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.
When you're headed to court with someone who's got a case against you, do everything you can to settle things on the way there. Because if you don't work it out, they'll drag you in front of the judge, the judge will hand you over to the bailiff, and you'll end up in jail.
Fix your problems before they drag you to court, it's way easier to make things right on your own terms.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century under Roman rule, people in Judea often dealt with legal disputes by appearing before local magistrates, where unresolved conflicts could lead to imprisonment or further penalties. Jesus uses this everyday scenario in his teaching to emphasize the urgency of reconciliation, drawing from a cultural context where such matters were commonplace. This verse is part of a larger discourse in Luke 12, where Jesus warns his followers about hypocrisy, greed, and the need to prepare for divine judgment.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.