Luke 22:12

KJV

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2548} he shall shew {G1166} you {G5213} a large {G3173} upper room {G508} furnished {G4766}: there {G1563} make ready {G2090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will show you a large room upstairs already furnished; make the preparations there.”

Berean Standard Bible

And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.”

American Standard Version

And he will show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides a precise detail in Jesus' instructions to Peter and John regarding the preparation for the Passover meal, which would become the Last Supper. Jesus, demonstrating divine foreknowledge, directs them to a specific man and a "large upper room furnished," indicating a space already prepared and suitable for this pivotal sacred gathering. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's sovereign plan, where even the seemingly mundane details are orchestrated for profound theological significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate preparations for Jesus' final Passover with His disciples, as described in [Luke 22:7-13](/luke/22-7-13 "Luke 22:7-13 - Preparation for the Passover"). Following the conspiracy of the chief priests and scribes to kill Jesus ([Luke 22:1-6](/luke/22-1-6 "Luke 22:1-6 - The Plot Against Jesus")), the arrival of the "day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed," prompts the disciples to ask Jesus where they should prepare. Jesus' response, detailing the encounter with a man carrying a water pitcher and the subsequent discovery of the "large upper room furnished," highlights His divine omniscience and control over unfolding events, even as His passion approaches. This careful arrangement sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, a central moment in the Gospel narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover feast was one of the most significant annual festivals for Jews, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Families would gather to share a ritual meal, often in Jerusalem. During this time, the city would swell with pilgrims, making lodging and suitable dining spaces highly sought after. An "upper room" (Greek: _anōgeon_) was typically a spacious, private room on the second floor of a house, often used for banquets, meetings, or quiet contemplation, offering more privacy and space than ground-floor rooms. The mention of it being "furnished" (Greek: _estromenon_) implies it was already set up with cushions or couches for reclining, as was customary for meals in that culture, indicating a pre-arranged and suitable venue for a significant gathering.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:12 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as Jesus' precise instructions reveal His intimate knowledge of future events, reinforcing His divine authority over circumstances and people, even those seemingly insignificant. Secondly, the emphasis on **Preparation for Sacred Encounter** highlights the human responsibility to "make ready" for God's presence and work, even as God orchestrates the larger plan. The "furnished" room underscores the importance of a prepared space for a holy gathering. Finally, the **Significance of Place** is evident, as this specific "upper room" becomes the hallowed setting for the institution of the New Covenant, echoing later gatherings of the early church in similar "upper rooms," such as for prayer after the ascension ([Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Disciples in the Upper Room")) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **upper room (Greek, _anṓgeon'_):** This term (G508) refers to a room located on the upper floor of a building. Such rooms were typically larger and more private than those on the ground floor, making them ideal for gatherings, banquets, and meetings. Its use here signifies a space suitable for the intimate and significant meal Jesus was about to share with His disciples.
* **furnished (Greek, _strṓnnymi'_):** Derived from G4766, this word means "to strew," "spread," or "furnish with couches/carpets." The participle form used here (_estromenon_) indicates that the room was already prepared with the necessary arrangements for reclining at a meal, which was the custom for banquets in that era. This detail highlights that the room was not just available, but specifically ready for immediate use, implying a divine hand in its preparation.
* **make ready (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This verb (G2090) means "to prepare" or "to provide." It signifies the disciples' active role and responsibility in preparing the Passover meal within the divinely provided space. While God orchestrates the location, human effort is still required to fulfill the divine purpose, underscoring the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall shew you":** This clause emphasizes Jesus' prophetic instruction and the specific guidance that would lead the disciples to the designated location. It highlights His divine foreknowledge and control over the circumstances, ensuring the precise fulfillment of His plan. The "he" refers to the man carrying a water pitcher, whom the disciples were instructed to follow.
* **"a large upper room furnished":** This phrase describes the nature and state of the room. "Large" (G3173, _mégas_) indicates its spaciousness, suitable for a group of thirteen (Jesus and the twelve disciples). "Upper room" (G508, _anōgeon_) denotes its location on an upper floor, providing privacy and perhaps a more elevated, sacred feel. "Furnished" (G4766, _strōnnymi_) signifies that it was already prepared with the necessary arrangements for reclining during a meal, implying it was ready for immediate use without further setup.
* **"there make ready":** This is the direct command to the disciples. "There" (G1563, _ekeî_) points to the specific, divinely revealed location. "Make ready" (G2090, _hetoimázō_) instructs them to prepare the Passover meal, including the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, in accordance with Jewish custom. This command underscores the disciples' active role in the unfolding divine drama.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in this verse employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the detailed preparation of this specific "upper room" sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, an event of immense theological significance that redefines the Passover. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** or **Subtle Control**, where Jesus, facing imminent betrayal and crucifixion, demonstrates absolute command over mundane details, orchestrating the perfect setting for His final, most profound teaching. The "large upper room" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a space of sacred encounter, new beginnings, and communal fellowship, which would later become a significant gathering place for the nascent Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:12 profoundly illustrates the meticulous nature of God's providence, demonstrating that even seemingly minor details are part of His sovereign plan. Jesus' foreknowledge of the specific "large upper room furnished" underscores His divine authority and control, ensuring that the most significant events of salvation history unfold precisely as ordained. This divine orchestration, however, does not negate human responsibility; the disciples are still commanded to "make ready," highlighting the partnership between divine initiative and human obedience in God's redemptive work. The prepared room becomes a sacred space, not by its inherent qualities, but by the divine purpose it serves, a pattern seen throughout biblical history where ordinary places are sanctified by God's presence and action.

* [Exodus 12:3-11](/exodus/12-3-11 "Exodus 12:3-11 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb")
* [Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Upper Room After Ascension")
* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:12 serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, orchestrating circumstances and preparing paths for us, often in ways we don't fully perceive. Just as a specific room was divinely appointed and prepared for Jesus' final meal with His disciples, so too does God prepare "upper rooms"—specific opportunities, relationships, and seasons—for us to encounter Him, grow in faith, and fulfill His purposes. Our part is to be attentive to His leading, to trust in His providence, and to diligently "make ready" our hearts and lives. This involves cultivating spiritual readiness through prayer, studying His Word, and fostering a posture of obedience, ensuring we are prepared to receive His presence and participate in His work, even when the path seems unclear. It encourages us to view every circumstance, no matter how ordinary, as potentially a divinely appointed space for sacred encounter and spiritual transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' precise foreknowledge in this passage comfort or challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty over the details of your life?**
* **In what ways is God calling you to "make ready" your heart, your home, or your community for His presence and work?**
* **Can you identify "upper rooms" (places or moments of significant spiritual encounter) that God has prepared for you, and how did you respond to them?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus give such specific, almost cryptic, instructions for finding the room?**

Answer: Jesus' detailed instructions, including following a man carrying a water pitcher (an unusual task for a man in that culture, typically done by women), served multiple purposes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrated His divine omniscience and control over all circumstances, even the seemingly random. He knew precisely where and how the preparations would unfold. Secondly, it likely provided a measure of security and discretion. By not explicitly naming the location or the host, Jesus prevented Judas Iscariot from betraying His whereabouts to the authorities prematurely, ensuring the Passover meal could take place undisturbed. This allowed Jesus to institute the [Lord's Supper](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper") and share His final teachings with His disciples in a private, uncompromised setting, fulfilling His desire to celebrate this Passover with them before His suffering ([Luke 22:15](/luke/22-15 "Luke 22:15 - Jesus' Desire for the Passover")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "large upper room furnished" in Luke 22:12, meticulously prepared by divine foreknowledge, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate preparation made by Christ Himself for His people. Just as this physical space was made ready for the institution of the New Covenant, so Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, has "made ready" the way for humanity's reconciliation with God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrifice is the true fulfillment of the Passover. The "furnished" room, ready for a sacred meal, points to Christ's own readiness to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, establishing a new covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, this prepared room symbolizes the spiritual dwelling place Christ prepares for His followers—not just a physical space, but a spiritual reality in Him. He promised His disciples, "In My Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")), signifying the eternal fellowship and communion He secures for us. Thus, the upper room is a tangible type of the greater spiritual reality: a world redeemed and a people gathered, all prepared and made ready by the finished work of Christ, the ultimate Host and Provision.

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

Acts 16:14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Acts 16:15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Acts 20:8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.