King James Version

What Does Luke 22:38 Mean?

Luke 22:38 in the King James Version says “And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough (ἱκανόν ἐστιν, hikanon estin). The disciples' literal response reveals their continued misunderstanding—they thought Jesus meant physical warfare. Jesus's cryptic reply, It is enough, likely expresses exasperation ("Enough of this!") rather than approving two swords as sufficient arsenal. The tone resembles Mark 8:21: "How is it that ye do not understand?"

This exchange highlights the disciples' persistent failure to grasp Jesus's teaching even hours before His crucifixion. They still expected military messianic victory. Only Pentecost would open their eyes to understand Scripture (Luke 24:45, Acts 2). Two swords would fulfill Isaiah 53:12 (Jesus numbered with transgressors/armed men) but were utterly inadequate for—and contrary to—Jesus's kingdom purposes. The church conquers through martyrdom, not militia.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Zealot movement advocated armed rebellion against Rome, and some expected Messiah to lead such a revolt. The disciples' readiness to produce swords shows they'd entertained such thinking. Peter would soon use one of these swords to attack Malchus (John 18:10), only to have Jesus heal the wound and rebuke the violence. Forty years later, zealot rebellion would result in Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70), vindicating Jesus's rejection of armed resistance.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do Christians today misunderstand Jesus's kingdom, expecting worldly power rather than suffering servanthood?
  2. How does the church's history of using political or military force contradict Jesus's explicit rejection of the sword?
  3. What spiritual weapons has God given the church for warfare against evil (Ephesians 6:10-18), and how do they differ from worldly power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἱ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 14

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Κύριε4 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἰδού,5 of 14

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

μάχαιραι6 of 14

“swords”

G3162

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

ὧδε7 of 14

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

δύο8 of 14

“are two”

G1417

"two"

ὁ9 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν11 of 14

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς12 of 14

“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

Ἱκανόν13 of 14

“enough”

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ἐστιν14 of 14

“It is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 22:38 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 22:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:52-54Luke 22:492 Corinthians 10:3-4Ephesians 6:10-18John 18:361 Peter 5:9

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