A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 12

In the meantime (εν οις). It is a classic idiom to start a sentence or even a paragraph as here with a relative, "in which things or circumstances," without any expressed antecedent other than the incidents in 11:53f. In 12:3 Luke actually begins the sentence with two relatives ανθ' ων οσα (wherefore whatsoever).

Many thousands (μυριαδων). Genitive absolute with επισυναχθεισων (first aorist passive participle feminine plural because of μυριαδων), a double compound late verb, επισυναγω, to gather together unto. The word "myriads" is probably hyperbolical as in Ac 21:20, but in the sense of ten thousand, as in Ac 19:19, it means a very large crowd apparently drawn together by the violent attacks of the rabbis against Jesus.

Insomuch that they trode one upon another (ωστε καταπατειν αλληλους). The imagination must complete the picture of this jam.

Unto his disciples first of all (προς τους μαθητας αυτου πρωτον). This long discourse in Lu 12 is really a series of separate talks to various groups in the vast crowds around Jesus. This particular talk goes through verse 12.

Beware of (προσεχετε εαυτοις απο). Put your mind (νουν understood) for yourselves (dative) and avoid (απο with the ablative).

The leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy (της ζυμης ητις εστιν υποχρισις των Φαρισαιων). In Mr 8:15 Jesus had coupled the lesson of the Pharisees with that of Herod, in Mt 16:6 with that of the Sadducees also. He had long ago called the Pharisees hypocrites (Matthew 6:2,5,16). The occasion was ripe here for this crisp saying. In Mt 13:33 leaven does not have an evil sense as here, which see. See Mt 23:13 for hypocrites. Hypocrisy was the leading Pharisaic vice (Bruce) and was a mark of sanctity to hide an evil heart.

Covered up (συγκεκαλυμμενον εστιν). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of συγκαλυπτω, an old verb, but here only in the N.T., to cover up on all sides and so completely. Verses 2-9 here are parallel with Mt 10:26-33 spoken to the Twelve on their tour of Galilee, illustrating again how often Jesus repeated his sayings unless we prefer to say that he never did so and that the Gospels have hopelessly jumbled them as to time and place. See the passage in Matthew for discussion of details.

In the inner chambers (εν τοις ταμειοις). Old form ταμιειον, a store chamber (Luke 12:24), secret room (Matthew 6:6; Luke 12:3).

Unto you my friends (υμιν τοις φιλοις). As opposed to the Pharisees and lawyers in 11:43,46,53.

Be not afraid of (μη φοβηθητε απο). First aorist passive subjunctive with μη, ingressive aorist, do not become afraid of, with απο and the ablative like the Hebrew min and the English "be afraid of," a translation Hebraism as in Mt 10:28 (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 102).

Have no more that they can do (μη εχοντων περισσοτερον τ ποιησα). Luke often uses the infinitive thus with εχω, a classic idiom (7:40,42; 12:4,50; 14:14; Acts 4:14, etc.).

Whom ye shall fear (τινα φοβηθητε). First aorist passive subjunctive deliberative retained in the indirect question. Τινα is the accusative, the direct object of this transitive passive verb (note απο in verse 4).

Fear him who (φοβηθητε τον). First aorist passive imperative, differing from the preceding form only in the accent and governing the accusative also.

After he hath killed (μετα το αποκτεινα). Preposition μετα with the articular infinitive. Literally, "After the killing" (first aorist active infinitive of the common verb αποκτεινω, to kill.

Into hell (εις την γεενναν). See on Mt 5:22. Gehenna is a transliteration of Ge-Hinnom, Valley of Hinnon where the children were thrown on to the red-hot arms of Molech. Josiah (2 Kings 23:10) abolished these abominations and then it was a place for all kinds of refuse which burned ceaselessly and became a symbol of punishment in the other world.

This one fear (τουτον φοβηθητε). As above.