Luke 22:7-18

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 22:7 tn The words “for the feast” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied for clarity.
2. Luke 22:7 sn Generally the feast of Unleavened Bread would refer to Nisan 15 (Friday), but the following reference to the sacrifice of the Passover lamb indicates that Nisan 14 (Thursday) was what Luke had in mind (Nisan = March 27 to April 25). The celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted eight days, beginning with the Passover meal. The celebrations were so close together that at times the names of both were used interchangeably.
3. Luke 22:8 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4. Luke 22:8 sn This required getting a suitable lamb and finding lodging in Jerusalem where the meal could be eaten. The population of the city swelled during the feast, so lodging could be difficult to find. The Passover was celebrated each year in commemoration of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt; thus it was a feast celebrating redemption (see Exod 12). The Passover lamb was roasted and eaten after sunset in a family group of at least ten people (m. Pesahim 7.13). People ate the meal while reclining (see the note on table in 22:14). It included, besides the lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs as a reminder of Israel’s bitter affliction at the hands of the Egyptians. Four cups of wine mixed with water were also used for the meal. For a further description of the meal and the significance of the wine cups, see E. Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, 523-24.
5. Luke 22:8 tn Grk “for us, so that we may eat.”
6. Luke 22:9 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
7. Luke 22:9 tn In the Greek text this a deliberative subjunctive.
8. Luke 22:10 tn Grk “behold.”
9. Luke 22:10 sn Since women usually carried these jars, it would have been no problem for Peter and John to recognize the man Jesus was referring to.
10. Luke 22:10 sn Jesus is portrayed throughout Luke 22-23 as very aware of what will happen, almost directing events. Here this is indicated by his prediction that a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.
11. Luke 22:11 tn Grk “to the master of the household,” referring to one who owns and manages the household, including family, servants, and slaves (L&N 57.14).
12. Luke 22:13 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of Jesus’ instructions.
13. Luke 22:13 tn The word “things” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
14. Luke 22:13 sn The author’s note that the disciples found things just as he had told them shows that Jesus’ word could be trusted.
15. Luke 22:14 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
16. Luke 22:14 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
17. Luke 22:14 tn Grk “reclined at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
18. Luke 22:14 tn Grk “the apostles with him.”
19. Luke 22:15 tn This phrase parallels a Hebrew infinitive absolute and serves to underline Jesus’ enthusiasm for holding this meal (BDF §198.6).
20. Luke 22:16 tn Although the word “again” is not in the Greek text, it is supplied to indicate that Jesus did indeed partake of this Passover meal, as statements in v. 18 suggest (“from now on”). For more complete discussion see D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1720.
21. Luke 22:16 sn Jesus looked to a celebration in the kingdom to come when the Passover is fulfilled. This reference could well suggest that some type of commemorative sacrifice and meal will be celebrated then, as the antecedent is the Passover sacrifice. The reference is not to the Lord’s supper as some argue, but the Passover.
22. Luke 22:16 sn The kingdom of God here refers to the kingdom in all its power. See Luke 17:20-37.
23. Luke 22:17 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
24. Luke 22:17 sn Then he took a cup. Only Luke mentions two cups at this meal; the other synoptic gospels (Matt, Mark) mention only one. This is the first of the two. It probably refers to the first cup in the traditional Passover meal, which today has four cups (although it is debated whether the fourth cup was used in the 1st century).
25. Luke 22:18 tn Grk “the produce” (“the produce of the vine” is a figurative expression for wine).
26. Luke 22:18 sn Until the kingdom of God comes is a reference to the kingdom in all its power. See Luke 17:20-37. Jesus awaits celebration with the arrival of full kingdom blessing.