For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

LUKE 22:37KJV
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Luke 22:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:37 mean?

Luke 22:37 means that Jesus is telling his disciples that a prophecy about him—specifically, that he would be "counted among the transgressors"—must still be fulfilled, and that everything written about him is coming to its conclusion. Jesus is explaining that his coming suffering and death are part of God's plan foretold in Scripture.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper, right before his arrest. He refers to a prophecy from Isaiah 53:12, pointing out that he will be treated like a criminal. By saying "the things concerning me have an end," Jesus is making clear that the events about to unfold are the fulfillment and completion of what was written about the Messiah.

The Greek behind Luke 22:37

  • "τελεσθῆναι" (telesthēnai, G5055) — translated as "accomplished": This word means to bring something to completion or fulfillment. Jesus is emphasizing that the prophecy is not just ongoing, but is about to reach its intended goal in him.
  • "ἐλογίσθη" (elogisthē, G3049) — translated as "reckoned": This word means to be considered or counted as something. Jesus is saying he will be treated as if he were a lawbreaker, even though he is innocent.
  • "ἀνόμων" (anomōn, G459) — translated as "transgressors": This word refers to those who break the law. The prophecy Jesus refers to is about being grouped with lawbreakers, highlighting the injustice he will face.
  • "τέλος" (telos, G5056) — translated as "end": This word can mean goal, purpose, or completion. Jesus is saying that the purpose of what was written about him is about to be fulfilled.

Why Luke 22:37 matters

  • Luke 22:37 clears up the idea that Jesus' suffering was unexpected or accidental; instead, Jesus shows it was predicted and necessary.
  • This verse connects Jesus' life directly to Old Testament prophecy, showing that he saw his mission as the fulfillment of Scripture.
  • By referencing being "reckoned among the transgressors," Jesus prepares his disciples for the shocking events of his arrest and crucifixion, helping them understand these events as part of God's plan.

Where else these words appear

“transgressors” Greek G459 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law,(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
  • 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

“accomplished” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“reckoned” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.