And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

LUKE 22:64KJV
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Luke 22:64 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:64 mean?

Luke 22:64 describes how Jesus was blindfolded, struck on the face, and then mocked by being challenged to identify who hit him. This verse shows the physical and verbal abuse Jesus suffered after his arrest, as his captors taunted him about his prophetic abilities.

The scene takes place during Jesus’ trial before the Jewish authorities. The people holding Jesus—likely guards or officials—are the ones speaking and acting. Their challenge, “Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?” was meant to ridicule Jesus’ claim to be a prophet, since he could not see who struck him because he was blindfolded. This moment highlights the humiliation and injustice Jesus endured before his crucifixion.

The Greek behind Luke 22:64

  • "Blindfolded" (περικαλύψαντες, perikalýpsantes): This word means to cover completely, especially the face or eyes. The detail that Jesus was blindfolded explains why the question “Who hit you?” was meant as mockery, not a genuine inquiry.
  • "Struck" (ἔτυπτον, étypton): This verb often refers to hitting with force, not just a light slap. The violence here is real and physical, not just symbolic.
  • "Prophesy" (προφήτευσον, prophḗteuson): The Greek word means to speak forth or reveal hidden things, often by divine insight. The captors are sarcastically demanding Jesus prove his prophetic powers by naming his attacker.

Why Luke 22:64 matters

  • Luke 22:64 clears up any idea that Jesus’ suffering was only emotional or spiritual; the verse shows he was physically abused and publicly mocked.
  • The verse emphasizes the depth of the humiliation Jesus faced, as even his identity as a prophet was ridiculed in a cruel and personal way.
  • This moment connects to the wider narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, showing the fulfillment of his earlier predictions that he would be rejected and mistreated.

Where else these words appear

“blindfolded” Greek G4028 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

“smote” Greek G3817 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
  • Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

“struck” Greek G5180 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
  • Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
  • Acts 21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

“Prophesy” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.