Luke 22:36
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 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
Ἀλλὰ
But
G235
Ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
he that hath
G2192
ἔχων
he that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀράτω
let him take
G142
ἀράτω
let him take
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
9 of 23
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχων
he that hath
G2192
ἔχων
he that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian Jews under Roman occupation sometimes carried short swords for protection against bandits on rural roads. However, organized armed resistance (the Zealot movement) was considered seditious. Jesus's coming arrest, crucifixion, and the church's subsequent persecution fundamentally changed the disciples' relationship to Jewish society and Roman law. They would no longer enjoy general hospitality but face systematic opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you prepare spiritually for seasons of opposition and suffering rather than expecting continual ease and provision?
- What is the proper Christian response to persecution—passive acceptance, legal defense, armed resistance, or something else?
- How does the change from Jesus's first sending to this new commission illustrate different strategies for different seasons of ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it... and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one—Radically reversing the earlier commission, Jesus signals a fundamental shift. But now (νῦν, nyn) marks the crucial transition: the protective covering of Jesus's earthly presence would be withdrawn. The disciples must prepare for hostile opposition without the Messiah's physical protection.
The sword (μάχαιρα, machaira) has sparked debate. Some read this literally (self-defense), but Jesus's rebuke in verse 38 ("It is enough") and His later prohibition of Peter's sword use (John 18:11) suggest figurative intent. Jesus warns that the post-resurrection church will face violent opposition requiring spiritual vigilance and readiness for martyrdom, not armed rebellion. Or possibly: two swords were sufficient for fulfilling Scripture (verse 37), not for military defense.