22:13 22:13

Luke 22:14

22:15 22:15

Bible Versions

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

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

  • Divine Timing and Purpose: The phrase "when the hour was come" (Greek: hōra) signifies that these events were not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan. Jesus repeatedly spoke of His "hour" throughout His ministry, indicating a destined moment for His suffering and glorification. This highlights the precision of God's redemptive timeline.
  • Intimate Fellowship: Jesus' decision to share this final meal with "the twelve apostles" emphasizes the close relationship He had cultivated with them. Despite knowing that one of them would betray Him (Luke 22:21), He chose to be with them, demonstrating enduring love and commitment to His disciples.
  • Preparation for Sacrifice: This meal serves as a prelude to Jesus' ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross. It is during this supper that Jesus transforms the traditional Passover into the New Covenant meal, symbolizing His body broken and blood shed for the remission of sins, as elaborated in Luke 22:19-20.

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.

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.

  • 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.
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