Luke 22:22

KJV

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} truly {G3303} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} goeth {G4198}, as {G2596} it was determined {G3724}: but {G4133} woe {G3759} unto that {G1565} man {G444} by {G1223} whom {G3739} he is betrayed {G3860}!

Complete Jewish Bible

The Son of Man is going to his death according to God’s plan, but woe to that man by whom he is being betrayed!”

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”

American Standard Version

For the Son of man indeed goeth, as it hath been determined: but woe unto that man through whom he is betrayed!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:22 unveils a profound paradox at the heart of Christ's Passion: the divine predetermination of the Son of Man's sacrificial journey to the cross, juxtaposed with the stark reality of human culpability in His betrayal. This pivotal declaration, made during the Last Supper, underscores God's sovereign plan for redemption while simultaneously pronouncing a solemn "woe" upon the individual who would facilitate this divinely appointed act through their own sinful choice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:22 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours leading up to His crucifixion. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has instituted the [Lord's Supper](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), transforming the Passover meal into a new covenant sealed by His body and blood. This declaration of His determined path and impending betrayal is uttered directly after He has shared the bread and wine, imbuing His words with immense solemnity and prophetic weight. Following this, the disciples immediately fall into a dispute about who is the greatest ([Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples Dispute Over Greatness")), highlighting their spiritual immaturity and stark contrast to Jesus' self-sacrificial focus, further emphasizing the gravity of Jesus' pronouncement about His betrayal and the "woe" that awaits the betrayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jews from across the Roman Empire converged on the city to commemorate their liberation from Egyptian bondage, a historical event that often fueled Messianic expectations and, consequently, Roman apprehension. The Passover meal itself was deeply symbolic, recalling the sacrificial lamb whose blood protected Israel from the angel of death. Jesus' reinterpretation of this meal, instituting the New Covenant, would have been revolutionary, though perhaps not fully grasped by His disciples at the moment. The concept of betrayal, especially by a close associate, was culturally abhorrent, carrying immense shame and condemnation within ancient Near Eastern societies, making the "woe" pronounced upon Judas particularly potent in this cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Predetermination**, asserting that Jesus' suffering was not an accident but part of God's eternal, unchangeable plan for salvation, echoing prophetic themes found throughout [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Human Responsibility and Accountability**, demonstrating that despite God's overarching plan, individuals remain morally responsible for their choices, as evidenced by the "woe" pronounced upon the betrayer. Thirdly, the use of the title **"Son of Man"** connects Jesus to the messianic, authoritative figure described in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority"), yet here, this figure is destined to "go" through suffering, underscoring His dual nature as both divine and fully human, fulfilling His redemptive mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **determined (Greek, _horízō'_):** From the verb meaning "to mark out or bound," this word conveys a strong sense of divine ordination, specific appointment, and fixed purpose. It signifies that Jesus' path to suffering and death was not a random event or a tragic accident, but a pre-ordained, divinely established decree, set in motion by God's sovereign will before time began.
* **woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** A primary exclamation of grief, denunciation, or a warning of impending judgment. This powerful interjection expresses profound sorrow, severe condemnation, and the certainty of dire consequences. When pronounced by Jesus, as seen in other contexts like the [woes against the Pharisees](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Woes Against the Pharisees"), it carries the weight of divine judgment and the inevitability of suffering for those who incur it.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** Meaning "to surrender," "yield up," "entrust," or "transmit." In this context, it specifically refers to the act of delivering someone over to an enemy or authority, often with the implication of treachery or disloyalty. Here, it denotes Judas's act of handing Jesus over to the Jewish authorities and ultimately to the Romans, a profound act of treachery despite its role in God's larger plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And truly the Son of man goeth":** This clause affirms Jesus' identity as the "Son of Man," a title He frequently used for Himself, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique messianic authority, often linked to the figure in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). The verb "goeth" (poreúomai) signifies a deliberate, purposeful journey, not a passive yielding to fate. It implies His willing movement towards the cross, fulfilling His pre-appointed mission rather than being merely a victim.
* **"as it was determined":** This critical phrase underscores the divine necessity and pre-ordained nature of Jesus' suffering and death. It asserts that His passion was not an unforeseen tragedy or a deviation from God's plan, but the very core of it. This divine decree ensures that despite the horrific nature of the events, God remains in sovereign control, working out His redemptive purposes.
* **"but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!":** This powerful declaration introduces a stark contrast (plḗn, "but"). While God's plan is fixed, human accountability remains absolute. The "woe" (ouaí) is a severe pronouncement of judgment and grief upon the specific individual who, through their own free will and sinful choice, would facilitate this divine plan by betraying Jesus. It highlights the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, affirming that even when human actions align with God's ultimate purpose, the moral culpability for sin rests entirely with the individual perpetrator.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Paradox** is central, as the verse simultaneously asserts divine predetermination ("as it was determined") and human culpability ("woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!"). This highlights the tension between God's sovereign will and human free will, a recurring theme in biblical theology. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Jesus explicitly predicts His betrayal and the dire consequences for the betrayer, setting the stage for the dramatic events that immediately follow in the Passion narrative. The use of **Contrast** is also prominent, juxtaposing the Son of Man's divinely appointed, purposeful journey with the moral depravity of the betrayer's act. Finally, the interjection "woe" functions as a powerful **Exclamation**, conveying intense emotion—grief, condemnation, and a solemn warning of impending judgment—underscoring the gravity of the betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:22 stands as a theological cornerstone, affirming God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even the most heinous acts of human sin, while simultaneously upholding human responsibility. It reveals that the cross was not a divine contingency plan, but the very heart of God's eternal purpose for redemption, "determined" before the foundation of the world. This divine orchestration ensures that salvation is entirely God's work, yet the "woe" pronounces a terrifying reality: participation in God's plan through evil means does not absolve the perpetrator of their sin. This tension between divine decree and human accountability is a profound mystery, yet it undergirds the biblical understanding of justice, grace, and human agency. The verse thus connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering plan for salvation, executed through the willing sacrifice of His Son, even amidst the darkest expressions of human depravity.

This verse finds strong parallels and theological echoes throughout Scripture:
* [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer")
* [Mark 14:21](/mark/14-21 "Mark 14:21 - The Son of Man Goes")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determinate Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:22 offers profound insights that resonate deeply with believers today, challenging us to embrace the paradox of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. It calls us to absolute trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. Just as Christ's suffering was "determined," we can find peace knowing that God is working all things together for good, even through trials and betrayals. This understanding cultivates a robust faith that endures hardship, recognizing that our ultimate hope rests not in the absence of suffering, but in the sovereign hand of a loving God who redeems even the worst of human actions. Simultaneously, the "woe" pronounced upon the betrayer serves as a sobering reminder of our own moral agency and the severe consequences of sin. It compels us to examine our hearts, confess our complicity in sin, and live lives of integrity and faithfulness, recognizing that our choices have eternal implications. We are called to be instruments of God's grace, not His judgment, and to live in a manner that honors the immense sacrifice of the Son of Man who willingly "went" for our salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between God's predetermination and human accountability in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply that God is working His determined plan, even amidst difficulties or betrayals?**
* **Considering the "woe" pronounced upon the betrayer, what does this verse teach you about the gravity of sin and the importance of personal responsibility before God?**

### FAQ

**How can God determine something yet hold someone accountable for their actions?**

Answer: This question touches upon a profound theological mystery known as the paradox of divine sovereignty and human free will. Luke 22:22 illustrates that God's plan is fixed and unchangeable ("as it was determined"), yet human beings remain morally responsible for their choices. The Bible consistently affirms both truths without fully reconciling them to human logic. God's foreknowledge and decree do not negate human agency. Judas's betrayal, though part of God's redemptive plan to bring about Christ's sacrifice, was still a choice made from his own wicked heart, for which he was fully culpable. The "woe" pronounced upon him underscores that God's plan does not excuse human sin, but rather incorporates it into His larger, perfect purpose, while still holding individuals accountable for their evil deeds ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determinate Counsel") and [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled")).

**Who is the "Son of man" and why is this title significant here?**

Answer: "Son of man" is a primary self-designation of Jesus throughout the Gospels, appearing over 80 times. It carries a dual significance. On one hand, it emphasizes Jesus' true humanity, His identification with mankind, and His solidarity with human suffering. On the other hand, it is a messianic title rooted in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority"), where the "Son of Man" is a divine, authoritative figure who receives everlasting dominion. In Luke 22:22, the title is significant because it highlights that this divinely authoritative figure, the promised Messiah, is precisely the one who must "go" (willingly journey) to suffer and die, fulfilling God's predetermined plan for humanity's salvation. It underscores His unique role as both human sacrifice and divine sovereign.

**What is the significance of the "woe" in this verse?**

Answer: The "woe" (Greek: _ouaí_) is a powerful exclamation of grief, denunciation, and a warning of impending judgment. When Jesus pronounces a "woe," it is not merely an expression of sorrow but a solemn declaration of divine condemnation and the certainty of severe consequences. In Luke 22:22, the "woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!" signifies the terrible fate awaiting Judas Iscariot. It underscores the immense gravity of betraying the Son of God and serves as a stark warning that even if one's actions inadvertently serve a divine purpose, personal sin and treachery will be met with divine judgment. It emphasizes that while God's plan is sovereign, human moral responsibility is never abrogated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:22 profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. The "Son of Man" who "goeth, as it was determined" is none other than Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God whose sacrifice was pre-ordained before the foundation of the world ([1 Peter 1:18-20](/1_peter/1-18-20 "1 Peter 1:18-20 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). His journey to the cross was not a tragic accident but a willing, obedient fulfillment of His Father's will, a path He embraced to secure salvation for humanity ([Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5-10 "Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ's Obedient Sacrifice")). Even the betrayal, a heinous act of human sin, was incorporated into God's sovereign design to bring about the ultimate atonement. Through this "determined" going, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "woe" pronounced on the betrayer highlights the stark contrast between human sin and divine righteousness, yet it is precisely through this divinely orchestrated suffering that Christ triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, establishing the New Covenant in His blood ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, Luke 22:22 points us directly to the cross, where God's sovereign love met humanity's deepest need through the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, the one who was "delivered up for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification" ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Psalms 109:6

¶ Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

Psalms 109:15

Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Psalms 55:12

For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: