Luke 22:37
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγραμμένον
that is written
G1125
γεγραμμένον
that is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
8 of 24
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
9 of 24
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
τελεσθῆναι
be accomplished
G5055
τελεσθῆναι
be accomplished
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
10 of 24
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
among
G3326
μετὰ
among
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἀνόμων
the transgressors
G459
ἀνόμων
the transgressors
Strong's:
G459
Word #:
16 of 24
lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked
ἐλογίσθη·
he was reckoned
G3049
ἐλογίσθη·
he was reckoned
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
17 of 24
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
the things concerning
G4012
περὶ
the things concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Cross References
Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Luke 23:32And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:John 17:4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.John 10:35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;Luke 22:22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!Luke 18:31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
Historical Context
Isaiah 53 was largely ignored by first-century Jewish messianic interpretation, which focused on conquering king imagery. Jesus consistently corrected this misunderstanding by identifying Himself with the Suffering Servant. His crucifixion between thieves visually demonstrated Isaiah's prophecy: the Holy One of Israel legally reckoned as criminal, bearing the sins of transgressors through substitutionary atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's identification with transgressors at the cross demonstrate the doctrine of imputation—our sin reckoned to Him, His righteousness reckoned to us?
- What Old Testament prophecies or types reached their telos (fulfillment) in Christ's death and resurrection?
- How should the certainty that God's redemptive plan reaches its appointed end affect your trust when circumstances seem chaotic or evil appears to triumph?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors—Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12, identifying Himself as the Suffering Servant who would be numbered with transgressors (μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη, meta anomon elogisthe). The cross would place Jesus literally between criminals (Luke 23:32-33), fulfilling Scripture's prophecy that Messiah would be counted as a sinner though sinless.
For the things concerning me have an end (τέλος, telos)—not termination but fulfillment, completion. Jesus's earthly messianic work was reaching its climax in the cross. All Old Testament prophecies, types, and shadows found their consummation in His atoning death. The Greek telos means goal or purpose achieved, not merely cessation. The cross wasn't tragedy but triumph—the predetermined plan of redemption reaching fruition.