Luke 22:2

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

And {G2532} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} scribes {G1122} sought {G2212} how {G4459} they might kill {G337} him {G846}; for {G1063} they feared {G5399} the people {G2992}.

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.

and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.

And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.

Luke 22:2 (KJV): "And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people."

Context

This verse opens the narrative of Jesus' final days leading up to His crucifixion. It immediately follows the mention of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, drawing a stark contrast between a time of sacred celebration and the sinister plots brewing against Jesus. The "chief priests and scribes" represent the powerful religious and political elite of Jerusalem. They were members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council, who felt their authority threatened by Jesus' growing popularity and His teachings, which often challenged their traditions and hypocrisy. Their desire to kill Him was not new; it had been simmering throughout His ministry, but now, with the Passover approaching, the urgency increased, as Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims, making the situation volatile.

Key Themes

  • Conspiracy and Malice: The verse highlights the deep-seated hatred and malevolent intent of the Jewish leadership towards Jesus. They were actively "seeking how" to eliminate Him, indicating a calculated and determined plot rather than a spontaneous act. This reflects the spiritual battle against the Light.
  • Fear of the People: A crucial element is their fear of the common people. Jesus had gained a significant following, particularly among the ordinary folk who were captivated by His miracles, teachings, and compassion. The leaders were concerned that an open arrest or execution would incite a riot, which could draw the attention and harsh intervention of the Roman authorities. This fear dictated their strategy, forcing them to seek a clandestine method. Their fear of the Romans losing their "place and nation" if Jesus' movement escalated is also evident elsewhere.
  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Agency: While the chief priests and scribes meticulously planned Jesus' death, their actions ultimately served God's greater redemptive plan. Though driven by human wickedness, their conspiracy unwittingly moved Jesus towards the very purpose for which He came: to lay down His life as a ransom for many. This tension between human responsibility and divine purpose is a recurring biblical theme, notably seen in Peter's sermon in Acts 2:23.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "sought how they might kill him" is ἐζήτουν τὸ πῶς ἀνέλωσιν αὐτόν (ezētoun to pōs anelōsin auton). The verb ἐζήτουν (ezētoun), "they sought," is in the imperfect tense, suggesting a continuous or repeated action – they were persistently plotting and deliberating on the best method. The term ἀνέλωσιν (anelōsin), "to kill," carries the strong sense of utterly destroying or putting an end to someone, underscoring the finality they desired. The phrase "for they feared the people" (ἐφοβοῦντο γὰρ τὸν λαόν - ephobounto gar ton laon) uses the imperfect tense for "feared" (ἐφοβοῦντο), indicating an ongoing state of apprehension concerning "the people" (τὸν λαόν), referring to the general populace or crowd, who at this point were largely sympathetic to Jesus.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers several poignant reflections. Firstly, it reminds us that opposition to truth and righteousness often stems from self-preservation and fear, rather than genuine conviction. The religious leaders prioritized their power and status over justice. Secondly, it highlights the irony of human plans; even the most malicious plots can be integrated into God's sovereign will to achieve His ultimate purpose. For believers today, this verse can be a comfort, knowing that God remains in control even amidst human wickedness and conspiracies. It also serves as a reminder to not fear man, but to trust in God's perfect plan, even when facing opposition, much like Jesus Himself did as He walked toward His destiny.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 11:47

    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

  • John 11:53

    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

  • John 11:57

    Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew [it], that they might take him.

  • Matthew 26:3

    Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

  • Matthew 26:5

    But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

  • Matthew 21:45

    And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

  • Matthew 21:46

    But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

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