King James Version

What Does Luke 22:15 Mean?

Luke 22:15 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: With desire: or, I have...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Luke 22:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. Jesus' opening words are emphatic—With desire I have desired (Ἐπιθυμίᾳ ἐπεθύμησα, Epithymia epethymēsa) uses Hebrew intensive construction (cognate dative) conveying passionate longing: 'I have earnestly/intensely desired.' This wasn't duty but deep personal yearning to share this moment with you (μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν, meth' hymōn) before His Passion.

Before I suffer (πρὸ τοῦ με παθεῖν, pro tou me pathein) reveals Jesus' full awareness of coming agony. Pathein (aorist active infinitive of πάσχω, 'to suffer') encompasses the totality: betrayal, arrest, trial, scourging, crucifixion. Yet He desired this meal beforehand—intimacy before isolation, fellowship before suffering, communion before sacrifice. His desire wasn't to avoid the cross but to share this covenant meal establishing what the cross would accomplish. Christ's longing for fellowship with His own reveals the Father-heart of God seeking communion with redeemed sinners.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words as the formal Passover liturgy began, probably just before or during the first cup (the Cup of Sanctification). The traditional haggadah recounted Israel's Egyptian bondage and God's deliverance. Jesus was about to transform this backward-looking memorial into a forward-looking anticipation of Kingdom consummation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' 'earnest desire' to share this meal with the disciples reveal about His heart toward intimate fellowship with believers?
  2. How should knowing Christ desired communion with His disciples before suffering shape your approach to the Lord's Table?
  3. In what ways do you cultivate the kind of intimate fellowship with Christ that He clearly values and desires?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 16

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς3 of 16

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς4 of 16

“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

Ἐπιθυμίᾳ5 of 16

“With desire”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

ἐπεθύμησα6 of 16

“I have desired”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

τοῦτο7 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

τὸ8 of 16
G3588

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

πάσχα9 of 16

“passover”

G3957

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

φαγεῖν10 of 16

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

μεθ'11 of 16

“with”

G3326

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

ὑμῶν12 of 16

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πρὸ13 of 16

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

τοῦ14 of 16
G3588

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

με15 of 16

“I”

G3165

me

παθεῖν·16 of 16

“suffer”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

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 22:15 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 22:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:50John 4:34John 17:1John 13:1

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