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Selected Verse: Luke 12:49 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Lu 12:49	Strong Concordance	I am come [2064] to send [906] fire [4442] on [1519] the earth [1093]; and [2532] what [5101] will I [2309], if [1487] it be [381] already [2235] kindled [381]?
	King James	I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
to send--cast. fire--"the higher spiritual element of life which Jesus came to introduce into this earth (compare Mat 3:11), with reference to its mighty effects in quickening all that is akin to it and destroying all that is opposed. To cause this element of life to take up its abode on earth, and wholly to pervade human hearts with its warmth, was the lofty destiny of the Redeemer" [OLSHAUSEN: so CALVIN, STIER, ALFORD, &c.]. what will I, &c.--an obscure expression, uttered under deep and half-smothered emotion. In its general import all are agreed; but the nearest to the precise meaning seems to be, "And what should I have to desire if it were once already kindled?" [BENGEL and BLOOMFIELD].

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

to send--cast.

fire--"the higher spiritual element of life which Jesus came to introduce into this earth (compare Mat 3:11), with reference to its mighty effects in quickening all that is akin to it and destroying all that is opposed. To cause this element of life to take up its abode on earth, and wholly to pervade human hearts with its warmth, was the lofty destiny of the Redeemer" [OLSHAUSEN: so CALVIN, STIER, ALFORD, &c.].

what will I, &c.--an obscure expression, uttered under deep and half-smothered emotion. In its general import all are agreed; but the nearest to the precise meaning seems to be, "And what should I have to desire if it were once already kindled?" [BENGEL and BLOOMFIELD].

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
I am, come ... - The result of my coming will be that there will be divisions and contentions. He does not mean that he came "for" that purpose, or that he "sought" and "desired" it; but that such was the state of the human heart, and such the opposition of people to the truth, that that would be the "effect" of his coming. See the notes at Mat 10:34. Fire - Fire, here, is the emblem of discord and contention, and consequently of calamities. Thus it is used in Psa 66:12; Isa 43:2. And what will I ... - This passage might be better expressed in this manner: "And what would I, but that it were kindled. Since it is "necessary" for the advancement of religion that such divisions should take place; since the gospel cannot be established without conflicts, and strifes, and hatreds, I am even desirous that they should come. Since the greatest blessing which mankind can receive must be attended with such unhappy divisions, I am willing, nay, desirous that they should come." He did not wish evil in itself; but, as it was the occasion of good, he was desirous, if it "must" take place, that it should take place soon. From this we learn: 1. That the promotion of religion may be expected to produce many contests and bitter feelings. 2. That the heart of man must be exceedingly wicked, or it would not oppose a work like the Christian religion. 3. That though God cannot look on evil with approbation, yet, for the sake of the benefit which may grow out of it, he is willing to permit it, and suffer it to come into the world.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

I am, come ... - The result of my coming will be that there will be divisions and contentions. He does not mean that he came "for" that purpose, or that he "sought" and "desired" it; but that such was the state of the human heart, and such the opposition of people to the truth, that that would be the "effect" of his coming. See the notes at Mat 10:34.

Fire - Fire, here, is the emblem of discord and contention, and consequently of calamities. Thus it is used in Psa 66:12; Isa 43:2.

And what will I ... - This passage might be better expressed in this manner: "And what would I, but that it were kindled. Since it is "necessary" for the advancement of religion that such divisions should take place; since the gospel cannot be established without conflicts, and strifes, and hatreds, I am even desirous that they should come. Since the greatest blessing which mankind can receive must be attended with such unhappy divisions, I am willing, nay, desirous that they should come." He did not wish evil in itself; but, as it was the occasion of good, he was desirous, if it "must" take place, that it should take place soon. From this we learn:

1. That the promotion of religion may be expected to produce many contests and bitter feelings.

2. That the heart of man must be exceedingly wicked, or it would not oppose a work like the Christian religion.

3. That though God cannot look on evil with approbation, yet, for the sake of the benefit which may grow out of it, he is willing to permit it, and suffer it to come into the world.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Fire A spiritual impulse which shall result in the divisions described in the following verses.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Fire

A spiritual impulse which shall result in the divisions described in the following verses.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
I am come to send fire - To spread the fire of heavenly love over all the earth.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

I am come to send fire - To spread the fire of heavenly love over all the earth.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
I am come to send fire - See this subject largely explained on Mat 10:34 (note), etc. From the connection in which these words stand, both in this place and in Matthew, it appears as if our Lord intended by the word fire, not only the consuming influence of the Roman sword, but also the influence of his own Spirit in the destruction of sin. In both these senses this fire was already kindled: as yet, however, it appeared but as a spark, but was soon to break out into an all-consuming flame.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

I am come to send fire - See this subject largely explained on Mat 10:34 (note), etc. From the connection in which these words stand, both in this place and in Matthew, it appears as if our Lord intended by the word fire, not only the consuming influence of the Roman sword, but also the influence of his own Spirit in the destruction of sin. In both these senses this fire was already kindled: as yet, however, it appeared but as a spark, but was soon to break out into an all-consuming flame.

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