Luke 22:63 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:63 mean?

Luke 22:63 describes how the men who were guarding Jesus began to mock him and physically strike him. This verse shows that Jesus was not only arrested but also subjected to humiliation and violence by those holding him.

The scene takes place after Jesus has been arrested and is being held by the authorities before his trial. The men mentioned are likely the temple guards or soldiers responsible for watching over him. Their actions—mocking and hitting Jesus—highlight the mistreatment and scorn he endured even before any formal judgment was made against him.

The Greek behind Luke 22:63

• "mocked" (ἐνέπαιζον, enepaizon): This Greek word means to ridicule or make fun of someone, often in a cruel or demeaning way. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus was not just physically abused but also verbally humiliated.
• "smote" (ἔτυπτον, etypton): This word means to strike or hit, indicating that Jesus was physically beaten by the men holding him. The use of this word shows the violence and harsh treatment he received.

Why Luke 22:63 matters

• This verse makes clear that Jesus faced both emotional and physical suffering at the hands of his captors, even before any official trial or sentence.
• The mocking and beating fulfill earlier predictions Jesus made about his suffering, connecting this moment to the larger narrative of his passion.
• By describing this mistreatment, Luke sets the stage for the seriousness of what Jesus endures, helping readers understand the depth of his experience leading up to the crucifixion.