Luke 22:11

KJV

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye shall say {G2046} unto the goodman {G3617} of the house {G3614}, The Master {G1320} saith {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Where {G4226} is {G2076} the guestchamber {G2646}, where {G3699} I shall eat {G5315} the passover {G3957} with {G3326} my {G3450} disciples {G3101}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to its owner, ‘The Rabbi says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I am to eat the Pesach meal with my talmidim?” ’

Berean Standard Bible

and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’

American Standard Version

And ye shall say unto the master of the house, The Teacher saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:11 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' final days, detailing His precise instructions to His disciples for securing the location of the Passover meal, which would become known as the Last Supper. This verse reveals Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign orchestration of events, demonstrating His control over the circumstances leading to His passion, while also highlighting the disciples' obedience and the hospitality of an anonymous householder in fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate narrative of Jesus' preparations for the Passover, following the disciples' question about where to prepare the meal ([Luke 22:7](/luke/22-7 "Luke 22:7 - Disciples Ask About Passover")). Jesus' instructions in [Luke 22:10-12](/luke/22-10-12 "Luke 22:10-12 - Jesus' Instructions for Passover Preparation") are remarkably specific, directing Peter and John to follow a man carrying a water pitcher into a house, and then to address the "goodman of the house" with a direct message from "The Master." This precise guidance sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, an event of immense theological significance that immediately follows in the narrative. The detailed nature of these instructions underscores the divine intentionality behind the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, contrasting with the betrayal by Judas Iscariot that is introduced just before this passage ([Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3-6 "Luke 22:3-6 - Judas' Betrayal")). Parallel accounts of these preparations are found in [Matthew 26:17-19](/matthew/26-17-19 "Matthew 26:17-19 - Passover Preparation in Matthew") and [Mark 14:12-16](/mark/14-12-16 "Mark 14:12-16 - Passover Preparation in Mark"), confirming the importance of this divinely orchestrated arrangement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the week of Passover, the most significant annual festival for Jews, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). Thousands of pilgrims would flock to Jerusalem, making lodging scarce and often pre-arranged. The Passover meal itself was a highly ritualized event, traditionally eaten within the city walls by families or groups. The mention of a "man carrying a pitcher of water" is unusual, as this was typically a woman's task, suggesting a pre-arranged sign or a unique identifier known only to Jesus and the householder. The "guestchamber" (Greek: _katalyma_) would likely have been a large upper room, specifically set aside for such gatherings, indicating the householder's piety and hospitality. This act of hospitality was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, considered a sacred duty, especially during festivals. The secrecy and specific nature of Jesus' instructions may also hint at His awareness of the plots against Him, ensuring a private and undisturbed setting for this crucial final meal with His disciples.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as Jesus demonstrates complete awareness and control over seemingly mundane details, orchestrating the events leading to His passion with precision. This echoes His earlier pronouncements about His predetermined path, such as His journey to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Secondly, the disciples' unquestioning **Obedience and Trust** in following Jesus' unusual instructions highlights the necessary posture of faith in His divine authority. Their readiness to act upon His word, even without full understanding, is a model for discipleship. Thirdly, the preparation for the Passover underscores the **Sacredness of the Event** and the importance of a proper setting for the institution of the Lord's Supper, which Jesus would establish in the very next verses ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Finally, the **Hospitality** of the anonymous "goodman of the house" serves as a subtle but significant theme, showcasing how individuals, perhaps unknowingly, play a vital role in God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From G1320, meaning "an instructor" or "teacher." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' authority and role as the authoritative spiritual guide and teacher. The householder's immediate recognition of "The Master's" request implies a pre-existing relationship or a profound respect for Jesus' known identity.
* **goodman (Greek, _oikodespótēs'_):** From G3617, meaning "the head of a family" or "householder." This term denotes the master or owner of a house, responsible for its management and the welfare of its occupants. It highlights the authority and hospitality of the individual who would provide the guestchamber.
* **guestchamber (Greek, _katályma'_):** From G2646, properly "a dissolution (breaking up of a journey), i.e. (by implication) a lodging-place." While it can mean "inn" (as in [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - No Room in the Inn")), here it specifically refers to a private room or lodging, likely an upper room prepared for guests, suitable for a special gathering like the Passover meal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house,"**: This opening clause establishes the disciples' role as messengers. Jesus is not going directly but sending Peter and John, indicating a pre-arranged, perhaps discreet, plan. The "goodman of the house" (οἰκοδεσπότης) is the head of the household, the one with authority to grant access and provide the requested space.
* **"The Master saith unto thee,"**: This is the core message the disciples are to deliver. The title "The Master" (ὁ διδάσκαλος) carries significant weight, implying Jesus' authority and the householder's likely prior knowledge or expectation of Jesus. It's not a generic request but a specific directive from a recognized authority figure.
* **"Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?"**: This is the direct question Jesus instructs them to ask. The "guestchamber" (κατάλυμα) refers to a specific, suitable room for a gathering. The purpose is explicitly stated: to "eat the passover" with His disciples, underscoring the sacred and communal nature of the upcoming meal, which would be transformed into the Last Supper.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this passage. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' precise instructions about the man with the water pitcher and the guestchamber subtly hint at His divine omniscience and control over future events, building anticipation for the Passover meal and its profound significance. There is also an element of **Irony** or **Dramatic Irony**, as Jesus meticulously plans this sacred meal even as Judas is actively plotting His betrayal, a contrast that heightens the tension and highlights Jesus' sovereign purpose despite human treachery. The use of a **Sign** (the man carrying the water pitcher) serves as a unique identifier, a specific detail that would confirm the correct location without needing explicit directions, adding a mysterious and divinely orchestrated quality to the encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:11 serves as a profound testament to Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over all circumstances, even the seemingly mundane details of securing a room. This is not a desperate search but a divinely orchestrated appointment, highlighting that Jesus' journey to the cross was not a tragic accident but a purposeful act of redemption, meticulously planned by God. The householder's immediate compliance upon hearing "The Master saith" suggests either a pre-arranged understanding or a spiritual readiness to serve Christ, underscoring the theme of divine preparation of hearts and circumstances for God's purposes. This event sets the stage for the institution of the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper, a meal that redefines the Passover and points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His redemptive plan throughout history.

* [Matthew 26:18](/matthew/26-18 "Matthew 26:18 - Jesus' instructions for Passover")
* [Mark 14:14](/mark/14-14 "Mark 14:14 - The guestchamber for the Passover")
* [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus knows His hour has come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:11 offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. It challenges us to consider the meticulous nature of God's providence, reminding us that even in the smallest details of our lives, His hand is at work, orchestrating events for His greater purposes. Just as Jesus knew the specific man and the specific room, God knows our paths and prepares the way for us. This should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace, especially when faced with uncertainty. Furthermore, the disciples' unquestioning obedience to Jesus' unusual instructions serves as a powerful model for our own walk of faith. Are we willing to follow God's leading even when the path seems unconventional or the instructions unclear? This verse also subtly highlights the importance of hospitality and readiness to serve God's purposes, as exemplified by the anonymous householder. We are called to be available, to open our "guestchambers" – our homes, our resources, our time – for the Lord's use, understanding that even simple acts of service can play a crucial role in His divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this passage comfort or challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to exercise radical obedience, even when His instructions seem unusual or unclear?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of hospitality and readiness to serve, mirroring the "goodman of the house" who made room for Christ's pivotal meal?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus give such specific, almost cryptic, instructions to His disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' specific instructions, including the detail about the "man carrying a pitcher of water" ([Luke 22:10](/luke/22-10 "Luke 22:10 - The man with the pitcher")), demonstrate His divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over events. It's highly probable that this was a pre-arranged signal with a trusted follower in Jerusalem, allowing Jesus to secure a private and undisturbed location for the Passover meal, away from the watchful eyes of His enemies who were already plotting His arrest ([Luke 22:2](/luke/22-2 "Luke 22:2 - Chief priests and scribes seek to kill Jesus")). This level of detail underscores that Jesus was not a victim of circumstances but was purposefully moving towards His crucifixion as part of God's redemptive plan.

**Who was the "goodman of the house" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "goodman of the house" (Greek: _oikodespótēs_) remains anonymous in all Gospel accounts ([Matthew 26:18](/matthew/26-18 "Matthew 26:18 - The householder"), [Mark 14:14](/mark/14-14 "Mark 14:14 - The householder"), [Luke 22:11](/luke/22-11 "Luke 22:11 - The goodman of the house")). While his identity is not revealed, his willingness to provide a "guestchamber" (Greek: _katályma_) for Jesus and His disciples suggests he was either a secret follower of Jesus, a sympathizer, or someone who had a prior arrangement with Jesus. His immediate compliance with "The Master's" request highlights the theme of hospitality and how individuals, even those unnamed, play a crucial role in God's unfolding plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:11, with its meticulous details of preparing the Passover, profoundly points to Christ's fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "guestchamber" secured by Jesus' divine foreknowledge was not merely a room but the sacred space where the Old Covenant Passover, commemorating deliverance from Egyptian bondage, would be transformed into the New Covenant meal, the Lord's Supper. Here, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would institute the sacrament that points to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This act of preparation underscores Jesus' active role as the sovereign Lord, not merely a passive participant in His destiny, but the one who orchestrates every detail, even down to the location of His final meal, to fulfill the prophecies concerning His suffering and glory ([Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant")). The Passover, a historical event of liberation, finds its ultimate and eternal meaning in Christ's atoning work, making Him the central figure through whom humanity finds true freedom from sin and death, a freedom celebrated and remembered in every communion meal until His return ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death")).

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

John 11:28

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Luke 19:5

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

Luke 19:31

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:34

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

Matthew 21:3

And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.