King James Version

What Does Luke 22:31 Mean?

Luke 22:31 in the King James Version says “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”

Luke 22:31 · KJV

Context

29

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

33

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warns Peter: 'And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.' Jesus addresses him as 'Simon, Simon' (Σίμων, Σίμων, Simōn, Simōn)—repetition indicates solemnity and affection. The warning: 'Satan hath desired to have you' (ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς, ho Satanas exētēsato hymas, Satan demanded you). The verb indicates Satan requested permission to test Peter (and likely all the disciples—'you' is plural). The purpose: 'that he may sift you as wheat' (τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον, tou siniasai hōs ton siton). Sifting wheat separates grain from chaff through violent shaking. Satan wanted to prove the disciples' faith was superficial chaff, not genuine grain. This echoes Job's testing—Satan attacks believers only by divine permission, and God limits the test.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This statement reveals spiritual warfare's reality. Satan actively seeks to destroy believers' faith through trials and temptations. The imagery of sifting wheat involves violent shaking to separate what's valuable from what's worthless. Satan hoped Peter's denial would prove his faith was mere profession. But Jesus' intercessory prayer (v. 32) ensured Peter's faith, though tested, wouldn't fail ultimately. Peter would deny Christ three times (vv. 54-62) but would repent and be restored. This teaches that genuine faith survives testing—not because it's strong in itself but because Christ sustains it through intercession. The pattern applies to all believers: Satan seeks to destroy our faith, but Christ intercedes to preserve it (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage teach about Satan's role and limits in attacking believers?
  2. How does Christ's intercession ensure that genuine faith survives even severe testing?
  3. What comfort should believers find in knowing Christ prays for their faith not to fail?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἶπεν1 of 16

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

Κύριος,4 of 16

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Σίμων5 of 16

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Σίμων6 of 16

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ἰδού,7 of 16

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὁ8 of 16
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς9 of 16

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ἐξῃτήσατο10 of 16

“hath desired”

G1809

to demand (for trial)

ὑμᾶς11 of 16

“to have you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τοῦ12 of 16
G3588

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

σινιάσαι13 of 16

“that he may sift”

G4617

to riddle (figuratively)

ὡς14 of 16

“you as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

τὸν15 of 16
G3588

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

σῖτον·16 of 16

“wheat”

G4621

grain, especially wheat

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 22:31 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 22:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:8Zechariah 3:1Job 1:6-12Job 2:1-6Revelation 12:10Amos 9:9

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