Luke 22:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:31
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, prayer, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:31
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Analysis
Jesus warns Peter: 'And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.' Jesus addresses him as 'Simon, Simon' (Σίμων, Σίμων, Simōn, Simōn)—repetition indicates solemnity and affection. The warning: 'Satan hath desired to have you' (ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς, ho Satanas exētēsato hymas, Satan demanded you). The verb indicates Satan requested permission to test Peter (and likely all the disciples—'you' is plural). The purpose: 'that he may sift you as wheat' (τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον, tou siniasai hōs ton siton). Sifting wheat separates grain from chaff through violent shaking. Satan wanted to prove the disciples' faith was superficial chaff, not genuine grain. This echoes Job's testing—Satan attacks believers only by divine permission, and God limits the test.
Historical Context
This statement reveals spiritual warfare's reality. Satan actively seeks to destroy believers' faith through trials and temptations. The imagery of sifting wheat involves violent shaking to separate what's valuable from what's worthless. Satan hoped Peter's denial would prove his faith was mere profession. But Jesus' intercessory prayer (v. 32) ensured Peter's faith, though tested, wouldn't fail ultimately. Peter would deny Christ three times (vv. 54-62) but would repent and be restored. This teaches that genuine faith survives testing—not because it's strong in itself but because Christ sustains it through intercession. The pattern applies to all believers: Satan seeks to destroy our faith, but Christ intercedes to preserve it (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1).
Reflection
- What does this passage teach about Satan's role and limits in attacking believers?
- How does Christ's intercession ensure that genuine faith survives even severe testing?
- What comfort should believers find in knowing Christ prays for their faith not to fail?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Zechariah 3:1
- Parallel theme: Luke 10:41, Amos 9:9, Acts 9:4, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10