Luke 22:35

KJV

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, When {G3753} I sent {G649} you {G5209} without {G817} purse {G905}, and {G2532} scrip {G4082}, and {G2532} shoes {G5266},{G3361} lacked ye {G5302} any thing {G5100}? And {G1161} they said {G2036}, Nothing {G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, “When I sent you out without wallet, pack or shoes, were you ever short of anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 22:35, Jesus engages His disciples in a profound rhetorical question during the Last Supper, recalling their earlier missionary journey when they were sent out with no provisions. His query, "lacked ye any thing?", elicits their unanimous affirmation, "Nothing," serving as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing provision and establishing a crucial foundation of trust as He prepares them for the radically different and challenging circumstances that await them after His departure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' final discourse with His disciples on the night of His betrayal, following the institution of the Lord's Supper and a discussion about greatness and leadership among them ([Luke 22:24-30](/luke/22-24-30 "Luke 22:24-30 - The Dispute Over Greatness")). It immediately precedes Jesus' stark warning to Peter about his impending denial ([Luke 22:31-34](/luke/22-31-34 "Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")) and, most significantly, His dramatic shift in instructions regarding their future mission strategy ([Luke 22:36](/luke/22-36 "Luke 22:36 - The Changing Instructions")). Jesus' question here serves as a bridge, recalling their initial commission in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - The Sending of the Twelve"), where they were explicitly told to take "nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece." The disciples' affirmative response in [Luke 22:35](/luke/22-35 "Luke 22:35 - Jesus Reminds Disciples of Past Provision") validates the success of that earlier, dependent mission, setting the stage for the new, more self-reliant approach necessitated by the impending era of conflict and persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In 1st-century Judea, travel was often perilous and required careful preparation. A "purse" (money bag), "scrip" (provision bag for food), and "shoes" (sturdy sandals for long journeys) were standard necessities for anyone undertaking a significant trip. To travel without these items, as Jesus initially commanded His disciples ([Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Instructions for the Disciples")), was to place oneself in a position of complete vulnerability and absolute dependence on the hospitality of others. It was a radical act of faith, signifying that their mission was not based on human resources but on divine provision through the generosity of those they encountered. This cultural expectation of hospitality, especially towards religious teachers and travelers, was crucial to their survival and demonstrated God's direct care for His messengers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering ability to meet the needs of those who serve Him, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. It highlights the importance of **Radical Dependence on God**, showing that when human resources are intentionally set aside, divine sustenance proves sufficient. This past experience of provision is then used as a foundation for the theme of **Preparation for Future Challenges and Persecution**, as Jesus reminds them of God's past faithfulness to build their confidence for the coming trials. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Transition and the Changing Nature of Discipleship**, as the era of easy hospitality gives way to a period where disciples must be prepared to fend for themselves, even to the point of self-defense, as indicated by the instructions in [Luke 22:36](/luke/22-36 "Luke 22:36 - The Changing Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purse (Greek, _balántion'_):** This term refers specifically to a money bag or wallet. Its absence on their initial mission underscored their complete financial dependence on God's provision through the kindness of others, rather than relying on their own stored resources.
* **Scrip (Greek, _pḗra'_):** This was a leather pouch or knapsack typically used by travelers or beggars to carry food provisions. Traveling without a scrip meant the disciples had no stored food and were entirely reliant on daily sustenance provided by those they ministered to, emphasizing a hand-to-mouth existence sustained by faith.
* **Shoes (Greek, _hypódēma'_):** This refers to sandals or footwear. While not as critical for survival as food or money, the lack of extra shoes or even the instruction to not carry them (as implied in the parallel accounts) signifies a readiness to travel light, without encumbrances, and to trust that their basic needs for the journey would be met.
* **Lacked (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** This verb means "to be later," but by implication, "to be inferior" or "to fall short," "to be deficient," or "to suffer need." Jesus' question directly probes whether, despite their apparent lack of conventional provisions, they actually experienced any genuine want or deficiency.
* **Nothing (Greek, _oudeís'_):** This strong negative pronoun means "not even one (man, woman, or thing)," "none," or "nobody." The disciples' emphatic "Nothing" serves as a powerful testament to God's complete and perfect provision, affirming that despite their vulnerable position, no need went unmet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,":** This phrase introduces Jesus' direct address to His disciples, indicating a significant and intentional conversation. It highlights His role as their teacher and leader, guiding them through a moment of reflection and preparation.
* **"When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes,":** Jesus explicitly recalls the specific instructions given for their initial missionary journey, as detailed in [Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Instructions for the Disciples"). The mention of "purse," "scrip," and "shoes" emphasizes the deliberate absence of conventional provisions, forcing them into a state of utter dependence. This serves as a factual anchor for the rhetorical question that follows.
* **"lacked ye any thing?":** This is the core of Jesus' rhetorical question. It's designed not to elicit new information, but to prompt the disciples to acknowledge and affirm God's past faithfulness. The question focuses on whether their apparent lack of material resources translated into an actual experience of want or deficiency.
* **"And they said, Nothing.":** The disciples' unanimous and emphatic response confirms the efficacy of their earlier mission and the sufficiency of God's provision. Their "Nothing" is a powerful testimony to divine care, validating Jesus' initial command and establishing a precedent of God's faithfulness that will be crucial for understanding the dramatic shift in instructions in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:35 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "lacked ye any thing?" Jesus asks this not to gain information, but to prompt the disciples to recall and affirm a truth they already know: God's perfect provision. This device serves to underscore the point emphatically and draw the disciples into active participation in the lesson. There is also a clear **Contrast** at play, setting up the stark difference between their past mission (characterized by radical dependence and divine provision) and the future mission (which will require self-reliance and preparation for conflict). This contrast is fully realized in the immediate transition to [Luke 22:36](/luke/22-36 "Luke 22:36 - The Changing Instructions"). Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the remembrance of past provision prepares the disciples for the dramatic shift in their circumstances and the greater trials ahead. The disciples' confident "Nothing" builds a foundation of trust that will be vital for facing the impending suffering of Jesus and the persecution they themselves will endure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:35 profoundly illustrates God's character as a faithful and abundant provider, a theme woven throughout Scripture. The disciples' experience serves as a tangible demonstration of the principle that when God calls, He also provides. Their initial mission, stripped of conventional resources, forced them into a posture of absolute dependence, revealing that God's economy operates on principles of faith, not human self-sufficiency. This verse reminds us that God's methods of provision may vary, but His commitment to care for His people remains constant. It builds a theological foundation for trusting God in all circumstances, even when resources seem scarce or the path ahead is uncertain, echoing the truth that true security is found not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses all things.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Need")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:35 offers a powerful invitation for believers to pause and reflect on God's past faithfulness in their own lives. Just as Jesus prompted His disciples to recall His past provision, we too can draw immense strength and confidence from remembering the times when God met our needs, often in unexpected and miraculous ways, even when we felt vulnerable or unequipped. This verse challenges us to consider our own "purses, scrips, and shoes"—the resources, securities, and comforts we tend to rely on—and to ask if we are truly living in a posture of dependence on God. It teaches us that while God's methods of provision may change according to the season or circumstances of our lives, His unwavering commitment to care for His people endures. Remembering His past faithfulness builds a robust foundation of trust for future challenges, assuring us that if God provided before, He will provide again, even if the means differ dramatically.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has God demonstrated His faithfulness and provision in your past, especially in times when you felt you "lacked" something essential?**
* **What current circumstances in your life might be calling you to a greater dependence on God, even if it means stepping away from conventional securities?**
* **How does remembering God's past provision strengthen your faith and courage for facing future uncertainties or new challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask this question if He already knew the answer?**

Answer: Jesus' question was a rhetorical device, not an inquiry for new information. He asked it to prompt His disciples to recall and affirm God's past faithfulness and provision. This act of remembering served to build their confidence and trust in God's care, preparing them for the radical shift in circumstances and mission strategy that He was about to reveal in [Luke 22:36](/luke/22-36 "Luke 22:36 - The Changing Instructions"). It was a teaching moment designed to solidify their understanding of divine provision before introducing a new, more challenging reality.

**What was the spiritual significance of traveling without a purse, scrip, or shoes initially?**

Answer: The initial instruction to travel without these common provisions ([Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Instructions for the Disciples")) was a profound lesson in radical dependence. It compelled the disciples to rely entirely on God's immediate provision, primarily through the hospitality of those they ministered to. This vulnerability underscored that their mission was not sustained by human resources or foresight, but by divine power and the generosity of God's people. It demonstrated God's ability to provide for His servants in every circumstance, fostering faith and humility.

**How does Luke 22:35 relate to the instructions given in Luke 22:36?**

Answer: [Luke 22:35](/luke/22-35 "Luke 22:35 - Jesus Reminds Disciples of Past Provision") sets up a stark and intentional contrast with [Luke 22:36](/luke/22-36 "Luke 22:36 - The Changing Instructions"). In verse 35, Jesus reminds them of a time when they lacked nothing despite having no provisions. In verse 36, He then tells them, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." This dramatic shift signifies a transition from an era of relatively peaceful ministry, where divine provision flowed through hospitality, to a time of impending hostility and persecution following Jesus' crucifixion. The disciples would now need to be prepared to provide for themselves and even defend themselves, reflecting the harsh realities of a world that would reject their message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:35, while seemingly a simple recollection, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The disciples' experience of divine provision, where they "lacked nothing" despite having no material resources, foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly emptied Himself ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), becoming poor so that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate "scrip" and "purse," the source of all spiritual and eternal provision. His life of radical dependence on the Father, even unto death on the cross, demonstrates the ultimate trust in divine care. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides for our deepest lack—our sin—and offers eternal life and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that in Him, we truly "lack nothing" of eternal significance. The changing instructions in the subsequent verse, preparing the disciples for a hostile world, ultimately point to the reality that in Christ, believers are equipped to face all challenges, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")) and promises to never leave or forsake His own ([Hebrews 13:5-6](/hebrews/13-5-6 "Hebrews 13:5-6 - God Will Never Leave You")). Thus, the past provision for the disciples serves as a testament to the greater, all-encompassing provision found in Jesus Christ, who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Need")).

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 10:9

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Luke 10:4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Psalms 34:9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Luke 9:3

And he said unto them, Take nothing for [your] journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.