King James Version

What Does Luke 22:13 Mean?

Luke 22:13 in the King James Version says “And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: With desire: or, I have heartily desired

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. The verse confirms Jesus' prophetic word perfectly fulfilled—they went (ἀπελθόντες, apelthontes, aorist active participle) shows immediate obedience, and found as he had said (εὗρον καθὼς εἰρήκει αὐτοῖς, heuron kathōs eirēkei autois) emphasizes exact correspondence between promise and reality. Kathōs ('just as/exactly as') stresses precise fulfillment.

And they made ready the passover (ἡτοίμασαν τὸ πάσχα, hētoimasan to pascha, aorist active) completes their assigned task. This simple statement encompasses hours of work: temple sacrifice, meal preparation, room arrangement. Their faithful preparation of earthly bread and wine set the stage for Jesus to reveal heavenly realities. The disciples' obedience, even without understanding the full significance, enabled Christ's institution of the New Covenant meal. God uses faithful servants who do what they're told, trusting His larger purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Passover preparation followed strict Levitical guidelines: removing all leaven from the house, slaughtering the lamb at the temple between 3-5 PM, roasting it whole without breaking bones (Exodus 12:46, fulfilled in John 19:36), preparing unleavened bread (matzah), bitter herbs (maror), charoset (fruit paste), four cups of wine, and arranging for the traditional Seder questions and responses.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God's word to you been fulfilled 'just as He said,' strengthening your faith for future promises?
  2. How does the disciples' faithful preparation—even without knowing they were preparing history's most significant meal—encourage you to faithful obedience in 'small' tasks?
  3. What does the exact fulfillment of Jesus' predictions in this passage reveal about the trustworthiness of His other promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἀπελθόντες1 of 10

“they went”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εὗρον3 of 10

“and found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

καθὼς4 of 10

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

εἰρήκεν5 of 10

“he had said”

G2046

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

αὐτοῖς6 of 10

“unto them”

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

καὶ7 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ἡτοίμασαν8 of 10

“they made ready”

G2090

to prepare

τὸ9 of 10
G3588

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

πάσχα10 of 10

“the passover”

G3957

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

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 22:13 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 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:32Luke 21:33John 2:5Hebrews 11:8John 11:40

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 22 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes