And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

LUKE 22:35KJV
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Luke 22:35 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“without” Greek G817 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

“purse” Greek G905 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

“scrip” Greek G4082 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
  • Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
  • Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

“shoes” Greek G5266 · used in 10 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:
  • Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
  • John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.