Luke 22:33

KJV

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, I am {G1510} ready {G2092} to go {G4198} with {G3326} thee {G4675}, both {G2532} into {G1519} prison {G5438}, and {G2532} to {G1519} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim‘on said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go with you both to prison and to death!”

Berean Standard Bible

“Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:33 records Peter's fervent and sincere, yet ultimately overconfident, declaration of loyalty to Jesus, asserting his readiness to accompany his Lord even to imprisonment and death. This bold statement, made in the intimate setting of the Last Supper, immediately follows Jesus' somber prediction of Peter's impending denial, highlighting the stark contrast between human self-assurance and divine foreknowledge of human frailty. It captures a pivotal moment of genuine devotion before the crucible of testing reveals the limits of Peter's present strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely significant narrative of Jesus' final hours before his crucifixion. Immediately preceding Jesus has instituted the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper ([Luke 22:14-20](/luke/22-14-20 "Luke 22:14-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), warned of the betrayal by Judas ([Luke 22:21-23](/luke/22-21-23 "Luke 22:21-23 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")), and addressed the disciples' dispute over greatness ([Luke 22:24-30](/luke/22-24-30 "Luke 22:24-30 - The Disciples Dispute Over Greatness")). Crucially, in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Warns Peter of Satan's Sifting"), Jesus specifically warns Peter that Satan has sought to "sift him as wheat," but that Jesus has prayed for his faith not to fail. He then charges Peter to "strengthen your brothers once you have turned back." Peter's declaration in verse 33 is his immediate, impassioned response to this personal warning, demonstrating his initial, albeit misplaced, confidence in his own steadfastness. The very next verse, [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"), records Jesus' direct counter-prediction of Peter's threefold denial, setting up a dramatic irony that will soon unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish context, discipleship to a rabbi or teacher often involved a profound commitment, sometimes even to the point of sharing in their master's fate. However, the concept of a messianic leader facing imprisonment and death was profoundly counter-cultural to the prevailing Jewish expectations of a conquering political Messiah. Imprisonment (often in Roman or Herodian jails) and execution (especially crucifixion for sedition against Rome, or stoning for blasphemy under Jewish law) were common forms of punishment for those deemed threats to authority. Peter's declaration, therefore, was not a light promise; it invoked the most severe consequences imaginable for a follower of a condemned man. His willingness to speak of "prison" and "death" indicates an awareness of the very real dangers associated with openly identifying with Jesus, particularly as tensions with the religious authorities were escalating.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **human weakness versus divine strength**, as Peter's sincere but self-reliant declaration is immediately contrasted with Jesus' knowing prediction of his failure. It also highlights the theme of **discipleship and suffering**, underscoring that true allegiance to Christ often involves a willingness to endure hardship, even if one's initial resolve proves insufficient without divine aid. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **testing and restoration of faith**, as Peter's fall and subsequent restoration (as alluded to in [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter")) become a paradigm for all believers who stumble but are brought back by Christ's intercession and grace. The narrative also sets the stage for the **sovereignty of God's plan**, demonstrating that even human failures are woven into God's larger redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to a deeper, more humble faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ready (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** This word signifies being prepared, adjusted, or in a state of readiness. Peter's use of _hétoimos_ indicates his strong conviction that he was personally equipped and mentally prepared to face the extreme challenges he mentioned. It speaks to his present state of mind and perceived capability, rather than necessarily a divinely empowered readiness.
* **prison (Greek, _phylakḗ'_):** Literally meaning "a guarding" or "a watch," this term concretely refers to a place of custody, confinement, or imprisonment. For Peter, it represents the immediate and tangible threat of arrest and incarceration that followers of a controversial figure like Jesus might face. It implies a loss of freedom and the beginning of suffering.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** This word denotes physical death, the cessation of life. In Peter's declaration, it represents the ultimate sacrifice and the most severe consequence of his allegiance to Jesus. It highlights the extremity of his stated commitment, indicating a willingness to lay down his life for his Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him":** This phrase establishes the direct, personal nature of Peter's response to Jesus' preceding warning. The "him" refers to Jesus, indicating Peter's immediate and earnest address to his Master.
* **"Lord, I am ready to go with thee":** Peter addresses Jesus with the respectful and deferential title "Lord" (_Kyrios_), affirming his submission and devotion. His declaration "I am ready" (from _hétoimos_) expresses his current state of preparedness and resolute intention. The phrase "to go with thee" signifies his unwavering commitment to accompany Jesus wherever He might lead, even into perilous circumstances.
* **"both into prison, and to death":** This final clause specifies the extreme lengths to which Peter believes he is prepared to go. By mentioning "prison" (_phylakḗ_) and "death" (_thánatos_), Peter articulates his willingness to endure the severest forms of persecution and ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating what he genuinely believes is his unshakeable loyalty and courage in the face of the imminent trials.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of Peter's declaration is rich in **Irony**. Peter's confident assertion of loyalty stands in stark contrast to Jesus' immediate and accurate prediction of Peter's denial, which follows in the very next verse ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")). This dramatic irony highlights the chasm between human self-perception and divine foreknowledge, emphasizing the frailty of human resolve apart from divine strength. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's words, though failing in the immediate future, ultimately point to his later martyrdom, fulfilling his declaration in a deeper, Spirit-empowered way decades later. Peter's statement can also be seen as an instance of **Hyperbole** from a human perspective, as his emotional zeal momentarily outstrips his true capacity for endurance in that specific moment of crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's declaration in Luke 22:33 serves as a poignant theological statement on the nature of discipleship, human weakness, and divine grace. It reveals the sincere, yet ultimately insufficient, nature of self-reliant commitment. Peter's zeal is commendable, but his confidence is rooted in his own strength, not in the empowering grace of God, which he would later experience. This moment underscores the profound truth that while our intentions may be pure, our ability to stand firm in the face of extreme pressure is contingent upon God's sustaining power, not merely our own resolve. It teaches us humility and the necessity of depending on Christ's intercession and strength, especially when facing trials that threaten to overwhelm our faith.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's earnest declaration in Luke 22:33 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection. We, like Peter, often possess genuine love and commitment to Christ, confidently asserting our readiness to follow Him through any hardship. Yet, this verse reminds us that our subjective resolve, however sincere, is often insufficient when confronted with the overwhelming pressures and temptations of life. True faithfulness is not merely a matter of strong will or good intentions, but a humble reliance on God's grace and strength. Peter's subsequent failure and restoration teach us that even when we stumble, God's love and Christ's intercession remain, offering a path to repentance, renewed faith, and a deeper, more humble dependence on Him. This passage calls us to examine the source of our confidence: is it in our own strength or in the unfailing power of Christ?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I place my confidence when facing trials or making commitments to God? Is it in my own strength or in God's enabling grace?**
* **Can I identify times when my sincere intentions were not enough to sustain me through a difficult situation? What did I learn from those experiences?**
* **How does Peter's story encourage me to approach my own weaknesses and failures with humility and a renewed reliance on Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper dependence on God's strength rather than my own perceived readiness?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter make such a bold statement if he was going to deny Jesus?**

Answer: Peter's statement was undoubtedly sincere in the moment. He genuinely loved Jesus and believed himself capable of enduring anything for his Lord. His declaration reflects his passionate, impulsive nature and a profound, albeit self-reliant, devotion. However, it also reveals a lack of self-knowledge regarding his own human frailty and the immense spiritual pressure he was about to face. Jesus' warning was not a prediction of Peter's lack of love, but of his temporary failure under extreme duress, which would ultimately lead to a deeper, more humble faith forged through repentance and restoration. This highlights the difference between a heartfelt intention and the actual strength required to withstand a spiritual attack.

**What does this verse teach us about human nature and faith?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between human confidence and human weakness. Peter's declaration exemplifies our natural tendency to overestimate our own spiritual fortitude, especially when we haven't yet faced the full intensity of a trial. It teaches us that genuine faith, while requiring commitment, must ultimately be rooted in humility and a complete dependence on God's grace, not on our own perceived strength. It demonstrates that even the most devoted disciples can stumble, but it also implicitly points to the possibility of restoration and growth through failure, as seen in Peter's later life. As [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart") reminds us, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:33, while a record of Peter's human frailty, ultimately points to the steadfast faithfulness of Christ. Peter's sincere but ultimately failed promise to go to "prison" and "death" for Jesus foreshadows the true Lamb of God who *would* indeed go to prison (figuratively, in His arrest and trial) and to death, not for His own sake, but for the sake of His disciples and all humanity. Jesus' prayer for Peter's faith not to fail ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter")) underscores His role as the Great High Priest, interceding for His own, even in their weakness. Unlike Peter, who would momentarily abandon Him, Jesus remained perfectly obedient to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Peter's later restoration and Spirit-empowered ministry, where he *did* eventually suffer for Christ (as tradition holds, even martyrdom), is a testament to the enabling power of the resurrected Christ and the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). Thus, Peter's initial failure highlights the absolute necessity of Christ's perfect sacrifice and His ongoing intercession, which alone secures the perseverance of His saints and transforms human weakness into Spirit-empowered faithfulness.

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

Mark 14:31

But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Matthew 26:33

Peter answered and said unto him, Though all [men] shall be offended because of thee, [yet] will I never be offended.

Matthew 26:35

Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Mark 14:29

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

John 13:36

¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:37

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.