Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 64
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περικαλύψαντες
when they had blindfolded
G4028
περικαλύψαντες
when they had blindfolded
Strong's:
G4028
Word #:
2 of 17
to cover all around, i.e., entirely (the face, a surface)
αὐτὸν,
him
G846
αὐτὸν,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
ἔτυπτον
they struck
G5180
ἔτυπτον
they struck
Strong's:
G5180
Word #:
4 of 17
to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic
αὐτὸν,
him
G846
αὐτὸν,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον,
on the face
G4383
πρόσωπον,
on the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
7 of 17
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν,
him
G846
αὐτὸν,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 17
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Προφήτευσον
Prophesy
G4395
Προφήτευσον
Prophesy
Strong's:
G4395
Word #:
12 of 17
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This 'game' appears in all Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:67-68, Mark 14:65), showing its impact on witnesses. Blindfolding and striking was both mockery and torture—disorientation increases fear and helplessness. The guards likely knew of Jesus' prophetic ministry (His teaching in the Temple was public) and sarcastically challenged His powers. Their mockery echoes Satan's wilderness temptations ('If thou be the Son of God'—Matthew 4:3, 6)—both challenge Christ to prove deity through self-serving miracles. Jesus refuses both.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do the guards mock Jesus' prophetic gift while His prophecies are being fulfilled?
- What does Jesus' refusal to 'prove' His deity through miracle reveal about His mission?
- How does enduring mockery for Christ's sake connect believers to His sufferings (1 Peter 4:14)?
Analysis & Commentary
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? The mockery intensifies into cruel game. The phrase perikalypsantes auton (περικαλύψαντες αὐτόν, 'having blindfolded him') uses perikalyptō (περικαλύπτω), meaning to cover completely, especially the face. They etypton autou to prosōpon (ἔτυπτον αὐτοῦ τὸ πρόσωπον, 'struck his face')—repeated blows to the head. The challenge prophēteuson, tis estin ho paisas se (προφήτευσον, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παίσας σε, 'prophesy, who is the one having struck you?') mocks Jesus' prophetic claims.
The irony is multilayered: they mock Jesus as false prophet while He perfectly fulfills prophecy. They demand He 'prophesy' who struck Him—trivial knowledge—while ignoring His prophecies of death and resurrection. They abuse the omniscient God-man who knows not only His tormentors' names but their thoughts, sins, and eternal destinies. The game 'prophesy who hit you' was known as kolaphizō (κολαφίζω, 'buffet')—children's game made cruel. They treat the King of kings like entertainment.