Luke 22:38
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μάχαιραι
swords
G3162
μάχαιραι
swords
Strong's:
G3162
Word #:
6 of 14
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 14
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
Cross References
John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.Luke 22:49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?1 Thessalonians 5:8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.1 Peter 5:9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Historical Context
The Zealot movement advocated armed rebellion against Rome, and some expected Messiah to lead such a revolt. The disciples' readiness to produce swords shows they'd entertained such thinking. Peter would soon use one of these swords to attack Malchus (John 18:10), only to have Jesus heal the wound and rebuke the violence. Forty years later, zealot rebellion would result in Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70), vindicating Jesus's rejection of armed resistance.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do Christians today misunderstand Jesus's kingdom, expecting worldly power rather than suffering servanthood?
- How does the church's history of using political or military force contradict Jesus's explicit rejection of the sword?
- What spiritual weapons has God given the church for warfare against evil (Ephesians 6:10-18), and how do they differ from worldly power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough (ἱκανόν ἐστιν, hikanon estin). The disciples' literal response reveals their continued misunderstanding—they thought Jesus meant physical warfare. Jesus's cryptic reply, It is enough, likely expresses exasperation ("Enough of this!") rather than approving two swords as sufficient arsenal. The tone resembles Mark 8:21: "How is it that ye do not understand?"
This exchange highlights the disciples' persistent failure to grasp Jesus's teaching even hours before His crucifixion. They still expected military messianic victory. Only Pentecost would open their eyes to understand Scripture (Luke 24:45, Acts 2). Two swords would fulfill Isaiah 53:12 (Jesus numbered with transgressors/armed men) but were utterly inadequate for—and contrary to—Jesus's kingdom purposes. The church conquers through martyrdom, not militia.