Luke 22 68

Luke 22:68 kjv

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

Luke 22:68 nkjv

And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.

Luke 22:68 niv

and if I asked you, you would not answer.

Luke 22:68 esv

and if I ask you, you will not answer.

Luke 22:68 nlt

And if I ask you a question, you won't answer.

Luke 22 verses

Luke 22 68 Meaning

This verse encapsulates Jesus' profound foreknowledge of His trial's outcome and the deep spiritual blindness of His accusers, the Sanhedrin. He states with prophetic certainty that no matter what He might ask or say in His defense, or how compelling His truth might be, they are predetermined to not genuinely engage, respond with truth, or release Him. It highlights the futility of reason and divine revelation when confronted by hardened hearts committed to condemnation rather than justice or truth.

Luke 22 68 Context

Luke 22:68 is set during Jesus' "trial" before the Jewish Sanhedrin, immediately after His arrest in Gethsemane and Peter's denial. The Sanhedrin convenes at daybreak, eager to condemn Jesus. They begin by demanding if He is the Christ (Lk 22:67). Jesus responds by directly challenging their motives, knowing that no truthful answer or plea would sway them. He recognizes their fixed resolve to find grounds for His execution, despite lacking legitimate charges. This specific verse reveals Jesus' full awareness of their hardened hearts and their rejection of both His person and His truth, making any genuine interaction futile. The broader Lukan context underscores Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, continually predicting His passion and death, emphasizing His submission to the Father's will even as human wickedness is unveiled.

Luke 22 68 Word analysis

• If (Εἰ, Ei): Introduces a conditional clause. It sets up a hypothetical scenario that Jesus knows will not yield a positive outcome.
• I ask (ἐρωτήσω, erōtēsō): From erōtaō. Means to inquire, to put a question, to ask a favor or a request. Here, it signifies Jesus initiating a direct communication or an attempt at rational dialogue or plea.
• you (ὑμᾶς, hymas): Plural, referring directly to the members of the Sanhedrin—the Jewish high court, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes.
• you will not (οὐ μὴ, ou mē): A very strong double negative in Greek, emphasizing absolute negation. "By no means will you," or "never will you." It denotes absolute certainty of their refusal.
• answer (ἀποκριθῆτε, apokrithēte): From apokrinomai. To respond, to give an answer. Implies a genuine and truthful reply to the inquiry. Jesus foresees their resolute refusal to offer a legitimate or truthful response.
• and (οὐδὲ, oude): Connects the two parts of Jesus' statement, indicating a progression from not answering to not releasing. It acts as "nor" or "not even."
• if I implore you: This phrasing is interpretative in some English translations (like NASB) reflecting the underlying sentiment. The Greek directly moves to the outcome. Jesus would essentially be making His case or appealing for justice or His release.
• you will in no way (οὐ μὴ, ou mē): Again, the strong double negative, stressing the impossibility of their releasing Him.
• release (ἀπολύσητε, apolysēte): From apolyo. To let go, send away, release, or divorce. Here, it refers to releasing Him from custody and condemnation. Jesus knew they would not let Him go free.
• Me (με, me): Object of the verbs, highlighting Jesus Himself as the one whom they would not genuinely engage or set free.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "If I ask you, you will not answer": This clause reveals Jesus' profound understanding of their predetermined malice. He knows any attempt at genuine dialogue, to reason with them or clarify His claims, would be met with an unyielding refusal to engage truthfully. Their minds are already made up; they seek condemnation, not understanding or justice. This also contrasts with their earlier attempts to entrap Him with questions, which He masterfully turned back on them (Lk 20:20-26).
• "and if I implore you, you will in no way release Me": The second part underlines their fixed resolve to pursue His death. Even if Jesus were to appeal for His freedom, or plead His case, they would absolutely not release Him. This is not about His legal defense, but about their spiritual state—their determination to silence the truth and execute Him. The intensity of the double negative ("in no way," "by no means") highlights the immutability of their decision from a human standpoint, though it ultimately aligns with God's sovereign plan.

Luke 22 68 Bonus section

This verse stands in stark contrast to Pilate's later efforts to release Jesus (Lk 23:16, 23:20-22), which also proved futile due to the crowd's relentless demand for crucifixion, driven by the Jewish leaders. This further demonstrates the deep-seated intention of the Sanhedrin that no genuine plea or attempt at release would succeed. The emphasis on "will not answer" or "release" signifies a judicial death, not a political one. It also highlights Jesus' Messianic patience and self-control, as He clearly perceives the inner motives and wicked intentions of His accusers, yet submits to the divine plan for redemption.

Luke 22 68 Commentary

Luke 22:68 is a poignant declaration of Jesus' complete foreknowledge and unwavering perception amidst His "trial." It reveals the futility of confronting deliberate spiritual darkness with truth. Jesus understands that the Sanhedrin's "inquiry" is a sham; they are not seekers of truth but agents of a predetermined condemnation rooted in hostility to God's Son. His statement highlights their entrenched resistance to divine light and genuine dialogue. They had closed their minds and hearts to Him, sealing their own judgment by rejecting their Messiah. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that not all ears are open to truth, and often, those who appear to seek it are merely pursuing a preordained narrative against it.