Luke 22:63

KJV

¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the men {G435} that held {G4912} Jesus {G2424} mocked {G1702} him {G846}, and smote {G1194} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Meanwhile, the men who were holding Yeshua made fun of him. They beat him,

Berean Standard Bible

The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him.

American Standard Version

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and beat him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:63 captures a profoundly disturbing moment in Jesus' passion narrative, immediately following His arrest, where the men holding Him subjected Him to cruel mockery and physical violence. This verse serves as a stark prelude to the official trials and crucifixion, highlighting the intense human depravity and spiritual hostility directed at the Son of God, while simultaneously underscoring Jesus' unwavering resolve and silent endurance in fulfilling His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Luke's Gospel, specifically within the account of Jesus' arrest and initial detainment. It immediately follows the betrayal by Judas in the [Garden of Gethsemane](/luke/22-47-53 "Luke 22:47-53 - The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus") and Peter's rash act of cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant, which Jesus miraculously healed. The narrative then shifts from the spiritual agony of Gethsemane and the initial act of arrest to the physical and emotional abuse Jesus begins to endure at the hands of His captors. This informal torment precedes the formal interrogations by the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, setting a grim tone for the escalating suffering that culminates in His crucifixion. It emphasizes that Jesus' passion began not just on the cross, but from the moment of His apprehension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The abuse depicted in Luke 22:63 occurred in the interim period between Jesus' arrest and His formal trial before the Sanhedrin, likely within the high priest's residence. Such informal abuse of prisoners, particularly those deemed enemies of the state or religious blasphemers, was not uncommon in the Roman-occupied Jewish world. Temple guards, often zealous in their duties, might have felt justified in inflicting preliminary punishment or humiliation on someone they perceived as a threat or a false prophet. The setting, the high priest's house, underscores the religious establishment's complicity and active role in Jesus' suffering, as these were not Roman soldiers but Jewish temple authorities and their agents. This period of the Passover festival also heightened religious and political tensions in Jerusalem, making it a volatile environment for any perceived challenge to authority.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:63 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it vividly portrays the **Suffering of Christ**, emphasizing that His path to redemption involved not only the cross but also profound humiliation and physical abuse from the very outset of His captivity. This suffering is presented as a necessary fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah, particularly the [Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Depravity and Rejection**, showcasing the extent of humanity's sinfulness and the deep-seated animosity towards God's Son. The mockery and violence are acts of profound disrespect and contempt, demonstrating a rejection of divine truth and love. Lastly, it underscores **Jesus' Humility and Endurance**. Despite being God incarnate, Jesus does not retaliate or defend Himself, echoing the prophetic words that the [suffering servant would not open his mouth](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"). His silent endurance in the face of such injustice is a powerful testament to His unwavering commitment to His Father's will and His mission to save humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **held (Greek, _synéchō_):** This verb implies more than simply "holding"; it suggests a forceful restraint, a compression, or even a pre-occupation. In this context, it conveys that the men had Jesus firmly in their grasp, exercising complete control over Him. It speaks to His state of being utterly at the mercy of His captors, unable to resist or escape.
* **mocked (Greek, _empaízō_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "paizō" (to play), this word means to "play with," "make sport of," or "ridicule." It denotes not just verbal taunts but a sadistic pleasure in humiliating Jesus, treating Him as an object of scorn and entertainment. This was a common form of abuse for prisoners, designed to strip them of dignity and break their spirit.
* **smote (Greek, _dérō_):** A primary verb, _dérō_ literally means "to flay" or "to skin," and by implication, "to scourge" or "to thrash." This is not a gentle slap but implies a harsh, violent beating, often with fists or an open hand, indicating significant physical pain and indignity. It suggests a brutal, sustained assault rather than a casual strike.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men that held Jesus":** This clause identifies the perpetrators as "the men" who had taken physical custody of Jesus. The phrasing emphasizes their control over Him, setting the stage for the abuse that follows. It highlights the stark power imbalance and Jesus' vulnerability.
* **"mocked him":** This describes the verbal and non-verbal ridicule directed at Jesus. It goes beyond mere insults, implying derision, contempt, and the intent to humiliate Him publicly and personally. This mockery was designed to degrade His person and undermine any claims to divine authority.
* **"and smote him.":** This final clause details the physical violence Jesus endured. The act of "smiting" indicates a severe beating, inflicting pain and injury. Coupled with the mockery, it reveals a comprehensive assault on Jesus' dignity and physical well-being, marking the beginning of His intense suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:63 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this initial abuse anticipates the greater suffering Jesus will endure during His trials, scourging, and crucifixion. It sets a grim tone for the escalating violence of the passion narrative. There is also profound **Irony** in the scene: the very Son of God, the King of kings, is held captive and mocked by mere mortals. Those who claim to uphold God's law are the ones inflicting lawless violence upon the innocent. Furthermore, the verse evokes **Pathos**, drawing the reader's sympathy for Jesus as He silently endures unmerited abuse. The stark contrast between His divine nature and His human vulnerability in this moment of suffering is deeply moving. The brevity and directness of the description also contribute to its impact, making the scene stark and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a crucial theological link in the chain of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating that His suffering for humanity began long before the cross itself. It underscores the depth of the humiliation and pain He willingly embraced, not as a victim of circumstance, but as the sovereign Son fulfilling His Father's will. The abuse Jesus endured here, both verbal and physical, highlights the radical nature of His self-emptying (kenosis) and His solidarity with suffering humanity. It reveals the profound spiritual battle at play, where the forces of darkness, operating through human agents, sought to discredit and destroy the light of the world, yet ultimately served God's sovereign plan for atonement.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Submission")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:63 calls us to a deeper contemplation of the immense cost of our salvation and the profound love that motivated Jesus to endure such indignity. It reminds us that our redemption was secured not just by the final act on the cross, but by every blow, every taunt, and every moment of suffering Jesus willingly absorbed. For believers, this verse offers a powerful model for how to respond to injustice and persecution: with patient endurance, humility, and unwavering commitment to God's will, rather than retaliation. It challenges us to identify with Christ's suffering, understanding that following Him may involve enduring hardship for the sake of righteousness. Ultimately, it strengthens our faith by revealing the depth of Christ's sacrifice, compelling us to live lives of gratitude, obedience, and courageous witness in a world that often rejects divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' silent endurance in Luke 22:63 challenge your natural inclination to defend yourself or retaliate when facing injustice?**
* **In what ways does this early suffering of Jesus deepen your appreciation for the full scope of His atoning work?**
* **How can reflecting on the human depravity displayed in this verse lead you to a greater sense of humility and dependence on God's grace?**
* **What practical steps can you take to embody Christ-like humility and endurance when confronted with mockery or mistreatment in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus endure such abuse without retaliation or defense?**

Answer: Jesus' silent endurance in Luke 22:63, and throughout His passion, was a deliberate and essential part of His divine mission. Firstly, it fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the [Suffering Servant in Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who would be led like a lamb to slaughter and not open His mouth. Secondly, His non-retaliation demonstrated His perfect obedience to the Father's will, accepting the cup of suffering that was necessary for the redemption of humanity (cf. [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Thirdly, it served as a powerful example of humility, grace, and patient endurance for His followers, teaching them to respond to evil with love and forgiveness rather than vengeance (cf. [1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example for Suffering")). His suffering was not a sign of weakness, but of divine strength and unwavering commitment to His atoning purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:63 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in revealing the very nature of God's redemptive plan through the Suffering Servant. The mockery and physical abuse Jesus endures here are not random acts of cruelty but are integral to His identity as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This early suffering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating that Jesus willingly embraced the full spectrum of human pain and humiliation to secure our salvation. He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood atones for sin, and His silent endurance echoes the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), where the righteous servant suffers unjustly for the transgressions of others. In His willingness to be mocked and smitten, Jesus perfectly embodies the humility described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"), emptying Himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. This moment in Luke is a powerful reminder that our Lord's victory over sin and death was achieved not through power and might, but through profound suffering, a suffering He bore for us, making Him our sympathetic High Priest who can [sympathize with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest").

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

John 18:22

And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

Mark 14:55

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Mark 15:27

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

Mark 15:32

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Mark 15:16

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

Mark 15:20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.