What Does Luke 18:28 Mean in the King James?

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

Luke 18:28 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The Greek verb for “left” also means to release, and elsewhere it names forgiveness, so leaving is an opening of the hand, not mere distance.

THE MEANING

This line brings release and direction into one movement: what is left behind no longer defines the path being followed. The word translated “left” also holds the sense of letting go, so “all” marks the breadth of the release. The verse keeps the cost of leaving and the pull of relationship together.

THE ROOT

ἀφήκαμεν

aphēkamen

GROWS FROM

ἀφίημι

aphiēmi

to send away, let go, release

The verb can describe leaving something behind, releasing a hold, or forgiving a debt. The verse’s “left all” carries the force of release; the same verb’s use for forgiveness shows that release can also mean letting a claim go.

ALSO GROWS

aphienai: to leave, let go, release

ἀφιέναι

This infinitive form keeps the verb’s range visible: what Peter leaves is also something he releases from his hold.

aphesis: release, forgiveness, remission

ἄφεσις

This noun is used for forgiveness, showing that the same release can name letting go of a debt or accusation.

THE PATTERN

Following takes shape as release: the old claim loosens as a new direction opens.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:1 · KJVLeaving country and kin is paired with a destination the speaker will show, so departure opens into a way.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Luke 5:11 · KJVThe boats and livelihood are left as the fishermen’s movement turns toward following.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:8 · KJVDeparture and an unknown destination stand together, making release part of directed movement.

THE THREAD

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:12 · KJV

The verb translated “left” in Luke 18:28 is the same verb translated “forgive” here. The shared root reveals release beneath both leaving a former hold and letting go of a debt.

Read the SDV Bible.

Every verse has a Deep Dive in the app.

Get Selah Verse

The iPhone Bible app with the Selah Decoded Version.

Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us