King James Version

What Does Luke 22:12 Mean?

Luke 22:12 in the King James Version says “And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. Jesus prophesies the homeowner's response with certainty—he shall shew you (δείξει ὑμῖν, deixei hymin, future active indicative) promises definite action. A large upper room (ἀνάγαιον μέγα, anagaion mega) describes a spacious second-story room, large enough for thirteen men to recline at table. The participle furnished (ἐστρωμένον, estrōmenon, perfect passive, 'spread with carpets/cushions') indicates a prepared, dignified space with dining couches arranged.

The command there make ready (ἐκεῖ ἑτοιμάσατε, ekei hetoimasate, aorist active imperative) requires completing preparations—roasting the lamb, arranging bread and wine, preparing bitter herbs. This furnished room would witness history's most significant meal: the last Passover of the old covenant becoming the first communion of the new covenant. Tradition holds this same room hosted the post-resurrection appearances (Luke 24:36, John 20:19) and Pentecost (Acts 2:1). If so, the Upper Room became Christianity's birthplace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Upper rooms (hyperōa in Greek, aliyyāh in Hebrew) provided privacy, separation from street noise, and cooling breezes. They often served as study spaces for rabbis and disciples. The room's size suggests a wealthy homeowner—most Jerusalem houses were small. Later tradition identifies this as the Cenacle on Mount Zion, though archaeological certainty is impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of a 'furnished' room demonstrate His attention to details in accomplishing His purposes?
  2. What spiritual preparations do you need to 'make ready' before approaching the Lord's Table?
  3. If this same room witnessed the Last Supper, resurrection appearances, and Pentecost, what does that suggest about God's purposeful use of places?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
κἀκεῖνος1 of 8

“And”

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ὑμῖν2 of 8

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δείξει3 of 8

“he shall shew”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

ἀνώγεον4 of 8

“upper room”

G508

above the ground, i.e., (properly) the second floor of a building; used for a dome or a balcony on the upper story

μέγα5 of 8

“a large”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐστρωμένον·6 of 8

“furnished”

G4766

to "strew," i.e., spread (as a carpet or couch)

ἐκεῖ7 of 8

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἑτοιμάσατε8 of 8

“make ready”

G2090

to prepare

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:14-15Acts 1:13John 2:25John 21:17Acts 20:8

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