King James Version

What Does Luke 22:36 Mean?

Luke 22:36 in the King James Version says “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 swor... — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 22:36 · KJV


Context

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.

38

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it... and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one—Radically reversing the earlier commission, Jesus signals a fundamental shift. But now (νῦν, nyn) marks the crucial transition: the protective covering of Jesus's earthly presence would be withdrawn. The disciples must prepare for hostile opposition without the Messiah's physical protection.

The sword (μάχαιρα, machaira) has sparked debate. Some read this literally (self-defense), but Jesus's rebuke in verse 38 ("It is enough") and His later prohibition of Peter's sword use (John 18:11) suggest figurative intent. Jesus warns that the post-resurrection church will face violent opposition requiring spiritual vigilance and readiness for martyrdom, not armed rebellion. Or possibly: two swords were sufficient for fulfilling Scripture (verse 37), not for military defense.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian Jews under Roman occupation sometimes carried short swords for protection against bandits on rural roads. However, organized armed resistance (the Zealot movement) was considered seditious. Jesus's coming arrest, crucifixion, and the church's subsequent persecution fundamentally changed the disciples' relationship to Jewish society and Roman law. They would no longer enjoy general hospitality but face systematic opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you prepare spiritually for seasons of opposition and suffering rather than expecting continual ease and provision?
  2. What is the proper Christian response to persecution—passive acceptance, legal defense, armed resistance, or something else?
  3. How does the change from Jesus's first sending to this new commission illustrate different strategies for different seasons of ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
εἶπεν1 of 23

said he

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν2 of 23

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτοῦ3 of 23

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

Ἀλλὰ4 of 23

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

νῦν5 of 23

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

6 of 23
G3588

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

ἔχων7 of 23

he that hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

βαλάντιον8 of 23

a purse

G905

a pouch (for money)

ἀράτω9 of 23

let him take

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

ὁμοίως10 of 23

likewise

G3668

similarly

καὶ11 of 23

and

G2532

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

πήραν12 of 23

his scrip

G4082

a wallet or leather pouch for food

καὶ13 of 23

and

G2532

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

14 of 23
G3588

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

μὴ15 of 23

no

G3361

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

ἔχων16 of 23

he that hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πωλησάτω17 of 23

let him sell

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

τὸ18 of 23
G3588

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

ἱμάτιον19 of 23

garment

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ20 of 23

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

καὶ21 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἀγορασάτω22 of 23

buy

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

μάχαιραν23 of 23

sword

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment


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 22:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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