Luke 22:68

And if I also ask [you], ye will not answer me, nor let [me] go.

And {G1161} if {G1437} I also {G2532} ask {G2065} you, ye will {G611} not {G3364} answer {G611} me {G3427}, nor {G2228} let me go {G630}.

and if I ask you, you won’t answer.

And if I ask you a question, you will not answer.

and if I ask you, ye will not answer.

Luke 22:68 captures a poignant moment during Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council. In this verse, Jesus speaks with profound awareness of His accusers' hardened hearts and predetermined intentions.

Context

Following His betrayal by Judas (Luke 22:48) and subsequent arrest, Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin. The high priest and elders demanded to know if He was the Christ (Luke 22:67). Jesus' response in verse 68 reveals His understanding that their inquiry was not a genuine search for truth or justice, but a mere formality to justify their pre-existing decision to condemn Him. He knew that no matter what He said, they would not accept His testimony or release Him.

Key Themes

  • Predetermined Injustice: The verse highlights the corrupt nature of Jesus' trial. The Sanhedrin had already decided His fate, making any questioning a charade. This reflects the deep-seated opposition to Jesus' ministry and claims.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' words demonstrate His divine awareness of His accusers' hearts and their ultimate intentions. He knew their minds were closed to truth and open only to condemnation, fulfilling prophecies about the suffering servant who would be led to slaughter.
  • Futility of Argument: Jesus recognizes the futility of engaging in a true debate with those who refuse to listen or believe. His statement is not a plea, but an indictment of their spiritual blindness and judicial corruption.
  • Rejection of Christ: Ultimately, this verse underscores the Sanhedrin's definitive rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, despite overwhelming evidence and His direct claims.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation "And if I also ask [you], ye will not answer me, nor let [me] go" conveys Jesus' resigned yet authoritative tone. The phrase "nor let me go" (Greek: οὐ μὴ ἀπολύσητε) emphasizes the certainty of their intent to hold Him, contrasting with the legal process that should allow for acquittal. It points to their unwavering resolve to keep Him captive until He could be executed.

Reflection and Application

Luke 22:68 serves as a powerful reminder of human resistance to divine truth and the lengths to which people will go to reject what they do not want to accept. For believers, it highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to God's will, even in the face of profound injustice. It encourages us to:

  • Recognize Spiritual Blindness: Not everyone is open to truth, especially when it challenges their preconceived notions or power structures.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in moments of extreme injustice, Jesus knew God's plan was unfolding (Acts 2:23).
  • Discern When to Speak and When to Be Silent: Like Jesus, who at other points remained silent before His accusers (Matthew 27:14), there are times when further argument is unproductive.

This verse ultimately points to Jesus' deliberate path to the cross, a path He undertook willingly for the redemption of humanity.

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 20:3

    And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

  • Luke 20:7

    And they answered, that they could not tell whence [it was].

  • Luke 20:41

    And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

  • Luke 20:44

    David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

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