Luke 22:14

KJV

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} the hour {G5610} was come {G1096}, he sat down {G377}, and {G2532} the twelve {G1427} apostles {G652} with {G4862} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the time came, Yeshua and the emissaries reclined at the table,

Berean Standard Bible

When the hour had come, Jesus reclined at the table with His apostles.

American Standard Version

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the apostles with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:14 introduces the solemn and profoundly significant setting of the Last Supper, marking a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry. This verse succinctly states the arrival of a divinely appointed "hour" and depicts Jesus reclining at the table with His twelve chosen apostles, signifying the commencement of the Passover meal that would soon be transformed into the institution of the New Covenant. It underscores the intentionality of God's redemptive plan and the intimate fellowship shared between Christ and His disciples before His ultimate sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:14 immediately follows the preparations for the Passover meal. Verses 7-13 detail the disciples' inquiry about where to prepare the Passover, Jesus' specific instructions for finding the upper room, and their diligent execution of these preparations. This meticulous setup emphasizes the deliberate and pre-arranged nature of the meal. The verse also serves as a crucial transition, moving from the conspiracy of the religious leaders (Luke 22:1-6) and the practical arrangements to the actual commencement of the meal, which will lead directly into the institution of the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:15-20), the foretelling of betrayal (Luke 22:21-23), and teachings on true greatness (Luke 22:24-30). It is the narrative pivot point for the passion week's most sacred gathering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place during the Jewish feast of Passover, a central annual celebration commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). The Passover Seder was a highly ritualized meal, traditionally eaten by families or groups reclining on cushions around low tables, a posture that signified freedom and rest. The phrase "he sat down" (or more accurately, "reclined") reflects this custom. The presence of "the twelve apostles" highlights the communal and covenantal nature of the meal, mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel. This meal occurred in Jerusalem, a city charged with religious and political tension, especially during major feasts, making Jesus' public gathering with His disciples a bold act in the face of escalating opposition from the Jewish authorities and the omnipresent Roman rule.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The phrase "when the hour was come" powerfully emphasizes **divine sovereignty and timing**, indicating that Jesus' passion was not a random tragedy but the fulfillment of God's predetermined plan, a theme woven throughout Jesus' ministry (e.g., [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come") and [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour Has Come")). The gathering of Jesus with His "twelve apostles" underscores the theme of **intimate fellowship and discipleship**, even as the shadow of betrayal looms (foreshadowed in [Luke 22:21-23](/luke/22-21-23 "Luke 22:21-23 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")). Furthermore, this verse sets the stage for the **establishment of the New Covenant** through Jesus' self-sacrifice, transforming the ancient Passover ritual into a forward-looking celebration of His body and blood, a pivotal theological development elaborated in [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hour (Greek, _hōra'_):** This word (G5610) denotes not merely a specific sixty-minute period, but often in the New Testament, a divinely appointed season or moment of destiny. Here, it signifies the precise, predetermined time for Jesus to enter into His passion, including the Last Supper, His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It underscores the theological concept of God's sovereign control over redemptive history.
* **sat down (Greek, _anapíptō'_):** This verb (G377) literally means "to fall back" or "to recline." It refers to the customary posture for eating a formal meal, especially the Passover Seder, in the ancient Near East. Guests would recline on couches or cushions, leaning on their left elbow, allowing their right hand to be free for eating. This detail paints a vivid picture of the setting, emphasizing the relaxed yet significant nature of the gathering, rather than a formal, upright seating arrangement.
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to send forth," this term (G652) refers to a delegate, an ambassador, or one who is officially commissioned. In this context, "the twelve apostles" are Jesus' specially chosen and commissioned disciples, entrusted with carrying forward His message and mission after His departure. Their presence highlights the authoritative and foundational nature of the teachings and events that are about to unfold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the hour was come":** This phrase immediately establishes the divine intentionality and predetermined nature of the events. The "hour" is not merely a chronological point but a theological moment, the culmination of God's plan for redemption, long foretold and now arriving with precision. It signals the beginning of Jesus' passion.
* **"he sat down":** This describes Jesus taking His place at the table, specifically reclining as was the custom for the Passover meal. This posture conveys a sense of intimacy and readiness for the sacred meal. It is a deliberate action, signifying His willingness to enter into the final phase of His redemptive work.
* **"and the twelve apostles with him":** The presence of all twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot, emphasizes the communal and covenantal nature of this final meal. It highlights the intimate fellowship Jesus shared with His inner circle, even as one among them was poised to betray Him. Their collective presence underscores the foundational significance of this event for the nascent church.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The phrase "when the hour was come" functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the momentous and divinely orchestrated events that are about to unfold—Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. It also underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, portraying God's meticulous control over the timeline of salvation history, rather than a series of accidental occurrences. The simple, direct statement of Jesus "sitting down" with "the twelve apostles" uses **Understatement** to describe what is arguably the most significant meal in human history, allowing the subsequent narrative to fully unpack its profound implications. Furthermore, the inclusion of "the twelve apostles" carries **Symbolism**, representing the new Israel, founded upon the teachings and sacrifice of Christ, mirroring the twelve tribes of old.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:14 serves as a theological gateway to understanding the climax of God's redemptive plan. The "hour" signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the precise timing of God's intervention in human history through Christ's passion. This verse underscores the **covenantal faithfulness of God**, as the Passover meal, a memorial of the Old Covenant liberation, is about to be transformed into the institution of the New Covenant through Christ's body and blood. It highlights the **intimacy of God with humanity** through Jesus' fellowship with His disciples, even in the shadow of betrayal, demonstrating profound love and commitment to those He had chosen. The gathering of the twelve also points to the **foundational nature of the apostolic witness** in transmitting the truths of the Gospel and the significance of Christ's sacrifice.

* [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour Has Come"): Jesus' awareness that His "hour" had come to depart from this world to the Father.
* [Matthew 26:20](/matthew/26-20 "Matthew 26:20 - Jesus and the Twelve at Supper"): A parallel account of Jesus reclining with His disciples at the Last Supper.
* [Mark 14:17](/mark/14-17 "Mark 14:17 - Jesus Arrives for the Passover"): Another synoptic parallel emphasizing the arrival and gathering for the meal.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:14 invites us to reflect on the profound intentionality and divine timing that undergird God's work in the world and in our individual lives. Just as Jesus' "hour" was precisely appointed, so too are the significant moments and transitions in our own journeys part of a larger, sovereign plan. This verse also calls us to cherish the gift of Christian fellowship, recognizing the importance of communal worship and shared meals as expressions of our unity in Christ, even when faced with challenges or the imperfections of others. It encourages us to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence and understanding, remembering that it is not merely a ritual but a sacred memorial of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant, drawing us into deeper communion with Him and with one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "hour" as divinely appointed influence your perspective on difficult or pivotal moments in your own life?**
* **What does Jesus' decision to share this intimate meal with all twelve apostles, knowing one would betray Him, teach us about grace and community within the church?**
* **How can we approach the Lord's Supper with a deeper sense of reverence and understanding, recognizing its connection to this foundational moment?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "hour" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The "hour" (Greek: _hōra_) in Luke 22:14 is significant because it refers to a divinely appointed and predetermined moment, not just a chronological time. Throughout the Gospels, particularly in John, Jesus often speaks of "His hour" as the destined time for His suffering, death, and glorification (e.g., [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come for the Son of Man to Be Glorified")). Here, it marks the beginning of the culmination of God's redemptive plan through Jesus' passion, signaling that these events are not accidental but part of God's sovereign will and prophetic fulfillment.

**What does "he sat down" imply about the meal's setting?**

Answer: The phrase "he sat down" (Greek: _anapíptō_) actually means "he reclined" or "leaned back." This indicates the customary posture for a formal meal like the Passover Seder in ancient Jewish culture. Guests would recline on low couches or cushions around a table, leaning on one arm. This posture signified a position of rest and freedom, contrasting with the standing posture of the original Passover in Egypt ([Exodus 12:11](/exodus/12-11 "Exodus 12:11 - Instructions for Passover")). It highlights the intimate and communal nature of the Last Supper.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:14, by setting the stage for the Last Supper, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "hour" that had "come" is the very moment when the shadows of the Old Covenant give way to the substance of the New. The Passover, which commemorated Israel's liberation through the blood of a lamb, is here transformed by Jesus into the institution of the Lord's Supper, where He Himself becomes the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His reclining with the twelve signifies the establishment of a new covenant community, founded not on Mosaic law, but on His impending sacrifice. This meal foreshadows the ultimate communion believers will share with Christ in His kingdom ([Luke 22:16](/luke/22-16 "Luke 22:16 - Jesus Will Not Eat Until Fulfillment")), and His body broken and blood shed become the new covenant sealed for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - My Blood of the Covenant")). Thus, Luke 22:14 is not merely a historical detail but a sacred prelude to the cross and resurrection, through which Christ fully accomplishes our redemption and invites us into eternal fellowship with Him.

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

Matthew 26:20

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

Mark 14:17

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Deuteronomy 16:6

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 16:7

And thou shalt roast and eat [it] in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

Mark 6:30

¶ And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.