Luke 22:31
What does Luke 22:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:31 means
Jesus urgently addresses Simon by name, repeating it for emphasis: “Simon, Simon.” He reveals that Satan has asked to have “you” (plural), to sift you like wheat—shaking and testing the whole group. The enemy seeks to exploit their weakness. Jesus discloses the spiritual dimension behind the coming crisis. Faith will be assaulted. Yet Satan must ask; he is not sovereign. The image of sifting suggests a painful separation and exposure. This warning prepares Peter for humility and dependence. It reminds all disciples that trials are not random; they occur under divine permission and with redemptive purpose. Jesus’ transparent love in warning equips them to watch and pray, rather than trust in their own resolve.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Simon, Simon, Satan has made a request to have you, so that he may put you to the test as grain is tested:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the Lord said, `Simon, Simon, lo, the Adversary did ask you for himself to sift as the wheat,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to have you, to sift [you] as wheat;
Context
Right after promising future honor, Jesus balances hope with realism. The apostles will share His kingdom, but first they will face satanic testing. He singles out Simon, the group’s spokesman, signaling both danger and special care. Immediately, Jesus will add that He has prayed for Peter specifically, that his faith not fail, and will commission him to strengthen his brothers after his restoration. Peter’s self-confident response and Jesus’ sobering prediction of denial follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 1:6
Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them.
- Zechariah 3:1
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- Acts 9:4
and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
- Amos 9:9
For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, like as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least kernel fall upon the earth.
- Revelation 12:10
And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night.
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