Luke 22:37

KJV

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} this {G5124} that is written {G1125} must {G1163} yet {G2089} be accomplished {G5055} in {G1722} me {G1698}, And {G2532} he was reckoned {G3049} among {G3326} the transgressors {G459}: for {G2532}{G1063} the things concerning {G4012} me {G1700} have {G2192} an end {G5056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I tell you this: the passage from the Tanakh that says, ‘He was counted with transgressors,’ has to be fulfilled in me; since what is happening to me has a purpose.”

Berean Standard Bible

For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”

American Standard Version

For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant declaration during the Last Supper, Jesus reveals to His disciples the divine necessity of His impending suffering and death, asserting that the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah being "reckoned among the transgressors" must be fulfilled in Him. He signifies that His earthly ministry and redemptive purpose are not ending in defeat but are reaching their divinely appointed climax, bringing God's salvific plan to its ultimate conclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is uttered by Jesus in the upper room, immediately following His institution of the Lord's Supper and His somber prediction of Peter's denial and Judas's betrayal. The disciples are grappling with the implications of Jesus' departure and the nature of the kingdom He is establishing. Jesus' words here serve as a crucial transition, moving from the symbolic act of the Supper to the stark reality of His imminent passion. He is preparing them for the profound paradox of His messianic mission: that the King would suffer and die, not as a failure, but as the fulfillment of prophecy, thereby setting the stage for His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and subsequent crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish expectations of the Messiah largely centered on a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression and restore the Davidic kingdom. The concept of a suffering Messiah, particularly one "reckoned among transgressors," was deeply counter-intuitive and scandalous to many, including Jesus' own disciples, who struggled to reconcile it with their understanding of messianic glory. Jesus' direct quotation from [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant") would have challenged their preconceived notions, forcing them to confront the prophetic tradition of the Suffering Servant alongside that of the triumphant King. His crucifixion between two criminals, a public display of shame reserved for the worst offenders, would literally fulfill this prophecy, demonstrating His identification with humanity's sinfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:37 encapsulates several profound themes central to Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. **Prophetic Fulfillment** is paramount, as Jesus explicitly states that His suffering is not accidental but the deliberate execution of God's ancient promises, particularly those found in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). This highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all events, even the darkest moments of human history, ensuring His redemptive plan unfolds precisely as foretold. Furthermore, the verse underscores **Jesus' Redemptive Mission**, revealing that His identification with "transgressors" is the very means by which He accomplishes atonement for humanity's sin, culminating in the **Completion of His Earthly Work**. The phrase "have an end" (Gk. _telos_) signifies not merely a cessation, but the arrival at a divinely appointed goal or consummation, emphasizing the purposeful nature of His passion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies a divine necessity or obligation. It indicates that Jesus' suffering and death are not merely probable or possible, but divinely ordained and indispensable for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It conveys a sense of divine imperative, highlighting that these events are part of God's unalterable will and purpose for the Messiah.
* **reckoned (Greek, _logízomai'_):** This verb means "to take an inventory," "to estimate," or "to impute." In this context, it refers to Jesus being counted or classified among criminals. This is a direct quotation from [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant's Reckoning"), emphasizing His identification with the sinful human condition, not because of His own sin, but as a substitutionary act. It speaks to the legal and theological imputation of sin upon Him.
* **end (Greek, _télos'_):** This noun denotes "the point aimed at as a limit," "the conclusion of an act or state," or "a goal/purpose." It implies more than a mere stopping point; it signifies the culmination, completion, or consummation of something. Here, Jesus is not saying His life is simply ending, but that His redemptive work and the prophetic narrative concerning Him are reaching their divinely appointed and purposeful conclusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me":** Jesus introduces a solemn declaration, emphasizing the divine imperative ("must") for the fulfillment of Scripture. He points to a specific prophecy ("this that is written") that still awaits its ultimate realization in His person and work. This highlights His conscious awareness of His messianic role and the preordained nature of His passion.
* **"And he was reckoned among the transgressors":** This is the specific prophecy Jesus references, a direct quotation from [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy"). It foretells that the Messiah would be counted or classified with the wicked, a prophecy literally fulfilled when Jesus was crucified between two criminals ([Mark 15:28](/mark/15-28 "Mark 15:28 - Jesus Crucified Between Two Thieves")). This clause underscores His identification with humanity's sinfulness for the purpose of atonement.
* **"for the things concerning me have an end":** This concluding phrase provides the reason or explanation for the preceding statement. The word "end" (_télos_) signifies not a tragic termination, but the purposeful completion and culmination of all that was prophesied and purposed for the Messiah. It means that Jesus' mission, His life, suffering, and death, are not arbitrary events but the divinely orchestrated fulfillment and consummation of God's redemptive plan, bringing His earthly work to its intended goal.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:37 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as Jesus directly cites [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant"), a pivotal prophecy concerning the Suffering Servant. This quotation serves to establish the divine authority and preordained nature of His passion, linking His immediate experience to centuries of prophetic expectation. There is also significant **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus explicitly prepares His disciples for the ignominy and suffering He is about to endure, which will culminate in His crucifixion alongside criminals. This serves to mitigate the shock and confusion His disciples will experience, providing them with a theological framework for understanding the events. Furthermore, an element of **Irony** is present: the sinless Son of God, the very embodiment of righteousness, is "reckoned among the transgressors." This stark contrast highlights the depth of His self-emptying love and the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice, where He takes the place of the guilty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:37 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Jesus' messiahship and the core of Christian theology. It unequivocally declares the divine necessity of the Messiah's suffering, challenging any notion that Jesus' passion was an unforeseen tragedy or a deviation from God's plan. Instead, it asserts that His identification with transgressors and His ultimate death were the divinely appointed means by which God's redemptive purpose, foretold through the prophets, would be brought to its glorious _telos_—its perfect completion. This profound truth underpins the doctrine of atonement, revealing that salvation is not earned but is a gracious gift secured by Christ's obedient sacrifice.

* [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy")
* [Mark 15:28](/mark/15-28 "Mark 15:28 - Jesus Crucified with Criminals")
* [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - God Justifies the Ungodly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:37 offers a profound lens through which to view God's sovereign control and the depth of Christ's love. In a world often characterized by chaos and seemingly random suffering, Jesus' words remind us that even the most harrowing events can be part of a larger, divine purpose. His willingness to be "reckoned among the transgressors," despite His sinlessness, reveals the immense cost of our redemption and the radical nature of His identification with humanity's fallen state. This should ignite within us a deeper appreciation for the salvation we have received and inspire us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of His sacrifice. It also calls us to trust God's plan even when it defies our expectations or involves suffering, knowing that He is always working towards a glorious _telos_.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' emphasis on the "must" of prophecy challenge your understanding of suffering and divine sovereignty in your own life?**
* **What does Jesus' willingness to be "reckoned among the transgressors" teach you about the nature of His love and the cost of your salvation?**
* **In what ways does this verse reinforce your trust in the reliability and fulfillment of God's Word?**

### FAQ

**Why was it "necessary" for Jesus to be reckoned among transgressors?**

Answer: It was necessary because it was the divinely ordained means for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant"). By being "reckoned among the transgressors," Jesus, who was sinless, fully identified with humanity's sinful condition. This act was crucial for Him to bear the penalty of sin on our behalf, serving as a substitutionary atonement. His crucifixion between two criminals ([Matthew 27:38](/matthew/27-38 "Matthew 27:38 - Jesus Crucified Between Two Thieves")) was the literal fulfillment, demonstrating that He took on the shame and judgment due to us, thereby securing our redemption and reconciliation with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:37 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies the Suffering Servant prophesied in the Old Testament. The "must" (Gk. _deî_) of this verse underscores that Jesus' journey to the cross was not a tragic accident but the deliberate and necessary culmination of God's eternal plan for salvation. By being "reckoned among the transgressors," Jesus perfectly fulfilled [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy"), demonstrating His profound identification with humanity's sin and guilt. This act of imputation, where our sin was counted to Him and His righteousness counted to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), is the heart of the gospel. His suffering and death were the _telos_—the divinely appointed goal and consummation—of all the prophecies and types that pointed to Him. Through this ultimate sacrifice, Jesus brought to completion the work of redemption, opening the way for eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe, a victory sealed in His resurrection and ascension ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Died for Our Sins and Rose for Our Justification"); [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered the Holy Place Once for All")).

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

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Luke 23:32

¶ And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Acts 13:27

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

Acts 13:29

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre.

John 19:28

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.