SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:14
Mas l le dijo: Hombre, ¿quin me puso por juez o partidor sobre vosotros?
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Luke 12:14
Verse 14. A judge] Without some judgment given in the case, no division could be made; therefore Jesus added the word judge. PEARCE. A minister of Christ ought not to concern himself with secular affairs, any farther than charity and the order of discipline require it. Our Lord could have decided this difference in a moment; but the example of a perfect disengagement from worldly things was more necessary for the ministers of his Church than that of a charity applying itself to temporal concerns. He who preaches salvation to all should never make himself a party man; otherwise he loses the confidence, and consequently the opportunity of doing good to the party against whom he decides. Better to leave all these things to the civil magistrate, unless where a lawsuit may be prevented, and the matter decided to the satisfaction or acquiescence of both parties.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 14. And he said unto him, man , etc.] Or friend, as the Ethiopic version renders it; that is, Jesus said to him, as the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions express it: who made me a judge, or a divider over you ? referring to the words of one of the Hebrews to Moses, when he interposed in a difference, ( Exodus 2:14) suggesting, that the same might be retorted on him, should he engage in such an affair: the reason why Christ avoided meddling with it, was not because it is unlawful for Christians to concern themselves in arbitrations about civil affairs, and in making up family differences, which is very commendable; but lest by such a step, he should give occasion to them, to conclude he was a temporal king: whereas his kingdom was not of this world, and his business lay not in civil affairs, and the management of them; but in spiritual concerns, in preaching the Gospel, and doing good to the souls of men; wherefore this was out of his province: and besides, it was a matter of covetousness, either in this person, or his brother, or both; which Christ takes an occasion from hence to expose, agreeably to his office; to which may be added, that this man seems to have disturbed Christ in his public work, and was of such a worldly spirit, as to prefer the care of his secular affairs, to the hearing of the word, and the welfare of his immortal soul.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 13-21 - Christ's kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world. Christianity doe not meddle with politics; it obliges all to do justly, but wordl dominion is not founded in grace. It does not encourage expectations of worldly advantages by religion. The rewards of Christ's disciples ar of another nature. Covetousness is a sin we need constantly to be warned against; for happiness and comfort do not depend on the wealt of this world. The things of the world will not satisfy the desires of a soul. Here is a parable, which shows the folly of carnal worldlin while they live, and their misery when they die. The character drawn i exactly that of a prudent, worldly man, who has no grateful regard to the providence of God, nor any right thought of the uncertainty of human affairs, the worth of his soul, or the importance of eternity How many, even among professed Christians, point out similar character as models for imitation, and proper persons to form connexions with! We mistake if we think that thoughts are hid, and thoughts are free. When he saw a great crop upon his ground, instead of thanking God for it, or rejoicing to be able to do more good, he afflicts himself. What shall do now? The poorest beggar in the country could not have said a mor anxious word. The more men have, the more perplexity they have with it It was folly for him to think of making no other use of his plenty than to indulge the flesh and gratify the sensual appetites, withou any thought of doing good to others. Carnal worldlings are fools; an the day is coming when God will call them by their own name, and the will call themselves so. The death of such persons is miserable i itself, and terrible to them. Thy soul shall be required. He is loth to part with it; but God shall require it, shall require an account of it require it as a guilty soul to be punished without delay. It is the folly of most men, to mind and pursue that which is for the body and for time only, more than that for the soul and eternity.
Greek Textus Receptus
ο 3588 T-NSM δε 1161 CONJ ειπεν 2036 5627 V-2AAI-3S αυτω 846 P-DSM ανθρωπε 444 N-VSM τις 5101 I-NSM με 3165 P-1AS κατεστησεν 2525 5656 V-AAI-3S δικαστην 1348 N-ASF η 2228 PRT μεριστην 3312 N-ASM εφ 1909 PREP υμας 5209 P-2AP
Vincent's NT Word Studies
14. Made (katesthsen). Appointed or constituted.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
12:14 {A judge or a divider} (kriten e meristen). Jesus repudiates the position of judge or arbiter in this family fuss. The language reminds one of #Ex 2:14. Jesus is rendering unto Caesar the things of Caesar (#Lu 20:25) and shows that his kingdom is not of this world (#Joh 18:36). The word for divider or arbiter (meristes) is a late word from merizomai (verse #13) and occurs here only in the N.T.
