And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

LUKE 22:68KJV
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Luke 22:68 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:68 mean?

Luke 22:68 shows Jesus telling the religious leaders that even if He were to ask them questions, they would not answer Him or release Him. Jesus is pointing out their unwillingness to engage honestly or consider letting Him go, no matter what He says or asks.

In this scene, Jesus is standing before the Jewish council after His arrest. He has just been questioned about His identity as the Messiah. By saying this, Jesus highlights the council’s closed-mindedness and the fact that their minds are already made up against Him, making any further discussion pointless.

The Greek behind Luke 22:68

  • οὐ μή (ou mē, transliterated as "not") is a strong double negative in Greek, often used to emphasize that something absolutely will not happen. Here, Jesus stresses that they absolutely will not answer Him.
  • ἀπολύω (apolyō, "let go" or "release") means to set someone free. Jesus is making it clear that the council has no intention of releasing Him, regardless of what He says.

Why Luke 22:68 matters

  • Luke 22:68 clears up any idea that Jesus was given a fair hearing; He exposes the council’s refusal to listen or consider His answers.
  • The verse highlights the tension and injustice of Jesus’ trial, showing that the outcome was predetermined.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus being rejected by the religious authorities, despite speaking truthfully and openly.

Where else these words appear

“ask” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“go” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.