Luke 22:36

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

Luke 22:36 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, occurring during the Last Supper and just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. In this verse, Jesus issues new and startling instructions to His disciples, signaling a dramatic shift in the circumstances they would soon face.

Context

Previously, Jesus had sent His disciples out on missions, instructing them to travel lightly, without provisions or money, trusting in God's provision and the hospitality of others (Luke 9:3; Luke 10:4). The phrase "But now" in Luke 22:36 signals a stark contrast to those earlier, more peaceful times. The period of relatively easy ministry and public favor was ending, and a time of intense hostility, persecution, and self-reliance was about to begin. Jesus was preparing them for a world that would not welcome them, but actively oppose them.

Key Themes

  • A Shift in Circumstances: The primary message is that the peaceful phase of their mission was over. The disciples would no longer be welcomed and provided for; instead, they would encounter resistance and danger. This verse underscores the reality that following Christ sometimes means facing hardship and opposition.
  • Preparedness for Adversity: Jesus instructs them to carry a "purse" (money bag) and "scrip" (traveling bag for provisions), indicating a need for practical self-sufficiency. The command to "buy a sword" is the most striking part. While some interpret this literally as a call for self-defense, many scholars understand it symbolically. Given Jesus' immediate rebuke of Peter's hasty use of a literal sword shortly after (Luke 22:50-51) and His declaration that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), the "sword" likely represents the severe spiritual conflict and opposition they would face, requiring a different kind of readiness and defense.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: This verse foreshadows the difficulties and sacrifices involved in spreading the Gospel after Jesus' departure. It highlights that true discipleship involves preparation for spiritual battles and worldly challenges, not just comfortable journeys.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "purse" is balantion (βαλάντιον), referring to a money bag, and "scrip" is pēra (πήρα), a bag for carrying provisions on a journey. The word for "sword" is machaira (μάχαιρα), which typically denotes a short sword or dagger, often used for defense or as a tool. The stark contrast between "he that hath a purse, let him take it" and "he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one" emphasizes the urgency and importance of this new directive, even at great personal cost.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 22:36 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not always one of ease and comfort. We are called to be prepared for opposition, not necessarily with physical weapons, but with spiritual readiness. This involves being spiritually alert, equipped with the "whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11), and ready to face the world's hostility to the Gospel. It encourages us to be wise stewards of our resources and to understand that our mission may require sacrifice and courage in the face of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). Ultimately, Jesus' words prepare His followers for a new reality where reliance on Him and spiritual fortitude would be paramount.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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