And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples' immediate question, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" reveals a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission; they still expected a physical battle, completely missing that His power and victory would come through suffering and sacrifice, not earthly weapons. This shows how easily we can project our own expectations onto God's plan, even when we're close to Him.
And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and His closest disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, with Judas approaching with a mob to arrest Him. As the soldiers move to seize Jesus, those around Him, likely Peter and a few others, react with a desire to defend their Master, asking if they should use their swords. This moment of confusion and protective instinct immediately precedes Jesus healing the wounded servant and asserting His willing submission to God's plan.
The disciples saw Jesus about to be arrested and their immediate reaction was to draw a sword. What does this say about their understanding of Jesus' mission?
In Luke 22:49, we see a moment of intense confusion and fear for Jesus' disciples. As the crowd, led by Judas, moved to arrest Jesus, the disciples' instinct was to defend him physically.
Peter didn't just ask; he acted! This impulsive move shows how quickly our eagerness to help can lead us astray.
The disciples' willingness to fight for Jesus, though stemming from loyalty, was ultimately a misguided zeal. They acted before they had clear instruction, and their actions had consequences.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect (kyrios) acknowledging authority, power, and often divinity; it signifies the relationship of a servant to a master or a believer to Christ.
The disciples' readiness to fight with swords, contrasted with Jesus' acceptance of his fate and the emphasis on fulfilling Scripture, highlights the stark difference between their worldly expectations and Jesus' divine mission.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus and Disciples at Gethsemane
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples gathered in the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer. This was a time of immense emotional and spiritual distress for Jesus as he contemplated his impending suffering and crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Betrayal by Judas
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus, identifying him with a prearranged kiss.
c. AD 30
Peter's Impulsive Defense
In a moment of panicked loyalty, Peter drew a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. This action was a spontaneous, misguided attempt to defend Jesus physically.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Healing and Rebuke
Jesus rebuked Peter, telling him to put away his sword, and then miraculously healed the servant's ear. He emphasized that his kingdom was not of this world and that he could call on heavenly legions if he chose, but that the Scriptures must be fulfilled.
c. AD 30
Disciples Flee
Following Jesus' arrest, all of his disciples, including Peter, abandoned him and fled, leaving him to face the authorities alone.
This passage identifies Peter as the one who drew the sword and names the servant of the high priest, Malchus, adding specific details to the event described in Luke.
Matthew 26:52Jesus directly addresses the use of the sword, stating 'all who take the sword will perish by the sword,' reinforcing the theme of non-resistance in this moment.
Isaiah 53:7This prophetic passage describes the suffering servant being led like a lamb to the slaughter, highlighting Jesus' willing submission to arrest despite having divine power to resist.
Romans 12:19Paul echoes Jesus' teaching on non-retaliation, urging believers to 'never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,' which aligns with the disciples' misguided impulse and Jesus' correction.
pooleLuke 22:49: "When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?"
Ver. 49-51. No other evangelist but John hath this passage perfect. What he hath we have opened in our notes on Matthew 26:51,52 , because it tendeth to complete that part of the history there discoursed, concerning Christ’s being apprehended. John relates it with more circumstances, telling us that it was Peter who drew the sword, and that his name whose ear was cut off…
bengelLuke 22:49: "When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?"
Luke 22:49 . Τὸ ἐσόμενον , what was about to follow ) Contrary to their own opinion, which heretofore they had continued to hold.
The disciples' immediate question, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" reveals a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission; they still expected a physical battle, completely missing that His power and victory would come through suffering and sacrifice, not earthly weapons. This shows how easily we can project our own expectations onto God's plan, even when we're close to Him.
Jesus and His closest disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, with Judas approaching with a mob to arrest Him. As the soldiers move to seize Jesus, those around Him, likely Peter and a few others, react with a desire to defend their Master, asking if they should use their swords. This moment of confusion and protective instinct immediately precedes Jesus healing the wounded servant and asserting His willing submission to God's plan.
Jesus and His closest disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, with Judas approaching with a mob to arrest Him. As the soldiers move to seize Jesus, those around Him, likely Peter and a few others, react with a desire to defend their Master, asking if they should use their swords. This moment of confusion and protective instinct immediately precedes Jesus healing the wounded servant and asserting His willing submission to God's plan.
"And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”" — The disciples' immediate question, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" reveals a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission; they still expected a physical battle, completely missing that His po…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026