncement in this verse is a clear demarcation: 'depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.' This isn't a minor detail; it's the very reason for their rejection.
The Nature of Iniquity
'Iniquity' points to a lifestyle characterized by unrighteousness, rebellion against God's law, and a persistent disregard for His will. It's more than just occasional mistakes; it's a pattern of life.
God's Holiness and Justice
God's kingdom is inherently holy. His justice demands separation from sin. Those who actively practice iniquity cannot coexist with His perfect righteousness. Their rejection is a consequence of their chosen path, not a random act.
Understand the original words
ergatai adikias · Greek Phrase (Noun)
One who practices wickedness or lawlessness; specifically, those who reject the truth of God and persist in disobedience, standing in contrast to those who live in righteousness.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' words, showing the same judgment pronounced on those who claim to know him but do not practice righteousness, highlighting the critical importance of obedience alongside profession.
Matthew 25:11-12The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the concept of being shut out when the master of the house finally closes the door, emphasizing that readiness and genuine relationship, not just proximity, determine entrance.
2 Timothy 2:19This verse speaks of God's foundation standing sure, with the seal 'The Lord knows those who are his,' contrasting with those who claim to know God but are urged to depart from iniquity, reinforcing the idea of true knowledge being linked to righteousness.
Luke 13:25This verse immediately precedes the one in question, setting up the scenario of the master of the house shutting the door and the fearful realization of being unknown, providing the direct context for the pronouncement of exclusion.
Psalm 6:8This psalm expresses a similar plea for God's deliverance from wicked deeds and their consequences, showing a deep human longing for righteousness and a fear of being cast away, a sentiment that resonates with the desperate plea of those rejected in Luke.
vincentLuke 13:27: "But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity."
I know not whence"The sentence is fixed, but it is repeated with emphasis" (Bengel).Shall sit down (ἀνακλιθήσονται)Sit down at table. Jesus casts his thought into a familiar Jewish image. According to the Jewish idea, one of the main elements of the happiness of the Messianic kingdom was the privilege of participating in splendid festive entertainments along with the patriarch…
calvinLuke 13:25-30: "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:"
- And when the master of the house shall have arisen, and shall have shut the door, and you shall begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: and he answering shall say to you, I know not whence you are: 26. Th…
When Jesus says, "I tell you, I do not know where you come from," it's more than just a statement of unfamiliarity; it's a declaration of His authority to define who truly belongs to Him. He isn't just shutting a door; He's revealing that His knowledge of us is based on more than just outward association or past actions, but on a deep, intimate, and righteous connection.
Jesus is responding to a question about how many people will be saved, using the metaphor of a master of a house and a locked door. Those who are shut out will plead their connection to him, saying they ate and drank in his presence and heard him teach in their streets. In this dramatic turn, the master of the house definitively rejects them, not recognizing them as truly belonging to him despite their claims.
Jesus is responding to a question about how many people will be saved, using the metaphor of a master of a house and a locked door. Those who are shut out will plead their connection to him, saying they ate and drank in his presence and heard him teach in their streets. In this dramatic turn, the master of the house definitively rejects them, not recognizing them as truly belonging to him despite their claims.
"But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’" — When Jesus says, "I tell you, I do not know where you come from," it's more than just a statement of unfamiliarity; it's a declaration of His authority to define who truly belongs to Him. He isn't ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026