Luke 18:32

KJV

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he shall be delivered {G3860} unto the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} shall be mocked {G1702}, and {G2532} spitefully entreated {G5195}, and {G2532} spitted on {G1716}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For he will be handed over to the Goyim and be ridiculed, insulted and spat upon.

Berean Standard Bible

He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.

American Standard Version

For he shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:32 records Jesus' solemn and remarkably specific third prediction of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, delivered to His disciples as they journeyed towards Jerusalem. This particular verse details the profound humiliation Jesus would endure at the hands of the Gentiles, specifically foretelling His delivery to them, followed by mocking, spiteful mistreatment, and being spat upon. It underscores the divine orchestration of these events, revealing the path of the Suffering Servant as central to God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger prophecy found in [Luke 18:31-34](/luke/18-31-34 "Luke 18:31-34 - Jesus' Third Passion Prediction"). It immediately follows Jesus' statement that "all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished" ([Luke 18:31](/luke/18-31 "Luke 18:31 - Prophecy Fulfilled")). This prediction is the most detailed of Jesus' Passion prophecies in Luke's Gospel, explicitly mentioning the Gentiles, mocking, spiteful treatment, and spitting, culminating in His death and resurrection. Despite the clarity, the disciples' lack of understanding, noted in [Luke 18:34](/luke/18-34 "Luke 18:34 - Disciples' Misunderstanding"), highlights their struggle to reconcile their messianic expectations with Jesus' revelations of suffering. This passage serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting Old Testament prophecy with the unfolding events of Christ's passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem was fraught with tension, as the city was the epicenter of Jewish religious and political authority. The mention of "Gentiles" (Greeks: _éthnos_) specifically refers to the Roman authorities who occupied Judea. Jewish messianic expectations at the time largely anticipated a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule, not a suffering servant who would be delivered to and humiliated by the very oppressors. The acts of mocking, spiteful entreaty, and spitting were not mere insults but deeply humiliating and dehumanizing acts in ancient cultures, often reserved for the lowest criminals or those utterly despised. To be subjected to such treatment by non-Jewish authorities would have been particularly scandalous and contrary to the disciples' understanding of a glorious Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**. Jesus' precise foreknowledge of His suffering, including specific details like being delivered to the Gentiles and being spat upon, demonstrates that His passion was not a tragic accident but a divinely ordained plan, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance") and [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of the **Suffering Messiah**. This verse starkly contrasts with popular Jewish expectations of a triumphant, political Messiah, instead presenting Jesus as the Suffering Servant whose path to glory involves profound humiliation and sacrifice. This redefines messiahship, emphasizing atonement over earthly conquest. Finally, the explicit mention of "Gentiles" underscores the **Universal Scope of Salvation**. The fact that Jesus' rejection and suffering would involve non-Jewish authorities foreshadows the universal reach of His redemptive work, extending beyond Israel to all nations, as seen in the Great Commission in [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This word (G3860) means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it carries the heavy connotation of betrayal and handing over to hostile authorities, as would be done by Judas Iscariot and the Jewish leaders to Pilate. It signifies a deliberate act of surrender, not merely a passive capture, highlighting the active role of those who would condemn Jesus.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term (G1484) refers to a "race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)." Its inclusion is highly significant, explicitly naming the Roman authorities as the instruments of Jesus' final suffering and execution, rather than solely Jewish leaders. This points to the broader, international scope of His rejection and the universal nature of the sin for which He would atone.
* **spitefully entreated (Greek, _hybrízō'_):** This word (G5195) means "to exercise violence, i.e. abuse; use despitefully, reproach, entreat shamefully (spitefully)." It encapsulates a range of abuses beyond mere physical harm, including extreme insolence, outrageous treatment, and deep humiliation. It implies being treated with utter contempt, scorn, and malicious intent, stripping one of dignity and honor. This word conveys the totality of the indignity Jesus would face, encompassing both verbal abuse (mocking) and physical assaults.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles,"**: This clause specifies the initial act of betrayal and transfer of authority. Jesus, the Son of Man, will be handed over by Jewish authorities to the Roman (Gentile) power, fulfilling the divine plan. This act is a crucial step towards His crucifixion, as only the Romans could execute someone by this method.
* **"and shall be mocked,"**: This describes the verbal and non-verbal abuse Jesus would suffer. Mockery involves ridicule, derision, and scorn, designed to humiliate and belittle. This was fulfilled by both Roman soldiers and Herod's guards.
* **"and spitefully entreated,"**: This phrase, translating _hybrizō_, indicates a deeper, more severe form of abuse than mere mockery. It refers to outrageous, insolent, and violent treatment, encompassing physical assault, public shaming, and the stripping away of dignity. It implies a deliberate intent to inflict maximum dishonor and suffering.
* **"and spitted on:"**: This is a specific, deeply offensive act of contempt and disgust. Spitting on someone was an extreme form of public humiliation and degradation, signifying utter disdain and rejection. It was a common gesture of contempt in the ancient world, designed to defile and dishonor.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:32 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as Jesus explicitly predicts His suffering, building narrative tension towards the Passion narrative. This detailed prophecy also functions as **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples, despite hearing these clear words, fail to grasp their meaning ([Luke 18:34](/luke/18-34 "Luke 18:34 - Disciples' Incomprehension")), highlighting their spiritual blindness and the divine mystery surrounding Jesus' mission. The use of a series of verbs—"delivered," "mocked," "spitefully entreated," "spitted on"—creates a powerful sense of **Climax** and escalating indignity, emphasizing the severity of the suffering Jesus would undergo. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "Gentiles" serves as **Symbolism**, broadening the scope of Jesus' rejection beyond Israel to encompass all humanity, thereby underscoring the universal nature of the sin for which He would atone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:32 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's messiahship and the divine necessity of His suffering. It reveals that God's plan for salvation was not through a conquering king who would establish an earthly kingdom, but through a Suffering Servant who would willingly endure the utmost humiliation and abuse to atone for humanity's sin. This verse underscores the radical humility of God incarnate, who, though deserving of all honor, submitted Himself to the most degrading treatment at the hands of those He came to save. It highlights the depth of divine love and the gravity of sin, which necessitated such a costly sacrifice. The specific details of the abuse foreshadow the extent of humanity's rebellion against God and the profound depths to which Christ descended to bridge the chasm.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Willingness to Endure")
* [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")
* [Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16-20 "Mark 15:16-20 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:32 calls us to a deeper contemplation of the immense cost of our salvation and the unwavering resolve of Jesus to fulfill His Father's redemptive will. His willingness to endure such profound suffering—mockery, spitting, and brutal, spiteful treatment—for the sake of humanity reveals the immeasurable depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ may involve suffering, rejection, and humiliation, mirroring His own path. It challenges us to embrace humility, perseverance, and radical obedience, even when the path is difficult or misunderstood. It also compels us to greater gratitude for the sacrifice made on our behalf, fostering a spirit of worship and a renewed commitment to live lives worthy of such a high calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge and acceptance of His suffering challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life, especially during times of adversity?**
* **In what ways does this detailed prophecy of humiliation deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the extent of His love for humanity?**
* **How might Jesus' steadfastness in the face of foretold abuse inspire you to endure your own trials and rejections with greater courage and faith?**
* **Considering the disciples' initial misunderstanding, what preconceived notions might you hold that could prevent you from fully grasping God's will or the nature of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus explicitly mention being delivered to the Gentiles, and what is the significance of this detail?**

Answer: Jesus explicitly mentioned being delivered to the Gentiles (Roman authorities) because it was crucial for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the broader theological implications of His mission. While Jewish leaders condemned Him, only the Romans had the authority to execute by crucifixion, the specific method of death prophesied for the Messiah (e.g., [Psalm 22:16](/psalm/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Pierced Hands and Feet")). The involvement of Gentiles also underscores the universal scope of Jesus' atoning work; His sacrifice was not just for Israel but for all nations, demonstrating that sin and salvation extend beyond any single ethnic or religious group. This detail highlights that His rejection was not limited to His own people but encompassed the broader world, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:32 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the Passion narrative, where every detail of Jesus' prophecy is meticulously brought to pass. He was indeed "delivered unto the Gentiles" when the Jewish Sanhedrin brought Him before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). The Roman soldiers, along with Herod's guards, relentlessly "mocked" Him, dressing Him in a purple robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and hailing Him as "King of the Jews" in cruel derision ([Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus"); [Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Luke 23:11 - Herod Mocks Jesus")). The prophecy that He would be "spitefully entreated" was fulfilled through the brutal scourging He endured, a violent and humiliating act designed to inflict maximum pain and public shame ([John 19:1](/john/19-1 "John 19:1 - Pilate Has Jesus Flogged")). Finally, the deeply offensive act of being "spitted on" was also fulfilled by the soldiers who spat on Him as they mocked Him ([Mark 15:19](/mark/15-19 "Mark 15:19 - Soldiers Spit on Jesus")). Each of these acts, foretold by Jesus Himself, demonstrates His complete submission to the Father's will and His willingness to endure the ultimate humiliation for the redemption of humanity. His suffering, though horrific, was not a defeat but the necessary path to victory over sin and death, culminating in His glorious resurrection, as promised in the very next verse ([Luke 18:33](/luke/18-33 "Luke 18:33 - Jesus' Resurrection Foretold")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 23:11

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked [him], and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Acts 3:13

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [him] go.

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: