Luke 22:32

KJV

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I {G1473} have prayed {G1189} for {G4012} thee {G4675}, that {G3363} thy {G4675} faith {G4102} fail {G1587} not {G3363}: and {G2532} when {G4218} thou {G4771} art converted {G1994}, strengthen {G4741} thy {G4675} brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I prayed for you, Shim‘on, that your trust might not fail. And you, once you have turned back in repentance, strengthen your brothers!”

Berean Standard Bible

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

American Standard Version

but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:32 captures a pivotal moment of divine foresight and intercession, where Jesus assures Peter of His specific prayer to prevent his faith from utterly failing amidst an impending spiritual assault. This profound declaration not only reveals Christ's deep compassion and active advocacy for His disciples but also outlines Peter's future restoration and commission to strengthen his brethren, transforming his anticipated failure into a powerful testimony of God's preserving grace and redemptive purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Last Supper, a time of profound intimacy, instruction, and impending crisis for Jesus and His disciples. It immediately follows Jesus' sobering warning to Peter in [Luke 22:31](/luke/22-31 "Luke 22:31 - Satan's Desire to Sift Peter"), where He declares, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." This warning, addressed to "you" (plural, referring to all the disciples), highlights a collective spiritual danger. However, in [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter"), Jesus singles out Peter ("thee," singular), indicating a particular vulnerability and a specific divine intervention. This intimate exchange occurs amidst the disciples' misguided dispute about who among them was the greatest ([Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples Dispute Greatness")), underscoring their spiritual immaturity and unpreparedness for the trials ahead. Jesus' words to Peter thus serve as a direct counterpoint to their worldly ambitions, setting the stage for Peter's dramatic fall and subsequent, Spirit-empowered leadership in the nascent church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover, a time charged with religious significance and nationalistic fervor. The Last Supper itself is a Passover meal, rich with symbolism of deliverance and covenant. The impending events—Jesus' betrayal by Judas, His arrest, trial, and crucifixion—represent a period of immense spiritual and physical pressure for the disciples. The concept of "sifting as wheat" was a common agricultural metaphor, signifying a violent shaking and separation, where the valuable grain is distinguished from worthless chaff. Spiritually, it implies a severe testing designed to expose and remove impurities, often through suffering or temptation. For Peter, this "sifting" would manifest as intense fear and public denial of Jesus ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial of Jesus")), a profound personal failure in the face of immense pressure. Jesus' prayer, therefore, is not a naive hope but a divinely authoritative declaration of preservation in the face of a known, severe trial.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Intercessory Ministry**, revealing Him as the compassionate High Priest who personally pleads for His own, even in their weakness. This foreshadows His ongoing role at the right hand of God, where He [ever lives to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Perpetual Intercession"). Secondly, it speaks to the **Preservation of True Faith** despite human frailty and failure. Though Peter's actions would falter dramatically, Jesus' prayer ensures that the core of his faith would not utterly collapse, a testament to divine faithfulness over human inconsistency. This theme resonates with the broader biblical assurance that God [will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's Faithfulness in Temptation"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Restoration and Redemptive Purpose**. Peter's "conversion" is not an initial salvation but a turning back to full devotion and service after his fall. This restoration is not merely for his own sake but is explicitly purposed for the strengthening of others, demonstrating God's ability to redeem even our failures for His glory and the good of the community, as seen in Peter's powerful ministry in [the early chapters of Acts](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayed (Greek, _déomai'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to beg" or "to bind oneself," signifies an earnest, urgent petition. It implies a deep sense of need and a fervent request, highlighting the intensity and specificity of Jesus' intercession for Peter. It is not a casual wish but a powerful, binding prayer.
* **fail (Greek, _ekleípō'_):** Composed of "ek" (out of) and "leipo" (to leave), this term literally means "to leave out" or "to cease entirely." In this context, it denotes a complete and utter cessation, a total collapse or vanishing. Jesus' prayer was not merely that Peter's faith would not weaken, but that it would not be utterly consumed or extinguished, even in the face of overwhelming pressure.
* **converted (Greek, _epistréphō'_):** This word means "to turn back," "to return," or "to revert." While it can refer to initial conversion to faith, in this specific context, given Peter's existing discipleship, it signifies a spiritual restoration, a turning back to his original commitment and devotion after a period of deviation or failure. It implies a recovery from a stumble, a re-establishment of purpose and relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have prayed for thee":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' active and personal intercession. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as an adversative, contrasting Jesus' proactive prayer with Satan's desire to sift. The perfect tense "have prayed" (G1189, _déomai_) indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the efficacy and enduring nature of Christ's advocacy for Peter. It highlights Jesus' intimate knowledge of Peter's impending trial and His sovereign, anticipatory care.
* **"that thy faith fail not":** This is the specific content and purpose of Jesus' prayer. The phrase "that...not" (G3363, _hína mḗ_) expresses a negative purpose, signifying the intent to prevent a complete failure of faith. Jesus does not pray that Peter would not stumble or deny Him, but that his foundational faith—his trust and allegiance to Christ—would not be utterly extinguished or cease to exist, even under extreme duress. This reveals the distinction between a temporary lapse in faithfulness and a total abandonment of faith.
* **"and when thou art converted":** This clause anticipates Peter's restoration. The Greek "when" (G4218, _poté_) implies a definite future event, not a conditional "if." The term "converted" (G1994, _epistréphō_) here refers to Peter's turning back to full spiritual health and commitment after his denial. It is a restoration to his former state of devotion and purpose, not an initial coming to faith. This highlights God's grace in bringing His children back even after significant moral or spiritual failures.
* **"strengthen thy brethren":** This is Peter's post-restoration commission. His experience of failure, Christ's preserving prayer, and his eventual restoration are not merely for his personal benefit. Instead, they are intended to equip him to minister to and fortify other believers. His testimony of divine grace through weakness would become a powerful tool to encourage and establish others in their faith, transforming his stumble into a source of strength for the wider community.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:32 is rich with literary and rhetorical devices that deepen its meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus explicitly predicts Peter's spiritual crisis and subsequent restoration, setting up the dramatic events of Peter's denial and his later leadership in Acts. There is a powerful **Contrast** established between Satan's destructive desire to "sift" and Jesus' preserving prayer to prevent faith from "failing," highlighting the cosmic battle for human souls and Christ's supreme authority. The verse also employs **Irony**, as Peter, who confidently asserts his readiness to die for Jesus, is precisely the one who will fall, yet it is through this very fall and subsequent restoration that he is uniquely prepared to "strengthen his brethren." This demonstrates a divine **Paradox**, where weakness and failure, when met with Christ's grace, become the very foundation for greater strength and service. Finally, the structure of the verse itself, moving from Jesus' action (prayer) to Peter's experience (faith preserved, conversion) to Peter's subsequent action (strengthening others), creates a clear narrative arc of divine intervention, human experience, and redemptive purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:32 provides a profound window into the nature of divine intercession, the resilience of true faith, and the redemptive power of God in human failure. It underscores the active, personal, and efficacious nature of Christ's high-priestly ministry, demonstrating that His care for His disciples extends beyond their immediate circumstances to their deepest spiritual needs. This verse reassures believers that even when facing intense spiritual warfare or personal weakness, Christ's advocacy is a constant, preserving force. Furthermore, it beautifully illustrates the principle that God's grace is sufficient not only to save but also to restore, transforming moments of profound human brokenness into platforms for greater service and testimony. Peter's journey from denial to restoration and leadership serves as an enduring paradigm for all who stumble yet are called to continue in Christ's service, reminding us that our past failures, when submitted to God, can be redeemed for His glory and the edification of the church.

* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Perpetual Intercession"): "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
* [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers"): "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."
* [1 Peter 5:8-10](/1_peter/5-8-10 "1 Peter 5:8-10 - Resisting the Devil and God's Restoration"): "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:32 offers immense comfort and powerful challenges for every believer. It first reminds us that we are not alone in our spiritual battles; just as Jesus prayed for Peter, He continues to intercede for us, His disciples, before the Father. This truth should instill profound confidence and peace, knowing that even when our faith is tested and we feel weakest, our High Priest is actively advocating on our behalf, ensuring that our core faith will not utterly fail. Secondly, Peter's story serves as a powerful testament to God's restorative grace. Our stumbles, denials, or moments of spiritual weakness do not have to be the final chapter of our walk with Christ. Through genuine repentance and reliance on God's unfailing love, we can experience profound restoration, being brought back into fellowship and service. Finally, the command to "strengthen thy brethren" transforms our personal experiences of failure and grace into a ministry to others. Our vulnerability, our journey through brokenness, and our testimony of God's faithfulness in bringing us through can become powerful tools to encourage, support, and fortify those who are struggling or faltering in their own faith journey. It calls us to move beyond self-pity or shame, embracing our restored purpose to build up the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to spiritual "sifting," and how does the truth of Christ's intercession bring you comfort in those areas?**
* **Reflect on a time when your faith felt like it was failing. How did God, through His grace, prevent it from being utterly extinguished?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "converted" or restored in your current spiritual walk, and how might your experience of God's grace equip you to "strengthen your brethren"?**
* **How can you proactively seek to strengthen other believers, drawing from your own journey of faith, including your moments of weakness and restoration?**

### FAQ
**Did Jesus' prayer mean Peter wouldn't stumble or deny Him?**

Answer: No, Jesus' prayer in [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter") was not that Peter would avoid stumbling, but specifically "that thy faith fail not." The Greek word for "fail" (ekleípō) means to utterly cease or be consumed. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial of Jesus")), a significant moral failure. However, His prayer ensured that Peter's foundational faith—his core belief and allegiance to Jesus as the Messiah—would not be utterly extinguished, allowing for his eventual restoration. This highlights the distinction between a temporary lapse in faithfulness and a complete abandonment of faith.

**What does "when thou art converted" mean in this context, given Peter was already a disciple?**

Answer: The term "converted" (epistréphō) in [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter") does not refer to Peter's initial salvation or coming to faith, as he was already a follower of Jesus. Instead, it signifies a spiritual restoration, a "turning back" to his original devotion, commitment, and purpose after his profound denial and subsequent repentance. It implies a recovery from a spiritual stumble or deviation, being re-established in his relationship with Christ and his calling. This concept of restoration is crucial, showing God's grace in bringing His children back even after significant failures.

**How does this verse apply to believers today, considering Jesus is no longer physically on earth?**

Answer: [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter") remains profoundly relevant because Jesus' intercessory ministry did not cease with His ascension. The New Testament teaches that Jesus, our great High Priest, [ever lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Perpetual Intercession") at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")). Therefore, just as He prayed for Peter, Christ continues to pray for all His disciples, preserving our faith amidst trials and temptations. This verse assures us of His ongoing, active care and the certainty of His grace to restore us when we stumble, empowering us to then use our experiences to strengthen others in the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:32 stands as a profound revelation of Christ's person and work, serving as a microcosm of His redemptive mission. It showcases Jesus not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the compassionate, sovereign High Priest who intimately knows the hearts and impending trials of His disciples. His specific prayer for Peter foreshadows His eternal intercessory ministry, where He [ever lives to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Perpetual Intercession"), a truth echoed in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers") where He is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. This verse demonstrates the power of Christ's prayer to preserve faith even when human will falters, highlighting His divine faithfulness that far surpasses human frailty. Furthermore, Peter's anticipated restoration and commission to "strengthen thy brethren" perfectly illustrates Christ's redemptive purpose: He does not merely forgive, but He restores to purpose, transforming brokenness into a powerful testimony of grace. Peter, the one who denied Him, becomes the cornerstone of the early church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock")), empowered by the very Christ he betrayed, to preach with boldness on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). Thus, [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter") is a powerful testament to Christ's unwavering love, His preserving grace, and His ability to redeem even our deepest failures for His glorious kingdom, embodying the very essence of His work as Savior and Lord.

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 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

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.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

John 17:9

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

John 17:11

¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].

Romans 8:34

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.