TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Complete Jewish Bible
and the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers began trying to find some way to get rid of Yeshua, because they were afraid of the people.
Berean Standard Bible
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.
American Standard Version
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
World English Bible Messianic
The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the hie Priests and Scribes sought how they might kill him: for they feared the people.
Young's Literal Translation
and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they may take him up, for they were afraid of the people.
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In the KJVVerse 25,867 of 31,102
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Commentary on Luke 22 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
The year of the redeemed is now come, which had been from eternity fixed in the divine counsels, and long looked for by them that waited for the consolation of Israel. After the revolutions of many ages, it is at length come, Isa 63:4. And, it is observable, it is in the very first month of that year that the redemption is wrought out, so much in haste was the Redeemer to perform his undertaking, so was he straitened till it was accomplished. It was in the same month, and at the same time of the month (in the beginning of months, Exo 12:2), that God by Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, that the Antitype might answer the type. Christ is here delivered up, when the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, Luk 22:1. About as long before that feast as they began to make preparation for it, here was preparation making for our Passover's being offered for us. Here we have,
I. His sworn enemies contriving it (Luk 22:2), the chief priests, men of sanctity, and the scribes, men of learning, seeking how they might kill him, either by force of fraud. Could they have had their will, it had been soon done, but they feared the people, and the more for what they now saw of their diligent attendance upon his preaching.
II. A treacherous disciple joining in with them, and coming to their assistance, Judas surnamed Iscariot. He is here said to be of the number of the twelve, that dignified distinguished number. One would wonder that Christ, who knew all men, should take a traitor into that number, and that one of that number, who could not but know Christ, should be so base as to betray him; but Christ had wise and holy ends in taking Judas to be a disciple, and how he who knew Christ so well yet came to betray him we are here told: Satan entered into Judas, Luk 22:3. It was the devil's work, who thought hereby to ruin Christ's undertaking, to have broken his head; but it proved only the bruising of his heel. Whoever betrays Christ, or his truths or ways, it is Satan that puts them upon it. Judas knew how desirous the chief priests were to get Christ into their hands, and that they could not do it safely without the assistance of some that knew his retirements, as he did. He therefore went himself, and made the motion to them, Luk 22:4. Note, It is hard to say whether more mischief is done to Christ's kingdom by the power and policy of its open enemies, or by the treachery and self-seeking of its pretended friends: nay, without the latter its enemies could not gain their point as they do. When you see Judas communing with the chief priests, be sure some mischief is hatching; it is for no good that they are laying their heads together.
III. The issue of the treaty between them. 1. Judas must betray Christ to them, must bring them to a place where they might seize him without danger of tumult, and this they would be glad of. 2. They must give him a sum of money for doing it, and this he would be glad of (Luk 22:5): They covenanted to give him money. When the bargain was made, Judas sought opportunity to betray him. Probably, he slyly enquired of Peter and John, who were more intimate with their Master than he was, where he would be at such a time, and whither he would retire after the passover, and they were not sharp enough to suspect him. Somehow or other, in a little time he gained the advantage he sought, and fixed the time and place where it might be done, in the absence of the multitude, and without tumult.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
The actions of the Jews were a shadow of our own. Accordingly if you ask of a Jew concerning the Passover, and the feast of unleavened bread, he will tell you nothing momentous, mentioning the deliverance from Egypt; whereas should a man inquire of me he would not hear of Egypt or Pharaoh, but of freedom from sin and the darkness of Satan, not by Moses, but by the Son of God;
Chrys. Hom. 79. in Matt.) The Chief Priests set about their impious deed on the feast, as it follows, And the Chief Priests and Scribes, &c. Moses ordained only one Priest, at whose death another was to be appointed. But at that time, when the Jewish customs had begun to fall away, there were many made every year. These then wishing to kill Jesus, are not afraid of God, lest in truth the holy time should aggravate the pollution of their sin, but every where fear man. Hence it follows, For they feared the people.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 140
Let us see the course of the devil's spite and the result of his crafty plans against Christ. The devil had implanted in the leaders of the Jewish synagogue envy against Christ, which even leads to murder. This disorder always leads, so to speak, to the guilt of murder. At least, this is the natural course of this vice. It was this way with Cain and Abel, and it clearly was so in the case of Joseph and his brothers. The divine Paul also very clearly makes these sins neighbors and relatives of one another. He spoke of some as full of envy and murder. The Jewish leaders sought to murder Jesus at the instigation of Satan, who had implanted this wickedness in them and who was their captain in their wicked projects. Satan is himself the inventor of murder, the root of sin and the fountain of all wickedness.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill him. For they feared the people. These things, two days before the Passover, Matthew testifies, having assembled the chief priests, and the elders of the people, and the scribes, in the court of Caiaphas. But they feared the people, not dreading an uprising, but taking caution lest he be taken from their hands by the aid of the people.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Now the Passover, which is called in Hebrew "Phase," is not so named from the Passion, but from the passing over, because the destroying angel, seeing the blood on the doors of the Israelites, passed over them, and touched not their first-born. Or the Lord Himself, giving assistance to His people, walked over them. But herein is the difference between the Passover and the feast of unleavened bread, that by the Passover is meant that day alone on which the lamb was slain towards the evening, that is, on the fourteenth day of the first month, but on the fifteenth, when the Israelites went out of Egypt, followed the feast of unleavened bread for seven days, up to the twenty-first of the same month. Hence the writers of the Gospel substitute one indifferently for the other. As here it is said, The day of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover. But it is signified by a mystery, that Christ having suffered once for us, has commanded us through the whole time of this world which is passed in seven days, to live in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Not indeed that they apprehended sedition, but were afraid lest by the interference of the people He should be taken out of their hands. And these things Matthew reports to have taken place two days before the Passover, when they were assembled in the judgment hall of Caiaphas.
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(non occ.) Whose Passion the Evangelist being about to relate, introduces the figure of it, saying, Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Luke 22:2 reveals the sinister plot of the Jewish religious authorities—the chief priests and scribes—to assassinate Jesus. Their malicious intent was driven not by a pursuit of justice or truth, but by a pragmatic fear of the populace, whose widespread admiration for Jesus made an overt arrest and execution politically perilous and potentially riot-inducing, thus necessitating a clandestine approach.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke's concise statement employs several effective literary devices. Irony is prominent, as the religious leaders, custodians of God's law and preparing for a sacred feast celebrating deliverance, are consumed by a murderous plot. Their actions stand in stark contrast to their purported spiritual role. The verse also utilizes Foreshadowing, immediately signaling the tragic trajectory of Jesus' final days and His impending crucifixion. Furthermore, there is a clear Antithesis between the leaders' fear of the people and Jesus' fearless resolve to fulfill His divine mission. The phrase "sought how they might kill him" implies Conspiracy, highlighting the clandestine and premeditated nature of their malevolent intent, driven by their pragmatic fear rather than any genuine legal or moral justification.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:2 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for profound wickedness, even among those entrusted with spiritual leadership. The religious authorities, driven by fear of losing their power and status, sought to eliminate the very source of truth and life. Yet, this verse simultaneously underscores the overarching theme of divine sovereignty. While human agents plot with malicious intent, their actions, however wicked, are ultimately woven into God's larger redemptive plan. The leaders' fear of the people, ironically, pushed them towards a clandestine arrest and trial, a path that ultimately led to the public crucifixion that God had foreordained for the salvation of humanity. This tension between human responsibility and divine purpose is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, demonstrating that even the darkest human deeds cannot thwart God's ultimate will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a sobering reflection on the nature of opposition to Christ and the human heart's propensity to prioritize self-preservation over truth and righteousness. The religious leaders' fear of the people, rather than a fear of God, drove their murderous plot. For us today, this serves as a powerful warning against allowing the fear of man, public opinion, or the potential loss of status to dictate our actions, especially when it compromises our commitment to Christ and His truth. It challenges us to examine our own motivations: are we seeking to please God or people? Furthermore, witnessing God's sovereignty at play, even amidst such profound human evil, provides immense comfort. We are reminded that no human conspiracy, no matter how powerful or malicious, can ultimately thwart God's perfect plan. This should encourage us to trust in God's control, even when facing seemingly overwhelming opposition or injustice, knowing that He can use even the darkest circumstances to bring about His glorious purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the chief priests and scribes so determined to kill Jesus?
Answer: Their determination stemmed from a complex mix of theological, political, and personal motivations. Theologically, they viewed Jesus as a blasphemer for claiming divine authority and challenging their interpretations of the Law and traditions. Politically, His growing popularity and claims to messiahship threatened to destabilize the delicate balance of power under Roman occupation, potentially provoking a Roman crackdown that could cost them their authority and "place and nation" (John 11:48). Personally, they resented His exposure of their hypocrisy and His challenge to their spiritual authority, leading to deep-seated envy and hatred (Matthew 27:18).
Why did they fear the people, and how did this fear influence their plan?
Answer: The chief priests and scribes feared the people because Jesus had a significant and devoted following, especially among the common folk who were drawn to His teachings, miracles, and compassion. An open arrest or execution during the crowded Passover festival could easily incite a riot or popular uprising (Matthew 21:46). Such civil unrest would inevitably draw the swift and brutal intervention of the Roman authorities, jeopardizing the leaders' privileged positions and potentially leading to the loss of their limited self-governance. This fear compelled them to seek a clandestine method of arrest and execution, aiming for a discreet plot rather than a public confrontation, as seen when they later sought Judas's help to betray Jesus away from the crowd (Luke 22:6).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:2, detailing the chief priests' and scribes' plot to kill Jesus, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' willing submission to this very plan. Though driven by human malice and fear, their conspiracy unwittingly propelled Jesus toward His ultimate purpose as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did not merely fall victim to a plot; He intentionally laid down His life, knowing that it was the only way to accomplish redemption (John 10:17-18). The very "killing" they sought to inflict became the means of salvation, as His death on the cross served as the ransom for many. Thus, the sinister human plot, born of fear and hatred, was divinely orchestrated to fulfill the ancient prophecies of a suffering servant (Isaiah 53), culminating in Christ's triumph over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe.