King James Version

What Does Luke 22:11 Mean?

Luke 22:11 in the King James Version says “And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Luke 22:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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? Jesus provides the exact words to speak. The goodman of the house (τῷ οἰκοδεσπότῃ, tō oikodespotē, 'the master of the house') was evidently expecting this inquiry. The title The Master (ὁ διδάσκαλος, ho didaskalos, 'the Teacher') identifies Jesus with authority and respect.

The guestchamber (τὸ κατάλυμα, to katalyma) is the same word used for the 'inn' where no room existed at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7). Born with no katalyma, Jesus celebrates His final Passover in a katalyma—from rejection at birth to provision at death. The question where I shall eat the passover with my disciples (ὅπου τὸ πάσχα μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου φάγω, hopou to pascha meta tōn mathētōn mou phagō) emphasizes intimate fellowship with His own before suffering, fulfilling His desire from verse 15.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'katalyma' was typically an upper guest room, separate from the main living quarters, where traveling teachers and their students could meet privately. Jerusalem homeowners made such rooms available during Passover as a religious service. The homeowner's willingness suggests he was either a disciple or sympathizer, though unnamed (perhaps for safety).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the provision of a 'katalyma' (guestchamber) contrast with Jesus' birth when there was 'no room in the inn' (katalyma)?
  2. What does Jesus' title 'The Teacher' reveal about how His disciples and followers understood His primary role?
  3. How does Jesus' desire to eat Passover 'with my disciples' demonstrate the importance of spiritual fellowship before trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐρεῖτε2 of 22

“ye shall say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

τῷ3 of 22
G3588

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

οἰκοδεσπότῃ4 of 22

“unto the goodman”

G3617

the head of a family

τῆς5 of 22
G3588

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

οἰκίας6 of 22

“of the house”

G3614

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

Λέγει7 of 22

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

σοι8 of 22

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

ὁ9 of 22
G3588

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

διδάσκαλος10 of 22

“The Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

Ποῦ11 of 22

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ἐστιν12 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ13 of 22
G3588

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

κατάλυμα14 of 22

“the guestchamber”

G2646

properly, a dissolution (breaking up of a journey), i.e., (by implication) a lodging-place

ὅπου15 of 22

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

τὸ16 of 22
G3588

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

πάσχα17 of 22

“the passover”

G3957

the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)

μετὰ18 of 22

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν19 of 22
G3588

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

μαθητῶν20 of 22

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

μου21 of 22

“my”

G3450

of me

φάγω22 of 22

“I shall eat”

G5315

to eat (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 22:11 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 22:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:28Luke 19:31Revelation 3:20Luke 19:34Luke 19:5Matthew 21:3

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