Luke 22:36-38

22:36 He said to them, “But now, the one who ¹  has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag ²  too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 22:37 For I tell you that this scripture must be ³  fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’ ⁴  For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” ⁵  22:38 So ⁶  they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” ⁷  Then he told them, “It is enough.” ⁸ 

¹ tn The syntax of this verse is disputed, resulting in various translations. The major options are either (1) that reflected in the translation or (2) that those who have a money bag and traveler’s bag should get a sword, just as those who do not have these items should sell their cloak to buy a sword. The point of all the options is that things have changed and one now needs full provisions. Opposition will come. But “sword” is a figure for preparing to fight. See Luke 22:50-51.

² tn Or possibly “beggar’s bag” (L&N 6.145).

³ sn This scripture must be fulfilled in me. The statement again reflects the divine necessity of God’s plan. See 4:43-44.

⁴ tn Or “with the lawless.”

⁵ tn Grk “is having its fulfillment.”

⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of Jesus’ comments about obtaining swords.

⁶ sn Here are two swords. The disciples mistakenly took Jesus to mean that they should prepare for armed resistance, something he will have to correct in 22:50-51.

⁷ sn It is enough. The disciples’ misunderstanding caused Jesus to terminate the discussion.