What Does Luke 6:47 Mean in the King James?
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
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
Here, doing is the form that hearing takes when Jesus’ words become something your life makes.
THE MEANING
You come to Jesus, hear his sayings, and do them; the verse names this as a recognizable shape of life. His words move from what reaches your ears into what your life makes. This is the likeness Jesus makes visible.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
Being near Jesus and understanding his sayings is enough, even when nothing in your life takes their shape.
THE ROOT
ποιεῖ
poiei
GROWS FROM
ποιε-
poie-
To make, produce, or do.
The word translated “doeth” also carries the sense of making or producing. Jesus’ sayings take form in what you do, so the words heard become something your life makes.
ALSO GROWS
poiēma: A thing made; a work or product.
ποίημα
This branch makes visible the movement from hearing words to a life shaped by them.
poiētēs: A maker or doer.
ποιητής
The same word family names the person by what they bring into action.
ἀκούει
akouei
GROWS FROM
ἀκου-
akou-
To hear or listen.
“heareth” in this verse is akouei. Luke distinguishes hearing Jesus’ sayings from doing them, while the Greek word family also connects hearing with responsive listening. The distinction lets you see the movement from receiving the words to giving them form.
ALSO GROWS
akoē: Hearing or a report.
ἀκοή
The same stem can name both the act of hearing and what is heard.
hypakoē: Obedience; responsive listening.
ὑπακοή
This related word uses the same hearing stem, linking listening with response.
THE PATTERN
A received word takes form through action, so hearing is disclosed by what the hearer does.
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.THE THREAD
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:Luke’s “heareth” and John’s “hear” are forms of ἀκούω (akouō), meaning to hear or listen. John shows the movement onward: those who hear Jesus’ voice follow him, while Luke spells it out as hearing his sayings and doing them.
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