Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 12:13

"And one out of the multitude said unto him, Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." — Luke 12:13 (ASV)

One of the company. One of the multitude. This man had probably had a dispute with his brother, supposing that his brother had refused to do him justice. Conceiving that Jesus had power over the people—that what he said must be performed—he endeavored to secure him on his side of the dispute and gain his point. From the parable which follows, it would appear that he had no just claim on the inheritance, but was influenced by covetousness. Besides, if he had any just claim, it might have been secured by the laws of the land.

Speak to my brother. Command my brother.

Divide the inheritance. An inheritance is the property which is left by a father to his children. Among the Jews the older brother had two shares, or twice as much as any other child (Deuteronomy 21:17). The remainder was then equally divided among all the children.