But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus calls the people who rejected him "enemies," a stark shift from the earlier "citizens." This intense word choice highlights that their refusal to let him reign over them wasn't just passive disagreement, but an active opposition that branded them as foes, deserving of a severe reckoning.
But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus tells this parable because his followers are expecting his kingdom to appear immediately, but he's actually heading to Jerusalem to suffer and die before his reign is fully established. The parable describes a nobleman who goes to receive a kingdom and entrusts his wealth to his servants, while his citizens reject him. This verse specifically addresses the fate of those who actively opposed the nobleman's rule, contrasting with the rewards for faithful servants.
The parable speaks of 'citizens' who hated the nobleman. What does this shift from citizenship to enmity reveal about rejecting God's authority?
Jesus is speaking this parable as He nears Jerusalem, a city that historically represented God's people. The 'nobleman' going to receive a kingdom is none other than Jesus Himself. The 'citizens' are the people of Jerusalem and, by extension, the nation of Israel. They were once recognized as God's people, yet they hated the very idea of Jesus reigning over them. This highlights a tragic reality: those who are closest to God's promises can become His fiercest opponents when they refuse to submit to His rule. Their rejection isn't about ignorance; it's a deliberate turning away from the King they should have welcomed.
This isn't just ancient history. It’s a stark reminder that familiarity with God or religious practice doesn't guarantee allegiance. True belonging isn't about proximity, but about submission to Christ's reign.
The command to 'bring them here and slaughter them before me' is shocking. What does this immediate, public judgment signify?
This verse isn't just a historical note about the destruction of Jerusalem, though it certainly foreshadows that devastating event. It's also a powerful declaration of the ultimate judgment that awaits all who actively oppose Christ's reign.
Jesus uses the strong word 'slaughter' to emphasize the finality and severity of this judgment. This isn't a gentle correction; it's a decisive act of justice. The phrase 'before me' highlights that this judgment is not hidden but will be a public demonstration of God's righteousness and power against rebellion. Those who refused His reign will face His wrath directly and undeniably.
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This intense imagery serves as a solemn warning. It underscores that God's patience has limits, and His justice will ultimately prevail. Rejecting His gracious offer of kingship has eternal consequences.
Understand the original words
basileuō · Greek Verb
The sovereign rule and authority of God or His Messiah over all creation, specifically referring to the kingship of Jesus Christ.
echthros · Greek Noun
One who opposes or is hostile toward another; in a biblical context, it refers to those who refuse to submit to the lordship and authority of Christ.
The parable Jesus tells in Luke 19 reflects the turbulent political situation in Judea, where the populace often resisted Roman and Herodian authority. The enemies Jesus speaks of directly allude to those who rejected his kingship, a rejection that would soon culminate in the destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 4 BC
Archelaus Takes Ethnarch Title
After Herod the Great's death, his son Archelaus was appointed ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. He faced immediate opposition from some Jews who sent a delegation to Caesar Augustus to prevent his rule.
c. 4 BC
Archelaus Crushes Rebellion
Archelaus brutally suppressed a Jewish rebellion during Passover, a clear demonstration of his willingness to use force against those who opposed his rule.
AD 6
Archelaus Deposed by Rome
Due to complaints about his tyranny, Archelaus was removed by the Roman emperor Augustus and banished to Vienne in Gaul. Judea then became a Roman province under direct Roman governance.
c. AD 26-36
Roman Prefects Rule Judea
Rome appointed prefects, such as Pontius Pilate, to govern Judea, maintaining Roman authority and collecting taxes. This period saw increasing tension between Roman rule and Jewish expectations.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry and Ministry in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem, likely aware of the political and religious climate, and presents a parabolic teaching about the future of his kingdom and the consequences of rejecting his authority.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
Following a major Jewish revolt against Roman rule, the Roman army under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, including the Second Temple. This event is seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about the city's ruin.
This passage speaks of a king who sent his troops to destroy those murderers who refused to come to his son's wedding feast, mirroring the violent judgment described in Luke 19:27 against those who reject Christ's rule.
1 Samuel 15:3In this account, Saul is commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed because they opposed Israel on their journey from Egypt, echoing the decisive and utter destruction of those who oppose God's appointed ruler.
Psalm 2:8-12This psalm prophesies that the Son (Christ) will be given the nations as his inheritance and that those who do not serve him will perish, directly aligning with the judgment of Christ's enemies in Luke 19:27.
Revelation 19:11-21This vivid description of Christ returning as a conquering king, with armies following Him to defeat His enemies and cast them into the lake of fire, provides a powerful parallel to the judgment scene in Luke 19:27.
calvinLuke 19:11-28: "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
- For as a certain man, setting out on a journey, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every one according to his own ability; and immediately set out. 16. And he who had received five talents went away and trad…
vincentLuke 19:27: "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
But (πλὴν)Rev., howbeit. However it may be with the unfaithful servant.Slay (κατασφάξατε)Only here in New Testament. A strong word: slaughter; cut them down (κατά).
Jesus calls the people who rejected him "enemies," a stark shift from the earlier "citizens." This intense word choice highlights that their refusal to let him reign over them wasn't just passive disagreement, but an active opposition that branded them as foes, deserving of a severe reckoning.
Jesus tells this parable because his followers are expecting his kingdom to appear immediately, but he's actually heading to Jerusalem to suffer and die before his reign is fully established. The parable describes a nobleman who goes to receive a kingdom and entrusts his wealth to his servants, while his citizens reject him. This verse specifically addresses the fate of those who actively opposed the nobleman's rule, contrasting with the rewards for faithful servants.
Jesus tells this parable because his followers are expecting his kingdom to appear immediately, but he's actually heading to Jerusalem to suffer and die before his reign is fully established. The parable describes a nobleman who goes to receive a kingdom and entrusts his wealth to his servants, while his citizens reject him. This verse specifically addresses the fate of those who actively opposed the nobleman's rule, contrasting with the rewards for faithful servants.
"But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”" — Jesus calls the people who rejected him "enemies," a stark shift from the earlier "citizens." This intense word choice highlights that their refusal to let him reign over them wasn't just passive dis…
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Last reviewed October 2026