For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say he'll be with transgressors, but "reckoned among" them, meaning he'll be treated as one of them, even though he's innocent. This incredible suffering, the prophecy's "end," was the culmination of everything written about the Messiah's passion, not just some unfortunate event, but the necessary fulfillment of God's plan.
For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is explaining to his disciples that his upcoming suffering and death, particularly being executed alongside criminals, is not a random tragedy but a necessary fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He points to the Scripture describing the Suffering Servant being numbered with transgressors, stating this must be accomplished in him, signaling that his mission is nearing its definitive conclusion. This intense moment occurs right after Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts Peter's denial, highlighting the disciples' confusion and their own impending struggles.
Jesus points to a specific Old Testament passage and declares it's about to come true in Him. What does this reveal about His mission?
Jesus intentionally connects His upcoming crucifixion to a prophecy in Isaiah 53. He says, 'this Scripture must yet be fulfilled in me.' This isn't an accident or a tragic twist of fate; it's the planned climax of His earthly ministry.
He's quoting from Isaiah 53:12, which describes the suffering Servant of the Lord being 'numbered with the transgressors.' Jesus is making it crystal clear that this prophetic description isn't just a story – it's His destiny.
This fulfillment signifies that Jesus wasn't just treated like a criminal; His suffering and death were the divine purpose for overcoming sin and reconciling us to God. It was the 'end' or 'consummation' of the prophecies concerning His suffering.
Jesus was 'numbered with the transgressors.' What does this precise wording tell us about His identity and His suffering?
The phrase 'numbered with the transgressors' (or 'lawless ones') means Jesus was treated as if He were one of them. He was innocent, holy, and undefiled, yet He was executed alongside criminals.
This wasn't just a matter of association; it speaks to the profound theological reality of what happened on the cross. Through the imputation of our sins to Him, and the bearing of God's wrath against those sins, Jesus was identified with sinners in the eyes of God's justice.
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His perfect righteousness was exchanged for our sinfulness. He stepped into the place of transgressors, not because He had sinned, but so that we, through Him, might be made righteous.
Jesus speaks of 'the things concerning me' having an 'end.' What does this urgent declaration signify for His mission and His disciples?
When Jesus says, 'for the things concerning me have an end,' He's signaling that His earthly work and suffering are reaching their climax. The prophecies are being fulfilled, and His mission is almost complete.
This phrase signifies the consummation or completion of His destined path. It's the point where His suffering, described in prophecy, is about to be finalized through His crucifixion.
This urgency also has implications for the disciples. As Jesus is about to face His ultimate trial and apparent defeat, the disciples are arguing about who is greatest. Jesus uses this moment to warn them that their journey will also be marked by hardship and persecution, contrasting His nearing 'end' with their beginning struggles.
Understand the original words
anomos · Greek Noun
A person who violates a law or moral code; in a biblical context, it refers to those who are rebellious against God's will or covenant.
teleō · Greek Verb
The action of carrying out, completing, or realizing what has been spoken or written by God, particularly concerning messianic prophecy.
Jesus powerfully connects His own imminent suffering and death to ancient prophecy, revealing that being treated as a criminal is not a misunderstanding of His mission, but its divinely ordained climax.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
The prophet Isaiah foretells the suffering and eventual triumph of a "servant of the Lord," who will be "numbered with the transgressors."
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry Near Its End
Jesus' public ministry is concluding, and His passion week is beginning in Jerusalem. His disciples are still struggling to grasp the nature of His kingdom and mission.
Night of Passover Meal
Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus establishes a new covenant meal for His followers, foretelling His impending betrayal and death.
Night of Passover Meal
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
Jesus warns Peter that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. This highlights the disciples' weakness and inability to grasp Jesus' true mission.
Night of Passover Meal— this verse
Jesus Cites Isaiah 53:12
Jesus directly references the prophecy from Isaiah, stating that His impending crucifixion, where He will be treated as a criminal, is a necessary fulfillment of Scripture.
Following Day
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be numbered with transgressors. His earthly work is completed.
This is the direct Old Testament prophecy that Jesus is quoting, showing how His suffering and being numbered with sinners was foretold long before.
Matthew 27:38This passage directly parallels Jesus being crucified between two thieves, illustrating the fulfillment of being 'numbered with the transgressors' in a very stark way.
2 Corinthians 5:21This verse explains the theological significance of Jesus being treated as a sinner, stating that 'for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin,' highlighting the substitutionary aspect of His suffering.
Mark 15:28This verse is another Gospel account that records the fulfillment of the prophecy, showing Jesus being counted among the lawless ones during His crucifixion.
vincentLuke 22:37: "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."
Have an end (τέλος ἔχει)The phrase is synonymous with be accomplished (τελεσθῆναι, Rev., fulfilled). In classical Greek this latter word is often used of the fulfilment of an oracle: also of things which are settled beyond controversy. The two expressions here give the two meanings. The prophecy is fulfilled; the t…
barnesLuke 22:37: "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."
This that is written - See the notes at Isaiah 53:12 . Was reckoned among the transgressors - Not reckoned as a transgressor, but "among or with" them - that is, he was treated as transgressors are. He was put to death in their company, and as he "would have been" if he had been a transgressor. He was innocent, holy, h…
Jesus doesn't just say he'll be with transgressors, but "reckoned among" them, meaning he'll be treated as one of them, even though he's innocent. This incredible suffering, the prophecy's "end," was the culmination of everything written about the Messiah's passion, not just some unfortunate event, but the necessary fulfillment of God's plan.
Jesus is explaining to his disciples that his upcoming suffering and death, particularly being executed alongside criminals, is not a random tragedy but a necessary fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He points to the Scripture describing the Suffering Servant being numbered with transgressors, stating this must be accomplished in him, signaling that his mission is nearing its definitive conclusion. This intense moment occurs right after Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts Peter's denial, highlighting the disciples' confusion and their own impending struggles.
Jesus is explaining to his disciples that his upcoming suffering and death, particularly being executed alongside criminals, is not a random tragedy but a necessary fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He points to the Scripture describing the Suffering Servant being numbered with transgressors, stating this must be accomplished in him, signaling that his mission is nearing its definitive conclusion. This intense moment occurs right after Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts Peter's denial, highlighting the disciples' confusion and their own impending struggles.
"For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”" — Jesus doesn't just say he'll be with transgressors, but "reckoned among" them, meaning he'll be treated as one of them, even though he's innocent. This incredible suffering, the prophecy's "end,"…
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Last reviewed October 2026