Luke 22:36

KJV

Then said he unto 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said he {G2036} unto them {G846}, But {G235} now {G3568}, he that hath {G2192} a purse {G905}, let him take {G142} it, and {G2532} likewise {G3668} his scrip {G4082}: and {G2532} he that hath {G2192} no {G3361} sword {G3162}, let him sell {G4453} his {G846} garment {G2440}, and {G2532} buy {G59} one.

Complete Jewish Bible

“But now,” he said, if you have a wallet or a pack, take it; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your robe to buy one.

Berean Standard Bible

“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:36 captures a pivotal and somber moment during Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. In a stark departure from His previous instructions for their missions, Jesus now commands His followers to acquire practical provisions—a purse and a traveling bag—and, most strikingly, to procure a sword, even if it means selling their outer garment. This directive signals a dramatic and perilous shift in the nature of their mission, moving from a period of relative peace and divine provision to one of anticipated hostility, self-reliance, and spiritual conflict, preparing them for the profound challenges that lay ahead in a world hostile to the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely significant narrative of the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' institution of the New Covenant through the bread and wine ([Luke 22:14-20](/luke/22-14-20 "Luke 22:14-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). It precedes the discourse on greatness among the disciples ([Luke 22:24-30](/luke/22-24-30 "Luke 22:24-30 - Dispute Among the Disciples")), Peter's denial prophecy ([Luke 22:31-34](/luke/22-31-34 "Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")), and the agonizing prayer in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:39-46](/luke/22-39-46 "Luke 22:39-46 - Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives")). The instructions in [Luke 22:35-38](/luke/22-35-38 "Luke 22:35-38 - Instructions for the Future") serve as a critical transition, highlighting the immediate and dramatic shift from the disciples' previous, more peaceful ministry experiences (e.g., [Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Sending Out the Twelve") and [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Sending Out the Seventy-Two")) to the impending confrontation with the forces of darkness and human opposition, culminating in Jesus' arrest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry had largely been characterized by a period of public favor, though opposition from religious authorities was growing. The disciples had been sent out with instructions to rely on God's provision and the hospitality of others, a common practice for itinerant teachers and prophets in that era. However, the political and religious climate in Jerusalem, especially during Passover, was highly charged. Roman occupation was a constant backdrop, and Jewish leaders were increasingly hostile towards Jesus. The cultural understanding of a "sword" (máchaira) in this context could range from a tool for defense against robbers on dangerous roads to a symbol of readiness for conflict. Garments, particularly the outer cloak, were often used as collateral for loans or even as bedding for the poor, making the command to sell one's garment a significant sacrifice, underscoring the urgency and necessity of the new directive.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Primarily, it underscores the **radical shift in circumstances** for Jesus' followers, moving from a time of relative ease and divine provision to one of intense opposition and self-reliance. It highlights the **cost of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Christ involves not only spiritual commitment but also practical preparation for hardship and confrontation. The command to acquire a "sword" introduces the theme of **spiritual warfare** and the nature of the kingdom of God; while literally understood by the disciples (as seen in [Luke 22:49-50](/luke/22-49-50 "Luke 22:49-50 - The Arrest of Jesus")), Jesus' subsequent rebuke of Peter's use of a physical sword ([Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Ear")) and His declaration that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")) strongly suggest a deeper, symbolic meaning related to the spiritual battles they would face rather than physical combat. This prepares them for a new reality where reliance on Him and spiritual fortitude would be paramount.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **now (Greek, _nŷn'_):** This adverb of present time (G3568) is crucial. It signifies a dramatic and immediate shift from the past. Jesus is not merely giving new advice but declaring that the entire paradigm of their mission has changed. The "now" marks the transition from a period of relative peace and reliance on public hospitality to an era of hostility, self-sufficiency, and spiritual conflict. It emphasizes the urgency and the radical nature of the new instructions.
* **take (Greek, _aírō'_):** The verb "take" (G142) means to lift up, to take up or away. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command for the disciples to actively acquire and carry a purse and scrip. This contrasts sharply with previous instructions to take nothing for their journey. The shift from "not taking" to "taking" signifies a necessary change in their approach to ministry and survival in a hostile environment, highlighting a new level of personal responsibility for their provisions.
* **sword (Greek, _máchaira'_):** This noun (G3162) refers to a knife or dirk, a short sword, often used for defense or as a tool. While the disciples immediately interpret this literally (as seen in [Luke 22:49](/luke/22-49 "Luke 22:49 - Disciples Ask About Swords")), Jesus' subsequent actions and teachings, particularly His rebuke of Peter's use of a physical sword in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Ear")), strongly suggest a symbolic meaning. The "sword" here likely represents the intense spiritual conflict, opposition, and even persecution they would face, requiring a different kind of readiness and defense—the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto them":** This phrase serves as a narrative connector, indicating Jesus' direct address to His disciples. It sets the stage for a significant pronouncement, signaling that what follows is a new, imperative teaching from the Lord.
* **"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it]":** The emphatic "But now" (G235, G3568) marks a radical departure from Jesus' previous instructions in [Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Instructions to the Twelve") and [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Instructions to the Seventy-Two"), where disciples were told to take no purse. This command signifies that the period of relying solely on hospitality and divine provision without personal preparation is over. Disciples must now actively manage their own financial resources for the challenging times ahead.
* **"and likewise [his] scrip":** Following the instruction about the purse, Jesus adds the "scrip" (G4082), a traveling bag for provisions. This reinforces the need for practical self-sufficiency. The disciples are no longer to expect immediate provision from others but must carry their own food and supplies, indicating a future of less welcoming environments and greater personal responsibility for their sustenance.
* **"and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one":** This is the most striking and controversial part of the instruction. The command to acquire a "sword" (G3162), even at the cost of selling one's outer garment (G2440)—a significant sacrifice, as it was often used for warmth or as collateral—underscores the extreme urgency and importance of this new directive. While literally interpreted by the disciples, the deeper meaning points to the severe spiritual conflict and opposition they would encounter, requiring a readiness that goes beyond physical defense.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is paramount, highlighted by the phrase "But now" (KJV), which immediately sets up a stark opposition to Jesus' earlier instructions for mission ([Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Instructions for Mission") and [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Instructions for Mission")). This contrast emphasizes the dramatic shift in circumstances from a time of peace to one of impending hostility. **Hyperbole** is evident in the command to "sell his garment, and buy one" if one has no sword. The outer garment was a vital possession, and the instruction to part with it for a sword suggests an extreme, almost desperate, necessity, amplifying the gravity of the coming trials. Finally, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the "sword" itself. While the disciples initially interpret it literally, the broader narrative context, particularly Jesus' immediate rebuke of Peter's violent use of a sword ([Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Ear")), transforms it into a symbol not of physical warfare, but of the intense spiritual struggle and opposition the disciples would face in proclaiming the Gospel, requiring spiritual readiness rather than carnal weapons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:36 serves as a stark prophetic warning, signifying a profound shift in the disciples' mission from one of relative ease and public favor to one of intense opposition and spiritual warfare. This verse underscores the reality that following Christ is not always a comfortable journey but often entails hardship, sacrifice, and the need for preparedness in a world hostile to the Kingdom of God. It challenges the notion of a perpetually smooth path for believers, emphasizing that genuine discipleship requires a readiness to face adversity, both practical and spiritual. The "sword" in this context points to the spiritual battles ahead, where the true weapons are not physical but spiritual, empowering believers to stand firm in faith and proclaim the truth amidst opposition.

* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Sheep Among Wolves")
* [Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Whole Armor of God")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:36 resonates deeply with believers today, reminding us that the Christian life is not a guarantee of ease but a call to courageous discipleship in a world that often opposes the values of the Kingdom of God. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for a shift from a period of relative peace to one of intense spiritual conflict and practical hardship, so too must we be prepared. This doesn't mean arming ourselves physically, but rather cultivating spiritual resilience, wisdom, and discernment. We are called to be wise stewards of our resources ("purse" and "scrip"), ensuring we are practically prepared for life's uncertainties, and, more importantly, to be spiritually armed ("sword") with the Word of God and prayer, ready to contend for the faith and stand firm against spiritual opposition. This verse challenges us to move beyond a naive expectation of comfort and embrace the reality that following Christ may require sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity, always trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I perhaps expected the Christian life to be easier or more comfortable than it truly is, as revealed in passages like Luke 22:36?**
* **How can I practically and spiritually prepare myself for potential opposition or hardship in my walk with Christ, recognizing that the "sword" is spiritual, not physical?**
* **What resources (spiritual, emotional, practical) do I need to "take up" or "acquire" to be a more resilient and effective disciple in today's world?**

### FAQ

**Did Jesus literally tell His disciples to buy physical swords for self-defense?**

Answer: While the disciples initially interpreted Jesus' command to "buy a sword" literally, and indeed two swords were present among them ([Luke 22:38](/luke/22-38 "Luke 22:38 - Two Swords")), Jesus' immediate reaction to Peter's use of a physical sword in Gethsemane provides crucial interpretive context. When Peter struck the high priest's servant, Malchus, Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" ([Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Put Away Your Sword")). Furthermore, Jesus healed Malchus's ear ([Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Ear")) and later declared to Pilate that His kingdom was "not of this world," otherwise His servants would fight ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). These subsequent actions and statements strongly suggest that Jesus' instruction was not a literal call to armed self-defense, but rather a symbolic warning about the intense spiritual conflict and opposition they would face, requiring a different kind of readiness. The "sword" likely represents preparedness for spiritual warfare, perhaps akin to the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:36, though seemingly a practical instruction for the disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a call to physical armament, but in foreshadowing the profound spiritual battle that Jesus Himself was about to wage and win on the cross. The "sword" the disciples were to acquire symbolically represents the spiritual conflict that would define the new era of the Kingdom, an era inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus, as the true warrior, did not fight with carnal weapons but offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, disarming the powers of darkness through His triumph over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). His willingness to suffer, even to the point of death on a cross, became the true "weapon" that defeated the enemy, establishing a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Thus, the disciples' need for a "sword" becomes a metaphor for their participation in Christ's ongoing spiritual victory, equipping them not for earthly combat, but for proclaiming the Gospel, which is the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")), and for enduring persecution as Christ endured it ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Their preparedness, therefore, is ultimately a readiness to follow their Lord into suffering and spiritual triumph, armed with faith and the truth of His finished work, rather than with steel.

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 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 10:25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

1 Thessalonians 3:4

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;