King James Version

What Does Luke 7:22 Mean?

Luke 7:22 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind s... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Luke 7:22 · KJV


Context

20

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

24

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answers John's disciples: 'Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.' These signs fulfill Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1—messianic prophecies. Jesus doesn't directly answer 'Art thou he that should come?' but provides evidence fulfilling prophecy. His ministry marks the messianic age—physical healings demonstrate spiritual redemption, external miracles reveal internal transformation. The climactic sign is gospel proclaimed to the poor—social outcasts receive good news.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, sent disciples to ask if Jesus was the Messiah (v. 19-20). Perhaps John expected Jesus to establish a political-military kingdom and wondered why he remained imprisoned if Jesus was truly Messiah. Jesus' answer pointed to prophetic fulfillment—Isaiah described the messianic age as bringing healing, restoration, and good news to the poor. Jesus' miracles weren't merely compassionate acts but signs authenticating His messianic identity. The prophecies emphasized spiritual liberation (though often expressed through physical metaphors), which Jesus fulfilled. His kingdom came through suffering and spiritual redemption, not political revolution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Jesus' miracles authenticate His messianic identity by fulfilling Old Testament prophecy?
  2. What does the climax 'to the poor the gospel is preached' teach about the kingdom's priorities and whom it reaches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

Then

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 26

answering

G611

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

3 of 26
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν5 of 26

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς6 of 26

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

Πορευθέντες7 of 26

Go your way

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀπαγγείλατε8 of 26

and tell

G518

to announce

Ἰωάννῃ9 of 26

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

10 of 26

what things

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἴδετε11 of 26

ye have seen

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

καὶ12 of 26

Then

G2532

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

ἀκούουσιν13 of 26

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι14 of 26

how

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τυφλοὶ15 of 26

that the blind

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ἀναβλέπουσιν16 of 26

see

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

χωλοὶ17 of 26

the lame

G5560

"halt", i.e., limping

περιπατοῦσιν18 of 26

walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

λεπροὶ19 of 26

the lepers

G3015

scaly, i.e., leprous (a leper)

καθαρίζονται20 of 26

are cleansed

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

κωφοὶ21 of 26

the deaf

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

ἀκούουσιν22 of 26

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

νεκροὶ23 of 26

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐγείρονται24 of 26

are raised

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

πτωχοὶ25 of 26

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

εὐαγγελίζονται·26 of 26

the gospel is preached

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel


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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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