---
title: Luke 6:46
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/luke-6-46/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/luke-6-46.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Luke 6:46
testament: NT
section: Gospels
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Luke 6:46

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "Why, then, do you call me 'Lord! Lord!' but do not do the things I say?"

## JW Usage

Luke 6:46 is read by JW publications as evidence that mere profession of Jesus's lordship without works of obedience is insufficient — supporting the Watchtower's works-based soteriology in which a life of meeting attendance, field service, and obedience to organisational direction is required for salvation. The verse is paired with Hebrews 5:9 ("source of eternal salvation to all who obey him") to argue that obedience is the substance of salvation rather than the fruit of it.

## Protestant Usage

Read v. 46 with vv. 47-49 (the parable of the two builders immediately follows). Jesus is contrasting two responses to his words: those who hear and act, and those who hear and do not act. The Reformed reading does not deny that saving faith obeys — it denies that obedience is the ground of justification. Pair Luke 6:46 with Romans 1:5 ("the obedience of faith") and Romans 10:16 (Paul equating "obeying the gospel" with "believing"). In New Testament usage, "obey" and "believe" are often the same act applied to the gospel: faith is the obedience meant. Saving faith is obedient by nature; obedient works are the fruit of salvation, not its root. The Watchtower inverts the order — making works the cause of standing rather than the evidence of it.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [Eternal Salvation to All Who Obey Him](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/hebrews5-9-obey-salvation.md) — Hebrews 5:9 and the obedience of faith [Salvation]