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.