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Luke 22 · a question people ask

Jesus said, "buy a sword" (22:36). What did he mean?

In the text

Luke tells of no explanation. Here is what he tells. Jesus asked them, "When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." (22:35). "Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword." (22:36), "For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me is being fulfilled.”" (22:37). "They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.”" (22:38). Later, when those around him saw what was about to happen, they asked, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" (22:49). One of them struck the high priest's servant (22:50), "But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear and healed him." (22:51). Luke tells of no explanation of "That is enough" (22:38), and doesn't say how 22:36 and 22:49-51 are related. These notes don't either, and apply these words to no one today.

The verses

“He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.””
Luke 22:35-38 · World English Bible
“When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear and healed him.”
Luke 22:49-51 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Luke 22

Luke 22: As one who serves

In Luke, the verse after they question "which of them it was who would do this thing" (22:23) says, "A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest" (22:24), and Jesus says, "I am among you as one who serves" (22:27). And only Luke tells that when the rooster crowed, "The Lord turned and looked at Peter" (22:61).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions