King James Version

What Does Luke 22:32 Mean?

Luke 22:32 in the King James Version says “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:32 · KJV

PrayerFaith

Context

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.

34

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' intercession: 'But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' Despite Satan's attack, Jesus assures Peter: 'I have prayed for thee' (ἐγὼ δεεομένην περὶ σοῦ, egō edeoēthēn peri sou). The verb is aorist, suggesting Jesus had already prayed. The petition: 'that thy faith fail not' (ἵνα μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἡ πίστις σου, hina mē eklipē hē pistis sou). Peter would deny Christ, but his faith wouldn't utterly fail because Jesus prayed for him. The command: 'when thou art converted' (σύ ποτε ἐπιστρέψας, sy pote epistrepsas, when you have turned back), 'strengthen thy brethren' (στήρισον τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου, stērison tous adelphous sou). Restoration leads to ministry—Peter's failure and recovery would equip him to strengthen others.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse provides profound comfort and theology. Christ's intercession for believers ensures genuine faith survives testing. Peter's three denials (vv. 54-62) were devastating failures, but Jesus' prayer preserved his faith. The command to 'strengthen thy brethren' was fulfilled as Peter became the early church's leader, boldly preaching at Pentecost (Acts 2), standing before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4-5), and writing epistles encouraging persecuted Christians (1-2 Peter). His restoration demonstrates that failure isn't final for believers—God uses even our worst moments for His purposes. The principle extends to all Christians: Christ's ongoing intercession (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) ensures genuine believers persevere. Church history confirms—many who stumbled badly were restored and used powerfully.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' intercession for Peter ensure genuine believers persevere despite failures?
  2. What does 'when thou art converted' mean—was Peter not yet saved, or is this referring to restoration after denial?
  3. How should your own failures and restoration equip you to strengthen other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἐγὼ1 of 19

“I”

G1473

i, me

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐδεήθην3 of 19

“have prayed”

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

περὶ4 of 19

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

σου5 of 19

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἵνα6 of 19
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ7 of 19
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐκλείπῃ8 of 19

“fail”

G1587

to omit, i.e., (by implication) cease (die)

ἡ9 of 19
G3588

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

πίστις10 of 19

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

σου11 of 19

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ12 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

σύ13 of 19

“thou”

G4771

thou

ποτε14 of 19

“when”

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἐπιστρέψας15 of 19

“art converted”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

στήριξον16 of 19

“strengthen”

G4741

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

τοὺς17 of 19
G3588

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

ἀδελφούς18 of 19

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου19 of 19

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 22:32 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 22:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:8-10John 21:15-17John 17:9-11Romans 8:342 Corinthians 1:4-6Hebrews 7:25

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