Luke 22:14
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
was come
G1096
ἐγένετο
was come
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
10 of 12
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
Historical Context
By Jesus' era, Passover celebrants reclined on couches arranged in a U-shape (triclinium) around a low table, leaning on their left elbow. The host occupied the central position. The meal followed a prescribed liturgy (haggadah) involving four cups of wine, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and the lamb, with traditional blessings and recitations of Exodus 12-15.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing this as 'the hour' Jesus anticipated throughout His ministry deepen your appreciation of His willing obedience?
- What does Jesus' choice to share this intimate meal with the Twelve—including Judas—teach about His love for those who would fail Him?
- How should the significance of communion as a continuation of this 'hour' affect how you prepare to receive it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. The solemn phrase when the hour was come (ὅτε ἐγένετο ἡ ὥρα, hote egeneto hē hōra) marks the pivotal moment—not merely Passover's appointed time, but the hour Jesus repeatedly referenced (John 2:4, 7:30, 12:23, 13:1, 17:1). This is God's ordained kairos, the 'hour' of Christ's glorification through suffering.
He sat down (ἀνέπεσεν, anepesen, 'reclined') indicates the formal Passover posture; Jews reclined on their left side, symbolizing freedom (slaves stood to eat). The twelve apostles with him (οἱ ἀπόστολοι σὺν αὐτῷ, hoi apostoloi syn autō) emphasizes unity and intimacy, though one betrayer sat among them. Luke uses 'apostles' (ἀπόστολοι, 'sent ones') rather than 'disciples,' highlighting their commission as authorized representatives who would proclaim this night's events. This meal embodies substitution's paradox: the Passover Lamb reclines to eat the passover lamb.