King James Version

What Does Luke 22:68 Mean?

Luke 22:68 in the King James Version says “And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:68 · KJV

Context

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.

70

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Jesus continues exposing the Sanhedrin's bad faith: ean de erōtēsō, ou mē apokrithēte (ἐὰν δὲ ἐρωτήσω, οὐ μὴ ἀποκριθῆτε, 'and if I question, you will never answer'). During His ministry, Jesus asked penetrating questions they couldn't answer without self-condemnation (Luke 20:1-8, source of John's baptism; Luke 20:41-44, David's son or Lord?). They deflected rather than engage. The phrase ē apolysēte (ἢ ἀπολύσητε, 'or release') acknowledges this isn't trial but execution—even if He convinced them, they wouldn't apolyō (ἀπολύω, 'release, set free').

Jesus' words indict their judicial theater. Real trials seek truth through questioning from both sides. This 'trial' seeks predetermined outcome. Jesus exposes their method: they demand He answer their questions but refuse to answer His; they claim impartial justice but have already decided His fate. This fulfills Isaiah 53:8: 'He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living.' No genuine judgment occurred—only power plays masked as legal process.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout His ministry, Jesus' questions exposed the leaders' hypocrisy and ignorance. When they asked 'By what authority?' Jesus responded with a question they couldn't answer (Luke 20:1-8). They feared the crowds and couldn't afford honest answers. Now in custody, Jesus still identifies their dishonesty. His prophetic insight penetrates their pretense. That He's correct—they neither answer nor release Him—vindicates His assessment. This pattern continues: religious/political establishments claim impartiality while predetermining outcomes against truth-tellers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why were the religious leaders unable to answer Jesus' questions during His ministry?
  2. What does this verse teach about the difference between genuine truth-seeking and predetermined conclusions?
  3. How do modern 'trials' in media or institutions sometimes mirror this judicial theater?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἐὰν1 of 10

“if”

G1437

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

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 10

“I also”

G2532

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

ἐρωτήσω4 of 10

“ask”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

οὐ5 of 10
G3756

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

μὴ6 of 10
G3361

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

ἀποκριθῆτε7 of 10

“answer”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

μοι,8 of 10

“me”

G3427

to me

ἢ9 of 10

“nor”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀπολύσητε10 of 10

“let me go”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

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 22:68 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 22:68 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:3-7Luke 20:41-44

Test Your Knowledge

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