And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

LUKE 13:22KJV
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Luke 13:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:22 mean?

Luke 13:22 describes Jesus traveling through various cities and villages, teaching people as He makes His way toward Jerusalem. The verse highlights both His movement from place to place and His ongoing role as a teacher during this journey.

In this scene, Jesus is actively moving through the countryside, not staying in one place. He is speaking to different groups as He travels, and the mention of Jerusalem signals that He is heading toward a significant moment in His mission. The verse sets the stage for what follows by showing Jesus intentionally moving toward the city where major events in His life will soon happen.

The Greek behind Luke 13:22

  • The word "journeying" uses two Greek words: ποιέω (poieō, "to make" or "to do") and πορεύομαι (poreuomai, "to travel" or "to go"). Together, these words often carry the sense of someone purposefully making their way toward a destination, not just wandering.
  • The Greek word διδάσκω (didaskō, "teaching") is used here, emphasizing that Jesus is not just passing through but actively instructing people in each place He visits.
  • The phrase "toward Jerusalem" uses εἰς (eis, "into" or "toward") with Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma, "Jerusalem"), making it clear that Jerusalem is the intended goal of Jesus’ journey, not just one stop among many.

Why Luke 13:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem was deliberate and purposeful, not random travel, which helps readers understand the intentional path leading to the events of His final days.
  • The focus on Jesus teaching as He travels shows that His mission involved reaching as many people as possible, not just those in major cities.
  • By mentioning Jerusalem specifically, Luke signals to the reader that the story is moving toward a climactic point, connecting this verse to the larger narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry.

Where else these words appear

“journeying” Greek G4197 · used in 2 verses

  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

“went” Greek G1279 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
  • Luke 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

“villages” Greek G2968 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.