Is there significance to Jesus using the word "little" in Luke 12:32?
Most translations put this as "little flock". Why did Jesus not just say "my flock"? Was Jesus trying to get a point across by using "little"?
Luke 12:32
NRSV - 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked June 18 2013
•
Jason Winn
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Kelli Trujillo
Supporter
Here is Strong's definition for the Greek word used for "little": mikros | | mikroteros mik-rot'-er-os apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small. In context, Jesus was telling His disciples many things in this passage to prepare them for the ministry in which they would participate. In this particular verse, "little" could refer to the fact that they were a very small and comparatively insignificant group of men, yet Jesus knew that God had great things for them to do and would take care of them as they gave themselves to serving the kingdom of God.
Andy Mangus
To me, a 'simplistic answer' comes to my simple way of thinking and looking at a question within its context of the whole centering upon the subject of question. Many, many times Jesus and God would speak in scripture with words that mean 'small', 'little', not much or small monetary value, etc... This to me is one of those times that is similar to "the grain of mustard seed which grows to be a very large plant". And, another would be 'how God can take just a little leaven and make it...etc...' And, in our giving unto the Lord, He can do more that we could imagine with 'that little of we can give'. God can do above and beyond what any of our expectations or dreams can be or think we could achieve, by His power that many times starts with "a little", He can do so much above and beyond what we can dream or believe! "For we can all things through Christ who strengthens us and keeps us". --Andy--
Shirley H.
Little=small=remnant Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth...Gen1:2 And the spirit of God moved...Gen1:3And God said...John 1:1 In the beginning we as the WORD(Christ) In Genesis 3 we. Have the story of the fall of man, and how sin became our inheritance. Gen 3:15 "And I will put enmity between their and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." The people became more and more corrupt. God calls Noah in chapter 6. Noah and his "little" family survive the Great flood. Genesis 12...God calls Abraham. A nation is born,he becomes the father of the faithful. Genesis 15 Israel was given a holy mission. That small "little" nation was to spread the message of God's love to the world. Exodus- Moses, a Jew, raised Egyptian, with all advantages, is called by God! One man. The people are freed. A census is taken in the wilderness. Many people have been saved by God. Joshua 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of The Lord commanded you, saying The Lord your God hath given you rest, hath given you this land." Remember the spy sent out in Numbers 13? How many said let us go claim the land God gave us? Only 2. Numbers 14:6,7 Joshua and Caleb. Two is a small number. A remnant you might say. Judges 2:8 "And Joshua son of nun died..." 2:11 And the children of Israel did evil...2:16 "Never the less the Lord raised up judges..."Judges 7 Gideon and his "little band of 300 deliver the people. 1Samuel 17 Goliath! 17:10 "..I defy the armies of Israel (remember God's chosen) this day; give me a man that we may fight together. When Saul and ALL Israel heard...they were dismayed and greatly afraid." 1 Samuel 17: 34 "And David said to Saul...36 thy servant slew both lion and bear and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be one of them, seeing he hath defiled the armies of the living God. 37...moreover The Lord that delivered me,...He will deliver me..." Imagine LITTLE David! Became Israel's great king! Solomon, David's son gave us the book of Proverbs. Isaiah1:9 "Except The Lord of hosts had left us a very small remnant we should have been as Sodom..."The prophets came and were for the most part rejected. Joel 2:32 "And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of The Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be delivered, as the Lord hath said, and in the REMNANT whom the Lord shall call." Enter Daniel and friends in exile. Could it be - a remnant, a little group of faithful believers. Micah2:12 "...I will surely gather the remnant of Israel, I will put them together as the SHEEP of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold...Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation:my God will hear me. Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoned iniquity, and passes by transgressions of the REMNANT..." THE LAMB OF GOD APPEARS! He taught, performed miracles, gave signs! His closest friends did not even understand it. John 13:38-48. Stephen in Acts Chapter 9 is stoned for telling the truth. It does not get much smaller than 1. Thank God For Paul, or we would be lost! Romans11:13 "For I speak to you Gentiles, in as much as I am the apostle to the Gentiles..." Luke 12:32 "Fear not little flock..." I believe Jesus was speaking to His disciples, but more significantly by adding little acknowledging that Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leads to life and few there are that find it"! A comparAtively small, little, remnant, trace, remaining number will find it! AMEN
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible