King James Version

What Does Luke 18:32 Mean?

Luke 18:32 in the King James Version says “For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:”

Luke 18:32 · KJV

Salvation

Context

30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles (παραδοθήσεται τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, paradothēsetai tois ethnesin)—The verb paradidōmi (to hand over, betray) appears throughout the passion narrative. Ironically, God's chosen people will deliver their Messiah to pagans for execution—a prophetic reversal. Roman crucifixion, a Gentile penalty, was considered so shameful that Jewish law forbade it for Israelites.

Mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on (ἐμπαιχθήσεται καὶ ὑβρισθήσεται καὶ ἐμπτυσθήσεται, empaichthēsetai kai hubristhēsetai kai emptusthēsetai)—three future passive verbs detailing progressive humiliation. Empaizō (to mock) involves the crown of thorns and purple robe. Hubrizō (to treat insolently) appears in the physical abuse. Spitting was considered the ultimate indignity in Mediterranean culture, defiling the victim's honor. Isaiah 50:6 prophesied: 'I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers routinely brutalized condemned criminals, but the mockery of Jesus as 'king' was uniquely ironic—they unwittingly proclaimed truth while meaning insult. The Jewish leaders handed Jesus to Pilate precisely because they lacked authority to execute (John 18:31), fulfilling Jesus's prediction of Gentile involvement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's willingness to endure mockery and shame reveal the depth of His love for humanity?
  2. What does the Gentile involvement in the crucifixion signify about the universal scope of human sinfulness and redemption?
  3. How should knowing Christ endured such humiliation shape our response to personal dishonor or ridicule for faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
παραδοθήσεται1 of 10

“he shall be delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοῖς3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνεσιν4 of 10

“unto the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

καὶ5 of 10

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμπαιχθήσεται6 of 10

“shall be mocked”

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

καὶ7 of 10

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑβρισθήσεται8 of 10

“spitefully entreated”

G5195

to exercise violence, i.e., abuse

καὶ9 of 10

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμπτυσθήσεται10 of 10

“spitted on”

G1716

to spit at or on

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 18:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 18:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:11Isaiah 53:3Isaiah 50:6Acts 3:13Mark 14:65Matthew 16:21

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 18 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes