


Luke 22:14
Bible Versions
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
When the time came, Yeshua and the emissaries reclined at the table,
When the hour had come, Jesus reclined at the table with His apostles.
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the apostles with him.
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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.
Luke 22:14 marks the solemn beginning of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative. It succinctly states, "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him." This verse sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper and Jesus' final teachings before His crucifixion, emphasizing divine timing and the intimate gathering of Jesus with His chosen disciples.
Context
This verse immediately follows the preparations for the Passover meal, a central Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Luke's account highlights Jesus' deliberate intent to observe this meal with His disciples, despite the plotting of the chief priests and scribes to kill Him (Luke 22:2). The "hour" refers to the divinely appointed time, not just for the meal itself, but for the profound events that would unfold during and after it, leading to His ultimate sacrifice. The presence of "the twelve apostles" underscores the significance of this gathering for those who would carry on His mission.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "hour" is hōra (ὥρα), which can mean a specific point in time, but in theological contexts, often refers to a divinely appointed season or moment of destiny. Its use here reinforces the idea that Jesus' passion was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of prophecy and God's will. The phrase "he sat down" translates from aneklithen (ἀνεκλίθη), implying that Jesus and His disciples reclined at the table, a customary posture for a formal meal like the Passover Seder in that era, signifying a relaxed yet significant gathering.
Practical Application
Luke 22:14 reminds believers of the meticulous nature of God's plans. Just as Jesus' "hour" was perfectly timed, so too are the significant moments in our lives under God's sovereign hand. This verse also underscores the importance of fellowship within the Christian community, even amidst challenges and potential betrayal. It calls us to reflect on the profound significance of the Lord's Supper as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of the New Covenant established through His blood, encouraging us to approach it with reverence and understanding.