For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

LUKE 18:32KJV
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Luke 18:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:32 mean?

Luke 18:32 means that Jesus is predicting he will be handed over to non-Jewish people (the Gentiles), who will treat him with cruelty and disrespect—mocking him, mistreating him, and spitting on him. This verse is part of Jesus explaining the suffering he will soon face.

In this scene, Jesus is talking to his disciples as they travel toward Jerusalem. He is preparing them by describing, in plain terms, the specific humiliations and abuse he will endure at the hands of the Gentiles. This is one of several times in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus openly tells his followers what will happen to him, emphasizing that his suffering is not a surprise but part of what he came to do.

The Greek behind Luke 18:32

  • "delivered" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): This word means to hand over or betray. Jesus is saying he will be intentionally given into the control of others, not simply captured by chance.
  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This term refers to non-Jewish nations or peoples. Jesus is clear that his suffering will come not just from his own people but from outsiders, highlighting the involvement of the Roman authorities.
  • "mocked" (ἐμπαίζω, empaizō): This word means to ridicule or make fun of in a cruel way. It points to the public humiliation Jesus will face.
  • "entreated" (ὑβρίζω, hybrizō): This word carries the sense of being treated with insult, violence, or abuse, not just mild mistreatment but harsh and degrading behavior.
  • "on" (ἐμπτύω, emptuō): This verb means to spit on someone, a strong gesture of contempt and shame in the ancient world.

Why Luke 18:32 matters

  • Luke 18:32 clears up that Jesus knew in advance the specific humiliations he would face, showing his suffering was not accidental or unexpected.
  • The verse emphasizes that both Jewish and Gentile (Roman) authorities would be involved in Jesus’ suffering, which is important for understanding the universal scope of his rejection.
  • By listing these actions—mocking, mistreatment, spitting—Luke highlights the depth of humiliation Jesus willingly accepted, which connects to the larger theme of his sacrificial mission in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“entreated” Greek G5195 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Luke 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.
  • Acts 14:5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

“on” Greek G1716 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
  • Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
  • Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

“mocked” Greek G1702 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“delivered” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.