King James Version

What Does Luke 22:67 Mean?

Luke 22:67 in the King James Version says “Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:”

Luke 22:67 · KJV

Faith

Context

65

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

66

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

67

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

68

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

69

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: The Sanhedrin's question is direct: ei sy ei ho Christos, eipon hēmin (εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, εἰπὸν ἡμῖν, 'if you are the Christ, tell us'). They demand confession to secure conviction—Jesus' own testimony will condemn Him. Christos (Χριστός, 'Christ, Messiah, Anointed One') was politically charged. Jesus' response exposes their duplicity: ean hymīn eipō, ou mē pisteusēte (ἐὰν ὑμῖν εἴπω, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε, 'if I tell you, you will never believe'). The double negative ou mē (οὐ μή) is emphatic—'certainly not, absolutely never.'

Jesus identifies the real issue: not lack of evidence but refusal to believe. He had claimed messiahship implicitly and explicitly throughout His ministry—His miracles, teaching, and fulfillment of prophecy testified clearly. Their question isn't seeking truth but seeking ammunition. Jesus' answer prophesies their unbelief—regardless of His response, they won't pisteuō (πιστεύω, 'believe, trust, commit to'). This verse fulfills John 5:39-40: 'Search the scriptures... ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.' The problem isn't insufficient evidence but hardened hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin needed Jesus to self-incriminate because their witnesses contradicted each other (Mark 14:56-59). Under Jewish law, conviction required consistent testimony from multiple witnesses. By demanding Jesus testify against Himself, they violated the principle against self-incrimination. Yet Jesus grants their request (v. 69-70), knowing conviction serves God's purposes. His trial wasn't legal determination of guilt but predetermined condemnation. The chief priests sought Roman cooperation (Luke 23:2) to execute Jesus, requiring political charges (insurrection, treason) not merely religious ones (blasphemy).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus say 'you will not believe' rather than give a direct answer?
  2. What does this exchange reveal about the difference between seeking truth and seeking ammunition?
  3. How does hardness of heart prevent belief regardless of evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Εἰ1 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

σὺ2 of 16

“thou”

G4771

thou

εἶ3 of 16

“Art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ4 of 16
G3588

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

Χριστός5 of 16

“the Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἴπω6 of 16

“I tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἡμῖν7 of 16

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

εἴπω8 of 16

“I tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ9 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς10 of 16

“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

Ἐὰν11 of 16

“If”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ὑμῖν12 of 16

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἴπω13 of 16

“I tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὐ14 of 16
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ15 of 16
G3361

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

πιστεύσητε·16 of 16

“believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 22:67 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 22:67 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 12:37-43John 9:27-28John 8:43-45John 5:39-47Matthew 26:63-68Luke 16:31

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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