And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

LUKE 22:10KJV
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Luke 22:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:10 mean?

Luke 22:10 describes Jesus giving his disciples a specific sign to look for as they enter the city: they will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water, and they are to follow him into the house he enters. This instruction sets up a secret and safe location for Jesus and his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Peter and John as they prepare for the Last Supper. The detail about a man carrying a pitcher of water is unusual, since in that culture, women typically carried water, making the man easy to spot. Jesus’ directions show his foreknowledge and careful planning, ensuring privacy and security for this important gathering.

The Greek behind Luke 22:10

  • The word for "man" is ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), which simply means a human being or man. The use here highlights the unexpectedness of a man, rather than a woman, carrying water.
  • The word for "pitcher" is κεράμιον (keramion), which refers to a clay jar or vessel, the kind used for carrying water. This detail helps paint a clear picture of what the disciples should look for.
  • The verb "follow" is ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō), meaning to go after or accompany. Jesus is telling his disciples to literally walk behind this man into the house, not just to observe him.

Why Luke 22:10 matters

  • The verse clears up why the disciples would have known exactly whom to follow in a crowded city; the sign was distinctive and deliberate.
  • It emphasizes Jesus’ control over the situation, showing that he was not caught off guard by the events leading to his arrest.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative by setting the stage for the Last Supper, a central moment in the Gospel story.

Where else these words appear

“pitcher” Greek G2765 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

“shall” Greek G4876 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
  • Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
  • Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

“in” Greek G1531 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

“bearing” Greek G941 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
  • Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.