Luke 22:49

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

When {G1161} they which were about {G4012} him {G846} saw {G1492} what would follow {G2071}, they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962},{G1487} shall we smite {G3960} with {G1722} the sword {G3162}?

When his followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we use our swords?”

Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

And when they that were about him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

Luke 22:49 KJV captures a pivotal moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, just as Jesus is about to be betrayed and arrested. It reveals the disciples' immediate, human reaction to the impending danger and their lingering misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense prayer in Gethsemane, where He fully submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44). As Judas and the arresting party approach, the disciples, witnessing the unfolding crisis, instinctively prepare for a physical confrontation. Their question, "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?", highlights their readiness to defend Jesus by force, a stark contrast to Jesus' path of non-resistance and sacrificial love. This sets the stage for Peter's impulsive act in the following verses (Luke 22:50).

Key Themes

  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' Kingdom: The disciples still envisioned an earthly kingdom established by power and force, not realizing that Jesus' kingdom was spiritual and would be established through His suffering and resurrection (John 18:36).
  • Human Impulse vs. Divine Will: The disciples' immediate reaction was to fight and resist, illustrating the natural human tendency to protect and defend. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' profound submission to God's redemptive plan, which required His arrest and crucifixion.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: This moment serves as a powerful lesson for discipleship, showing that following Christ often means laying down worldly weapons and embracing a path of peace and sacrifice, trusting in God's sovereignty.
  • Impending Betrayal and Arrest: The verse marks the very edge of Jesus' capture, underscoring the tension and gravity of the hour.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "smite" is patassō (πατάσσω), meaning to strike, hit, or wound. It implies a violent, aggressive action. The "sword" (Greek: machaira, μάχαιρα) refers to a short sword or dagger, commonly carried for defense. The disciples' question reveals their literal interpretation of Jesus' earlier instruction to "buy swords" (Luke 22:36), which was likely a metaphorical statement about the coming conflict and the need for readiness, rather than an endorsement of physical violence.

Practical Application

Luke 22:49 challenges believers to examine their own reactions when faced with adversity or perceived threats to their faith. Do we instinctively resort to worldly means (like aggression, manipulation, or human power) to "defend" God's cause, or do we trust in His divine plan and sovereignty? This verse reminds us that true spiritual victory often comes through submission to God's will, even when it involves suffering or misunderstanding. It calls us to lay down our "swords" and embrace the non-violent, self-sacrificial path of Christ, trusting that God's purposes will prevail.

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.

  • Luke 22:38

    And they said, Lord, behold, here [are] two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

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