Luk 13:1-5 | RWP | e4.org | At that very season ( εν αυτω τω καιρω ). Luke's frequent idiom, "at the season itself." Apparently in close connexion with the preceding discourses. Probably "were present" ( παρησαν , imperfect of παρειμ ) means "came," "stepped to his side," as often ( ; ; ). These people had a piece of news for Jesus. Whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices ( ων το αιμα Πειλατος εμιξεν μετα των θυσιων αυτων ). The verb εμιξεν is first aorist active (not past perfect) of μιγνυμ , a common verb. The incident is recorded nowhere else, but is in entire harmony with Pilate's record for outrages. These Galileans at a feast in Jerusalem may have been involved in some insurrection against the Roman government, the leaders of whom Pilate had slain right in the temple courts where the sacrifices were going on. Jesus comments on the incident, but not as the reporters had expected. Instead of denunciation of Pilate he turned it into a parable for their own conduct in the uncertainty of life.

‏ Luke 13:1-5

At that very season ( εν αυτω τω καιρω ). Luke's frequent idiom, "at the season itself." Apparently in close connexion with the preceding discourses. Probably "were present" ( παρησαν, imperfect of παρειμ ) means "came," "stepped to his side," as often (Mt 26:50; Ac 12:20; Joh 11:28). These people had a piece of news for Jesus.

Whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices ( ων το αιμα Πειλατος εμιξεν μετα των θυσιων αυτων ). The verb εμιξεν is first aorist active (not past perfect) of μιγνυμ, a common verb. The incident is recorded nowhere else, but is in entire harmony with Pilate's record for outrages. These Galileans at a feast in Jerusalem may have been involved in some insurrection against the Roman government, the leaders of whom Pilate had slain right in the temple courts where the sacrifices were going on. Jesus comments on the incident, but not as the reporters had expected. Instead of denunciation of Pilate he turned it into a parable for their own conduct in the uncertainty of life.

Sinners above all ( αμαρτωλο παρα παντας ). Παρα means "beside," placed beside all the Galileans, and so beyond or above (with the accusative).

Have suffered ( πεπονθασιν ). Second perfect active indicative third plural from πασχω, common verb, to experience, suffer. The tense notes that it is "an irrevocable fact" (Bruce).

Except ye repent ( εαν μη μετανοητε ). Present active subjunctive of μετανοεω, to change mind and conduct, linear action, keep on changing. Condition of third class, undetermined, but with prospect of determination.

Ye shall perish ( απολεισθε ). Future middle indicative of απολλυμ and intransitive. Common verb.

The tower in Siloam ( ο πυργος εν Σιλωαμ ). Few sites have been more clearly located than this. Jesus mentions this accident (only in Luke) of his own accord to illustrate still further the responsibility of his hearers. Jesus makes use of public events in both these incidents to teach spiritual lessons. He gives the "moral" to the massacre of the Galilean pilgrims and the "moral" of the catastrophe at Siloam.

Offenders ( οφειλετα ). Literally,

debtors, not sinners as in verse 2 and as the Authorized Version renders here. See 7:41; 11:4; Mt 6:12; 18:24-34.

Except ye repent ( εαν μη μετανοησητε ). First aorist active subjunctive, immediate repentance in contrast to continued repentance, μετανοητε in verse 3, though Westcott and Hort put μετανοητε in the margin here. The interpretation of accidents is a difficult matter, but the moral pointed out by Jesus is obvious.