Luke 22:10
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
10 of 23
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
βαστάζων·
bearing
G941
βαστάζων·
bearing
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
16 of 23
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
ἀκολουθήσατε
follow
G190
ἀκολουθήσατε
follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Women typically carried water jars on their heads; men used wineskins. A man carrying a ceramic pitcher (keramion) would be immediately noticeable in Jerusalem's crowded streets. Some scholars suggest this was John Mark's father's home, where the church later met (Acts 12:12), though this is speculative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' detailed foreknowledge in crisis encourage you to trust His sovereignty in your circumstances?
- What does the unusual 'sign' of a man carrying water teach about God's ability to guide through specific, unmistakable indicators?
- How might Jesus be giving you 'signs' to follow that require eyes of faith to recognize?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. Jesus provides remarkably specific instructions. Behold (ἰδού, idou) commands attention to coming revelation. A man... bearing a pitcher of water (ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων, anthrōpos keramion hydatos bastazōn) is the identifying sign—unusual because water-carrying was women's work; a man carrying water would stand out.
The command follow him (ἀκολουθήσατε αὐτῷ, akolouthēsate autō) uses discipleship language—the same 'follow' Jesus uses for following Him. This demonstrates either:
The instructions' precision recalls Old Testament prophetic signs (1 Samuel 10:2-6) and demonstrates Jesus' control even as events spiral toward betrayal. While enemies plot, Jesus orchestrates.