Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 12:48

"but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more." — Luke 12:48 (ASV)

Few stripes. The Jews never inflicted more than forty stripes for one offence, Deuteronomy 25:3. For smaller offences they inflicted only four, five, six, etc., according to the nature of the crime. In allusion to this, our Lord says that he that knew not—that is, he who had comparatively little knowledge—would suffer a punishment proportionally light. He refers, doubtless, to those who have fewer opportunities, smaller gifts, or fewer teachers.

Much is given. They who have much committed to their disposal, as stewards, etc. See the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. See Barnes on Matthew 25:14; also on Matthew 25:15-30.

For committed much, see 1 Timothy 6:20.