And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

LUKE 22:71KJV
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Luke 22:71 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:71 mean?

Luke 22:71 shows the religious leaders declaring that they do not need any more testimony against Jesus, because they believe his own words have condemned him. They claim that what Jesus has just said is enough evidence for their case.

The scene takes place during Jesus’ trial before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin). The council members are speaking to each other after questioning Jesus about his identity. They decide that, since they have heard Jesus speak for himself, they no longer need witnesses to accuse him—his own statement is, in their view, sufficient for a charge.

The Greek behind Luke 22:71

  • μαρτυρία (martyria, G3141) means "witness" or "testimony." Here, it refers to legal evidence or statements from others, which the council now says are unnecessary.
  • στόμα (stoma, G4750) means "mouth." The leaders emphasize that the words came directly from Jesus’ own mouth, highlighting the perceived self-incrimination.

Why Luke 22:71 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the council’s decision to condemn Jesus is based on his own words, not just on accusations from others, which shows the seriousness of the charge in their eyes.
  • It connects to the wider passage by marking the transition from the religious trial to the handover to Roman authorities, setting up the next stage of the events leading to the crucifixion.
  • The verse helps clear up any misunderstanding that the case against Jesus was built only on hearsay or unreliable witnesses; the leaders believe they have direct evidence.

Where else these words appear

“witness” Greek G3141 · used in 33 verses

  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
  • 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

“we” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“further” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;