Luke 22:36
What does Luke 22:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:36 means
Jesus announces a change: now the one with a purse should take it, likewise a wallet; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak to buy one. He is not commissioning violence but signaling the hostility and danger that will soon surround them. The sword symbolizes preparedness in a world that will treat them as outlaws once their Master is arrested. Practical prudence replaces earlier simplicity, yet the mission’s spirit remains. The emphasis is on realism, not revolt. Jesus arms them with sober expectation, not aggression. They will need resources and wisdom as they carry the gospel into a resistant world. The verse reflects the transition from protected ministry to contested witness under the shadow of the cross.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said to them, But now, he who has a money-bag, or a bag for food, let him take it: and he who has not, let him give his coat for money and get a sword.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then said he to them, `But, now, he who is having a bag, let him take <FI>it<Fi> up, and in like manner also a scrip; and he who is not having, let him sell his garment, and buy a sword,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they said: Nothing. Then said he unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip: and he that hath not, let him sell his coat and buy a sword.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He said therefore to them, But now he that has a purse let him take [it], in like manner also a scrip, and he that has none let him sell his garment and buy a sword;
Context
Having established God’s past provision, Jesus now indicates a new phase requiring prudence and readiness, using the language of purse, wallet, and sword. He immediately grounds this in Scripture’s necessity that He be numbered with transgressors, showing that their changed circumstances flow from His impending arrest and execution. The disciples, misunderstanding, point out two swords; Jesus replies that it is enough, bringing this topic to a close as they depart for the mount of Olives.
v.35And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
v.36This passage
v.37For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment.
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