King James Version

What Does Luke 22:10 Mean?

Luke 22:10 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.”

Luke 22:10 · KJV

Context

8

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

9

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

10

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

11

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

12

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. Jesus provides remarkably specific instructions. Behold (ἰδού, idou) commands attention to coming revelation. A man... bearing a pitcher of water (ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων, anthrōpos keramion hydatos bastazōn) is the identifying sign—unusual because water-carrying was women's work; a man carrying water would stand out.

The command follow him (ἀκολουθήσατε αὐτῷ, akolouthēsate autō) uses discipleship language—the same 'follow' Jesus uses for following Him. This demonstrates either: (1) supernatural foreknowledge of events, (2) prearranged signals with the homeowner, or (3) both—Jesus sovereignly ordained circumstances He also naturally arranged. The instructions' precision recalls Old Testament prophetic signs (1 Samuel 10:2-6) and demonstrates Jesus' control even as events spiral toward betrayal. While enemies plot, Jesus orchestrates.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Women typically carried water jars on their heads; men used wineskins. A man carrying a ceramic pitcher (keramion) would be immediately noticeable in Jerusalem's crowded streets. Some scholars suggest this was John Mark's father's home, where the church later met (Acts 12:12), though this is speculative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' detailed foreknowledge in crisis encourage you to trust His sovereignty in your circumstances?
  2. What does the unusual 'sign' of a man carrying water teach about God's ability to guide through specific, unmistakable indicators?
  3. How might Jesus be giving you 'signs' to follow that require eyes of faith to recognize?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ὁ1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 23

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ4 of 23

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἰδού,5 of 23

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

εἰσελθόντων6 of 23

“are entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ὑμῶν7 of 23

“when ye”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς8 of 23

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν9 of 23
G3588

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

πόλιν10 of 23

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

συναντήσει11 of 23

“meet”

G4876

to meet with; figuratively, to occur

ὑμῖν12 of 23

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἄνθρωπος13 of 23

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

κεράμιον14 of 23

“a pitcher”

G2765

an earthenware vessel, i.e., jar

ὕδατος15 of 23

“of water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

βαστάζων·16 of 23

“bearing”

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

ἀκολουθήσατε17 of 23

“follow”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ18 of 23

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς19 of 23

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν20 of 23
G3588

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

οἰκίαν21 of 23

“the house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

οὗ22 of 23

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

εἰσπορεύεται23 of 23

“he entereth in”

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

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 22:10 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 22:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 16:41 Samuel 10:2-7Matthew 26:18-19Acts 8:26-29Luke 19:29-40

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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