Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Original Language Analysis
καθ'
G2596
καθ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 26
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
daily
G2250
ἡμέραν
daily
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
2 of 26
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 26
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
9 of 26
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
hands
G5495
χεῖρας
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
13 of 26
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐπ'
against
G1909
ἐπ'
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
17 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσία
the power
G1849
ἐξουσία
the power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
24 of 26
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
Cross References
Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.John 12:27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:John 7:45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
Historical Context
Jesus had taught in the Temple during Passover week (Luke 19:47-48, 21:37-38), with crowds preventing His arrest. The religious leaders needed Judas to identify Jesus in a private location at night. 'This is your hour' acknowledges limited human agency within divine providence—they have freedom to act, but only within God's sovereign plan. Early Christians understood this: Acts 4:27-28 states Herod and Pilate did 'whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' reference to 'darkness' reframe the arrest as spiritual warfare?
- What does 'your hour' teach about God's sovereignty over evil actions?
- Why do opponents of truth typically operate in 'darkness'—secrecy rather than public discourse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Jesus identifies the true nature of the conflict: spiritual warfare, not political dispute. The contrast kath' hēmeran ontos mou en tō hierō (καθ' ἡμέραν ὄντος μου ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, 'daily being in the temple') versus night arrest exposes their deception. Jesus taught publicly in God's house while they operate in darkness—literally and spiritually. The phrase hautē estin hē hōra hymōn kai hē exousia tou skotous (αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ὥρα ὑμῶν καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ σκότους, 'this is your hour and the authority of darkness') reveals divine sovereignty: this evil moment is both their hōra (ὥρα, 'hour,' appointed time) and Satan's exousia (ἐξουσία, 'authority').
Yet God's sovereignty encompasses even evil's 'authority.' Jesus submits not to human power but to the Father's will (v. 42). The 'darkness' is theological—Satan's domain (Ephesians 6:12, 'rulers of the darkness of this world'). This arrest represents cosmic battle: the 'power of darkness' versus the Light of the world (John 8:12). Darkness can only 'triumph' when Light permits it, for God's purposes.