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.

LUKE 22:36KJV
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Luke 22:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:36 mean?

Luke 22:36 records Jesus telling his disciples that, unlike before, they should now prepare for difficult times ahead by taking a purse (money bag), a scrip (travel bag), and even selling a garment to buy a sword if they do not have one. This signals a shift from earlier instructions to rely on hospitality to now being ready for hardship and self-sufficiency.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper, just before his arrest. The situation has changed: earlier, Jesus sent them out without supplies, but now he warns them that opposition and danger are coming. The verse uses practical language about money, travel gear, and swords to show that the disciples will soon face real threats and cannot expect the same welcome as before.

The Greek behind Luke 22:36

  • "σάκκος" (scrip, transliterated as "scrip"): This word refers to a small travel bag or pouch for carrying provisions. Its mention highlights the need for the disciples to be prepared for a journey where they cannot count on others for support.
  • "μάχαιρα" (machaira, transliterated as "sword"): This word means a short sword or large knife. Jesus' instruction to buy one, even at the cost of selling a garment, emphasizes the seriousness of the coming danger, though many readers note he may be speaking figuratively about being ready for conflict or hardship.

Why Luke 22:36 matters

  • Luke 22:36 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus always expected his followers to travel without resources; here, he directly tells them to prepare for practical needs and dangers.
  • The verse highlights a turning point in Jesus' ministry, showing that the disciples' mission will now involve more risk and less public support.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by setting the stage for the events of Jesus’ arrest and the disciples’ scattering, helping readers understand the urgency and gravity of what is about to happen.

Where else these words appear

“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 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

“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.

“sell” Greek G4453 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
  • Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
  • John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

“sword” Greek G3162 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
  • Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
  • Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?