King James Version

What Does Luke 22:37 Mean?

Luke 22:37 in the King James Version says “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressor...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 22:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors—Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12, identifying Himself as the Suffering Servant who would be numbered with transgressors (μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη, meta anomon elogisthe). The cross would place Jesus literally between criminals (Luke 23:32-33), fulfilling Scripture's prophecy that Messiah would be counted as a sinner though sinless.

For the things concerning me have an end (τέλος, telos)—not termination but fulfillment, completion. Jesus's earthly messianic work was reaching its climax in the cross. All Old Testament prophecies, types, and shadows found their consummation in His atoning death. The Greek telos means goal or purpose achieved, not merely cessation. The cross wasn't tragedy but triumph—the predetermined plan of redemption reaching fruition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 53 was largely ignored by first-century Jewish messianic interpretation, which focused on conquering king imagery. Jesus consistently corrected this misunderstanding by identifying Himself with the Suffering Servant. His crucifixion between thieves visually demonstrated Isaiah's prophecy: the Holy One of Israel legally reckoned as criminal, bearing the sins of transgressors through substitutionary atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's identification with transgressors at the cross demonstrate the doctrine of imputation—our sin reckoned to Him, His righteousness reckoned to us?
  2. What Old Testament prophecies or types reached their telos (fulfillment) in Christ's death and resurrection?
  3. How should the certainty that God's redemptive plan reaches its appointed end affect your trust when circumstances seem chaotic or evil appears to triumph?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
λέγω1 of 24

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 24

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 24

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔτι5 of 24

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

τοῦτο6 of 24

“this”

G5124

that thing

τὸ7 of 24
G3588

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

γεγραμμένον8 of 24

“that is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

δεῖ9 of 24

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

τελεσθῆναι10 of 24

“be accomplished”

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

ἐν11 of 24

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοί12 of 24

“me”

G1698

to me

τὸ13 of 24
G3588

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

καὶ14 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

μετὰ15 of 24

“among”

G3326

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

ἀνόμων16 of 24

“the transgressors”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

ἐλογίσθη·17 of 24

“he was reckoned”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

γὰρ19 of 24

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὰ20 of 24
G3588

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

περὶ21 of 24

“the things concerning”

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

ἐμοῦ22 of 24

“me”

G1700

of me

τέλος23 of 24

“an end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἔχει24 of 24

“have”

G2192

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

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 22:37 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 22:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:12Luke 23:322 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 3:13Acts 13:27-29John 19:28-30

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