King James Version

What Does Luke 22:35 Mean?

Luke 22:35 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Luke 22:35 · KJV


Context

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.

35

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

36

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

37

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing—Jesus recalls the earlier mission (Luke 9:3, 10:4) when the disciples traveled with no provisions, depending entirely on God's provision through others' hospitality. Their unanimous answer, Nothing, testified to God's faithfulness. This establishes the context for the jarring instruction that follows.

The question prompts the disciples to remember God's past provision as foundation for trusting Him through coming trials. Recalling God's faithfulness strengthens faith for future testing. The principle endures: God's track record of provision in the past gives confidence for present and future needs, even when circumstances seem to contradict His care.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs obligated communities to provide for traveling teachers and prophets. Jesus's initial sending of the Twelve capitalized on this cultural practice while teaching dependence on God. During Jesus's Galilean ministry, the disciples enjoyed relative safety and support from sympathetic Jewish communities. This security would soon evaporate.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rehearsing God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your faith for current challenges?
  2. What specific provisions or protections has God given you when you've stepped out in faith-based obedience?
  3. Why is it important to remember seasons of God's tangible blessing when entering seasons of suffering or trial?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

εἶπον,2 of 19

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

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

Ὅτε4 of 19

When

G3753

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

ἀπέστειλα5 of 19

I sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

ὑμᾶς6 of 19

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἄτερ7 of 19

without

G817

aloof, i.e., apart from (literally or figuratively)

βαλαντίου8 of 19

purse

G905

a pouch (for money)

καὶ9 of 19

And

G2532

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

πήρας10 of 19

scrip

G4082

a wallet or leather pouch for food

καὶ11 of 19

And

G2532

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

ὑποδημάτων12 of 19

shoes

G5266

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

μή13 of 19
G3361

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

τινος14 of 19

any thing

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑστερήσατε15 of 19

lacked ye

G5302

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

οἱ16 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ17 of 19

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον,18 of 19

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὐδενός19 of 19

Nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing


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 22:35 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 22:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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