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 22:10KJVWhat 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.