Devine Scripture

Luke 22:67

What does Luke 22:67 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 22:67 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 22:67 means

They ask Jesus, “If thou art the Christ, tell us.” He replies that if He tells them, they will not believe. Their question is not a sincere inquiry; hearts are set. Jesus refuses to play into their unbelief. He has made Himself known through words and works, but they reject Him. His answer exposes their culpable refusal. This is not evasion but judgment—truth has been presented, and denial persists. The Messiah stands before them, yet they are blind. Jesus’ restraint also shows wisdom; He will not cast holy things before mockers. The verse reveals that unbelief is moral as well as intellectual. Faith cannot be forced; it must be granted by God and received humbly, which these leaders refuse.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If you are the Christ, say so. But he said, If I say so you will not have belief;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `If thou be the Christ, tell us.' And he said to them, `If I may tell you, ye will not believe;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If thou art the Christ, tell us. And he said to them, If I tell you, ye will not at all believe;

Context

The council’s interrogation begins with a direct question about Jesus’ messianic identity. He responds by highlighting their entrenched unbelief. Next, He will add that even if He asks them questions, they will not answer—dialogue is futile. He will then declare a future reality: the Son of man seated at the right hand of God’s power. This shifts the conversation from present unbelief to future vindication, provoking the leaders to press Him about being the Son of God.

v.66And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,

v.67This passage

v.68and if I ask you, ye will not answer.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 11:3

    and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?

  • John 9:27

    He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?

  • John 5:39

    Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

  • Mark 14:61

    But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and saith unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

  • John 8:43

    Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word.

  • John 10:24

    The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.

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