What does Luke 12:4-7 mean?

⁴ And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4-7 KJV)

Have No Fear

Here, our Savior urges his disciples to have holy courage and firm resolve. It’s as if Christ were saying, “Preaching the gospel will stir up many enemies against you. They will oppose you, harass you, and persecute you. But I tell you, don’t be afraid of those who can only kill the body. Instead, fear the one who, if you fail in your duty, can cast both body and soul into hell” (Luke 12:4-5).

Let’s note a few things here:

1. Jesus condemns an unjustifiable fear—the fearful, enslaving dread of human threats. “Do not fear those who kill the body.”
2. He commends a right and reverent fear—the fear of Almighty God, who has the power to destroy both body and soul.
3. This command to fear God is given to all his followers—disciples, ministers, ambassadors, and every friend of Christ. They not only may fear him—they should. Not just because of his greatness and goodness, but also because of his justice, as the one who can cast both soul and body into hell. This kind of fear is not only acceptable—it’s wise, right, and necessary. It’s not just admirable; it’s commanded. And it’s not unfitting for Christ’s friends to have it. In fact, ministers may rightly appeal to the fear of God’s judgment to warn against sin and encourage faithfulness. Even the most devoted saints aren’t above staying on the path to heaven out of a godly fear of hell. It’s wise to remind a friend to fear when that fear leads to good.

Also, notice what Christ teaches his disciples about God’s providence. His care extends even to the smallest creatures. Even the birds of the air, and the very hairs on our heads, fall under his protective watch (Luke 12:6-7).

And see what Jesus does with this truth—he uses it to strengthen his disciples against fear and anxiety.

From this we learn that remembering God’s care and providence should guard our hearts against fearful doubts. If not even a hair falls from our heads without God’s knowledge and will, how much more will he care for our lives? If God watches over something as seemingly insignificant as a strand of hair, how much more will he protect what is most valuable—especially our souls, the noblest part of us.