Luke 22:36

“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. He instructs them to make preparations for the difficult times ahead.

To understand the context and meaning of this verse, it’s important to consider the broader narrative. In the preceding verses, Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples, during which he institutes the Lord’s Supper, predicts his betrayal, and emphasizes the importance of humility and service. In Luke 22:35, Jesus mentions how, during his earlier ministry, the disciples lacked nothing, as he provided for them miraculously. However, he now speaks of a different situation.

The verse begins with Jesus saying, “But now.” This phrase signifies a change in circumstances and implies that the conditions they previously experienced would no longer apply. Jesus proceeds to provide practical instructions to his disciples for the challenging times they will face after his departure.

First, he instructs those who have a purse (a money bag) to take it and likewise their scrip (a small bag used for provisions). This advice suggests that they should be prepared materially and financially. It emphasizes the need for prudence and foresight in meeting their basic needs in the future.

Second, Jesus states, “he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” This statement has generated some discussion and debate among scholars. Some interpret this verse as a literal command to acquire swords for self‑defense, while others argue for a symbolic or metaphorical interpretation.

Those who support a literal interpretation suggest that Jesus is encouraging his disciples to obtain weapons for their own protection. However, this interpretation raises questions because later in the Garden of Gethsemane, when one of the disciples uses a sword to defend Jesus, Jesus rebukes him and heals the wounded person (Luke 22:49‑51).

Others propose that Jesus’s mention of the sword is metaphorical, symbolizing the challenging and dangerous times ahead. It could represent the need for spiritual preparedness, inner strength, and the willingness to face persecution and opposition.

Considering the broader teachings of Jesus throughout the New Testament, it is more consistent with his message of love, nonviolence, and forgiveness to understand the sword as a symbolic reference.

“Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” This statement reinforces the idea that Jesus did not endorse the use of violence.

In conclusion, Luke 22:36 serves as a reminder to the disciples to be prepared for the challenges they will encounter in the future. Jesus encourages them to be wise with their resources and to be spiritually prepared for the opposition they will face. The mention of the sword, whether literal or symbolic, serves as a metaphorical representation of the trials they will endure rather than an endorsement of violence.