Luke 22:30
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
ἐσθίητε
ye may eat
G2068
ἐσθίητε
ye may eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
2 of 22
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τραπέζης
table
G5132
τραπέζης
table
Strong's:
G5132
Word #:
7 of 22
a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καθίσησθε
sit
G2523
καθίσησθε
sit
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
14 of 22
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
θρόνων
thrones
G2362
θρόνων
thrones
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
16 of 22
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Matthew 8:11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.Luke 14:15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.Revelation 19:9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature envisioned the righteous sharing Messiah's rule in the age to come. Jesus confirms this hope while redefining the path to glory—through servanthood, not military conquest. The specific mention of twelve thrones for twelve tribes echoes Israel's tribal structure and promises eschatological restoration beyond the northern kingdom's dispersion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of future ruling authority motivate present faithful service in humble, unseen ways?
- What does it mean practically to live now as a future king/judge while serving in Christ-like humility?
- How should the certainty of eschatological reward affect your response to current suffering or opposition for Christ's sake?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom—The messianic banquet imagery from Isaiah 25:6 and Matthew 8:11 promises intimate fellowship with Christ in the consummated kingdom. The disciples who shared Jesus's final Passover will share His eternal feast. Sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (καθήσεσθε ἐπὶ θρόνων κρίνοντες, kathesesthe epi thronon krinontes)—Kingdom authority explicitly promised.
Judging (κρίνω, krino) means to rule or govern, not merely condemn. The Twelve will have administrative authority in the renewed creation, participating in Christ's reign (Revelation 3:21). This promise specifically addresses the twelve tribes, suggesting restoration of all Israel (Romans 11:26). The paradox is stunning: servants become kings, the humble are exalted, those who lose life for Christ's sake gain eternal dominion.