King James Version

What Does Luke 22:49 Mean?

Luke 22:49 in the King James Version says “When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?”

Luke 22:49 · KJV

Context

47

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? The disciples' response to imminent danger reveals misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom. The question ei pataxomen en machaira (εἰ πατάξομεν ἐν μακαίρᾳ, 'shall we strike with sword?') expects a negative answer grammatically, yet betrays their continued expectation of military messianism. Despite Jesus' explicit teaching that 'all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword' (Matthew 26:52), they instinctively resort to violence. John 18:10 identifies Peter as the one who later strikes.

This moment crystallizes the tension between Christ's spiritual kingdom and human political expectations. The disciples had two swords (v. 38), which Jesus called 'enough'—not for battle but to fulfill Scripture (Isaiah 53:12, 'numbered with transgressors'). Their readiness to fight contrasts with Jesus' readiness to suffer. The phrase to mellō (τὸ μέλλω, 'what would follow') indicates they perceived the danger but not its divine purpose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law forbade Jews from carrying weapons without permission, making the disciples' possession of swords significant. The Garden of Gethsemane was a private property where Jesus often retreated (John 18:2), but this night it became an ambush site. The arrest party included Temple guards (Luke 22:52) and possibly Roman soldiers (John 18:3 mentions a 'band'). First-century Jewish messianic expectations centered on military liberation from Rome, explaining the disciples' violent instinct. They expected the Messiah to overthrow oppressors, not submit to them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the disciples' swords reveal the gap between their understanding and Jesus' mission?
  2. When do Christians today confuse political/military power with the advancement of God's kingdom?
  3. What does Jesus' rebuke of violence teach about the nature of spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἰδόντες1 of 14

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 14

“When”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 14
G3588

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

περὶ4 of 14

“they which were about”

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

αὐτῷ,5 of 14

“him”

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

τὸ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἐσόμενον7 of 14

“what would follow”

G2071

will be

εἶπον8 of 14

“they said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ,9 of 14

“him”

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

Κύριε10 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

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

εἰ11 of 14
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

πατάξομεν12 of 14

“shall we smite”

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

ἐν13 of 14

“with”

G1722

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

μαχαίρᾳ14 of 14

“the 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 22:49 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 22:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:38

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