And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
LUKE 22:35KJVWhat does Luke 22:35 mean?
Luke 22:35 records Jesus reminding His disciples that when He previously sent them out without money, a travel bag, or extra sandals, they did not lack anything they needed. The disciples confirm that they were always provided for, saying they lacked nothing.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, just before His arrest. He refers back to an earlier time when He sent them on a mission (see Luke 9 and 10), instructing them to rely on God’s provision rather than their own resources. The point is to highlight how God took care of them even when they had nothing with them.
The Greek behind Luke 22:35
- The word for "purse" is βαλάντιον (balantion), meaning a money bag or wallet. Jesus specifically mentions this to emphasize that they traveled without financial security, yet were still provided for.
- The word for "scrip" is πήρα (pēra), which refers to a traveler's bag or satchel. This detail shows they had no extra supplies, underlining their dependence on hospitality and God's care.
- The word for "lacked" is ὑστερέω (hystereō), often understood as "to be in need" or "to come short." Jesus is asking if they ever found themselves in want, and the disciples’ answer ("Nothing") confirms their needs were always met.
Why Luke 22:35 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that the disciples suffered or went without basic needs during their earlier missions; it stresses that God’s provision was complete.
- Luke 22:35 sets up a contrast with the next verses, where Jesus will tell them to prepare differently for what is coming, showing a shift in circumstances as His arrest approaches.
- The verse highlights a key theme in Luke’s Gospel: trusting in God’s care rather than relying on material resources or personal planning.