Luke 18:32 - For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on.

Generated Verse: Luke 18:32

What does "Luke 18:32" mean?


This verse, Luke 18:32, is part of Jesus's prediction of his suffering and death to his disciples. Let's break it down:

"For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles...": This means that Jesus will be handed over to the Roman authorities (Gentiles, meaning non-Jews). The Jewish religious leaders wanted Jesus dead, but they lacked the authority to carry out an execution. They needed the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to approve it.

"...will be mocked...": The Roman soldiers (and possibly others) will ridicule and make fun of Jesus. This mockery would likely involve taunts, insults, and perhaps even mimicking his claims to be the King of the Jews.

"...treated shamefully...": This refers to the humiliation and degradation Jesus would endure. It implies a lack of respect and the infliction of dishonor.

"...and spit on.": This is a particularly offensive and dehumanizing act. Spitting on someone was (and still can be) a sign of extreme contempt and revulsion.

In summary, the verse foreshadows Jesus's arrest and subsequent suffering at the hands of the Romans. It highlights the physical and emotional abuse he would endure, including being handed over to non-Jewish authorities, being ridiculed, treated with disrespect, and subjected to the ultimate insult of being spat upon. It is a stark prophecy of the humiliation and cruelty Jesus would face before his crucifixion.

It's important to note that this prediction is made by Jesus before these events actually happen. This foreshadowing serves several purposes within the narrative:

Demonstrates Jesus's divine knowledge: It emphasizes that Jesus is aware of what awaits him and is willingly walking into his destiny.
Highlights the injustice of his treatment: It underscores the contrast between Jesus's innocence and the brutal treatment he receives.
Adds weight to the theme of sacrifice: It reinforces the idea that Jesus is sacrificing himself for the sake of humanity.

Understanding this verse within the broader context of the Gospels provides a deeper appreciation of the significance of Jesus's suffering and death.