Luke 22:65
And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλὰ
many
G4183
πολλὰ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
3 of 7
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἔλεγον
spake they
G3004
ἔλεγον
spake they
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Luke, writing for Gentile readers, summarizes the abuse without graphic details—his account is more restrained than Matthew's or Mark's. The 'blasphemies' likely included mocking Jesus' messianic claims, divine sonship, and teaching authority. For Luke's audience, the irony was clear: those claiming to defend God's honor were cursing God's Son. Early Christian readers facing similar abuse (1 Peter 4:14) found comfort knowing Christ endured worse. His silence during revilement became model for believers (1 Peter 2:23).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the guards' blasphemy reveal about sin's blinding power?
- How can people witness miracles yet still reject Christ and abuse His followers?
- What does Jesus' endurance of blasphemy teach believers facing verbal persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. Luke summarizes continued abuse: kai hetera polla blasphēmountes elegon eis auton (καὶ ἕτερα πολλὰ βλασφημοῦντες ἔλεγον εἰς αὐτόν, 'and many other things blaspheming they spoke against him'). The verb blasphēmeō (βλασφημέω) means to slander, revile, speak evil—particularly against God. The irony is profound: they accuse Jesus of blasphemy (v. 70-71) while they themselves blaspheme God incarnate. Polla (πολλά, 'many things') indicates sustained verbal abuse—curses, insults, mockery continued through the night.
This verse shows the guards' hardness—no miracle, teaching, or prophecy fulfillment penetrates their hatred. They earlier witnessed Jesus heal Malchus' ear (v. 51) yet now abuse Him. This demonstrates human depravity: proximity to Jesus without faith produces greater hardness, not conversion. The blasphemies foreshadow the crowd's later cries: 'Crucify him!' (Luke 23:21). The progression is clear: verbal abuse leads to physical abuse leads to murder. Sin never stays static; it escalates.