King James Version

What Does Luke 22:14 Mean?

Luke 22:14 in the King James Version says “And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof , until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. The solemn phrase when the hour was come (ὅτε ἐγένετο ἡ ὥρα, hote egeneto hē hōra) marks the pivotal moment—not merely Passover's appointed time, but the hour Jesus repeatedly referenced (John 2:4, 7:30, 12:23, 13:1, 17:1). This is God's ordained kairos, the 'hour' of Christ's glorification through suffering.

He sat down (ἀνέπεσεν, anepesen, 'reclined') indicates the formal Passover posture; Jews reclined on their left side, symbolizing freedom (slaves stood to eat). The twelve apostles with him (οἱ ἀπόστολοι σὺν αὐτῷ, hoi apostoloi syn autō) emphasizes unity and intimacy, though one betrayer sat among them. Luke uses 'apostles' (ἀπόστολοι, 'sent ones') rather than 'disciples,' highlighting their commission as authorized representatives who would proclaim this night's events. This meal embodies substitution's paradox: the Passover Lamb reclines to eat the passover lamb.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By Jesus' era, Passover celebrants reclined on couches arranged in a U-shape (triclinium) around a low table, leaning on their left elbow. The host occupied the central position. The meal followed a prescribed liturgy (haggadah) involving four cups of wine, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and the lamb, with traditional blessings and recitations of Exodus 12-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing this as 'the hour' Jesus anticipated throughout His ministry deepen your appreciation of His willing obedience?
  2. What does Jesus' choice to share this intimate meal with the Twelve—including Judas—teach about His love for those who would fail Him?
  3. How should the significance of communion as a continuation of this 'hour' affect how you prepare to receive it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 12

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐγένετο3 of 12

was come

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

4 of 12
G3588

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

ὥρα5 of 12

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἀνέπεσεν6 of 12

he sat down

G377

to fall back, i.e., lie down, lean back

καὶ7 of 12

And

G2532

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

οἱ8 of 12
G3588

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

δώδεκα9 of 12

the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ἀπόστολοι10 of 12

apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

σὺν11 of 12

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ12 of 12

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


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 22:14 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 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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