Luke 22:23

KJV

And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they {G846} began {G756} to enquire {G4802} among {G4314} themselves {G1438}, which {G5101}{G686} of {G1537} them {G846} it was {G1498} that should {G3195} do {G4238} this thing {G5124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They began asking each other which of them could be about to do such a thing.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

American Standard Version

And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:23 captures the disciples' bewildered and anxious reaction immediately following Jesus's solemn declaration that one of them would betray Him. Unable to comprehend such a heinous act from within their intimate circle, they turn inward, each questioning among themselves, consumed by a mixture of disbelief, fear, and a dawning, albeit misdirected, sense of personal accountability regarding the identity of the betrayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the profoundly significant narrative of the Last Supper, as recorded in [Luke 22](/luke/22 "Luke 22 - The Last Supper and Betrayal"). Jesus has just instituted the New Covenant through the symbols of His body and blood ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), transforming the ancient Passover into a prophetic meal pointing to His sacrificial death. Immediately after this sacred moment, Jesus delivers the shocking pronouncement: "But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table" ([Luke 22:21](/luke/22-21 "Luke 22:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). This abrupt shift from intimate communion to the stark reality of betrayal creates immense dramatic tension. The disciples' subsequent "enquiry among themselves" in [Luke 22:23](/luke/22-23 "Luke 22:23 - Disciples Question the Betrayer's Identity") highlights their initial failure to grasp the spiritual darkness at play, as well as the profound mystery of Judas's hardened heart, which had already been influenced by Satan ([Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas")). The verse sets the stage for the escalating events of Jesus's arrest and trial.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a foundational ritual in Jewish life commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The atmosphere would have been one of solemn remembrance, communal fellowship, and Messianic expectation. For Jesus to declare betrayal during such a sacred meal, especially by one of His inner circle, was a profound violation of hospitality and trust, deeply shocking within the cultural norms of the time. Eating together signified covenant and loyalty; to betray someone with whom one shared bread was considered an act of ultimate treachery (cf. [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")). The disciples' immediate introspection, rather than outward accusation, might also reflect a cultural understanding of collective responsibility or a deep-seated fear of being implicated in such a grave offense, especially given the volatile political climate under Roman occupation and the watchful eye of the Jewish religious authorities.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 22:23](/luke/22-23 "Luke 22:23 - Disciples' Reaction to Betrayal Prophecy") contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human fallibility and spiritual blindness**, even among those closest to Jesus. Despite Jesus's clear prophecy, the disciples remain oblivious to Judas's identity, highlighting their limited spiritual discernment and the deceptive power of sin. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **betrayal and divine sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the most heinous acts of human wickedness are ultimately woven into God's redemptive plan, as Jesus Himself states that the Son of Man "goeth, as it was determined" ([Luke 22:22](/luke/22-22 "Luke 22:22 - The Son of Man Goes as Determined")). Thirdly, the disciples' reaction introduces the theme of **self-examination**, albeit initially misdirected. Their questioning, "which of them it was," prompts a moment of anxious introspection, foreshadowing later instances of their own weaknesses and failures, such as Peter's denial ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")). This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the constant need for vigilance and humility in the spiritual life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **syzētéō (Greek, _syzētéō'_):** Translated as "to enquire" or "to question," this verb (G4802) indicates a joint investigation or discussion. It implies more than a casual query, suggesting an earnest, perhaps agitated, debate or dispute among the disciples. They are not merely asking a question but are actively reasoning together, attempting to deduce the identity of the betrayer. This word highlights the collective, internal struggle as they grapple with Jesus's shocking revelation.
* **heautoû (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun (G1438), translated as "themselves," emphasizes that the questioning was directed inward, within their own group. It underscores the intimacy of the betrayal—it would come from "one of their own"—and the immediate, personal impact of Jesus's words on each disciple. It speaks to a moment of shared, anxious introspection rather than outward accusation.
* **prássō (Greek, _prássō'_):** Translated as "do" in the phrase "should do this thing," this verb (G4238) implies a habitual or repeated action, distinguishing it from a single, isolated act. While Judas's betrayal was a singular event, the use of _prássō_ here might subtly hint at the underlying character or "practice" of betrayal, or the profound and enduring nature of the "thing" being done. It signifies the execution or accomplishment of a deed, emphasizing the gravity and deliberateness of the impending act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they began to enquire among themselves,"**: This clause immediately follows Jesus's declaration of betrayal. The disciples, profoundly shocked and bewildered, do not immediately point fingers or identify Judas. Instead, their reaction is one of inward turning, a collective and anxious self-examination. The phrase "began to enquire" (Greek: _ērxanto syzētein_) conveys the initiation of a discussion or debate, indicating their deep perplexity and the sudden, unsettling realization that the betrayer was one of them.
* **"which of them it was"**: This phrase reveals the core of their inquiry. They are not questioning *if* the betrayal would happen, for Jesus's words were undeniable, but *who* among their trusted circle could possibly commit such an act. This highlights their spiritual blindness and inability to perceive the true state of Judas's heart, despite their intimate proximity to him and to Jesus.
* **"that should do this thing."**: The phrase "this thing" (Greek: _touto to pragma_) is left intentionally vague, yet its implications are devastatingly clear. It refers to the unspeakable act of betraying the Son of Man, an act so heinous that it need not be explicitly named. The use of "should do" (Greek: _mellōn prassein_) implies an act that is about to happen, emphasizing the imminence and certainty of the betrayal, even as its perpetrator remains shrouded in mystery to the disciples.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:23 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**. The audience, having read [Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3-6 "Luke 22:3-6 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus"), knows that Satan has entered Judas and that he has already conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus. The disciples, however, remain oblivious, their anxious questioning ("which of them it was") highlighting their profound ignorance of the unfolding tragedy within their own ranks. This creates a poignant tension between the disciples' limited understanding and the reader's full knowledge. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, not only of Judas's imminent betrayal but also of the disciples' own future failures and weaknesses, such as Peter's denial ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")) and the general scattering of the sheep ([Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering")). The uncertainty and internal suspicion among the disciples also build **Suspense**, drawing the reader into the immediate, unsettling atmosphere of the Last Supper.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' bewildered questioning in Luke 22:23 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and the deceptive power of the human heart, even within the most sacred of fellowships. It underscores the reality that spiritual darkness can reside in close proximity to divine light, and that outward appearances can mask profound internal corruption. The scene implicitly affirms Jesus's omniscience and sovereign control over events, as He knows the betrayer's identity and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, even as His disciples remain in the dark. This moment also highlights the importance of humility and self-examination for all believers, prompting us to consider our own hearts in the face of spiritual challenges rather than immediately casting judgment on others.

* [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Question") - "And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?"
* [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples Look at One Another") - "Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake."
* [1 Corinthians 11:28](/1_corinthians/11-28 "1 Corinthians 11:28 - Self-Examination Before Communion") - "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:23 offers a timeless and piercing challenge for every believer. When confronted with difficult truths about sin, betrayal, or spiritual compromise, our natural inclination might be to look outward, to identify the "Judas" in our midst, or to assume that such failures are always external to ourselves. However, the disciples' initial, albeit confused, self-inquiry—"which of them it was"—serves as a powerful call to humble introspection. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of vigilant self-examination, asking ourselves, "Lord, could it be I?" It reminds us that spiritual vulnerability is not limited to those far from God, but can subtly creep into the hearts of even those who walk closely with Christ. True spiritual maturity involves an honest assessment of our own hearts, acknowledging our capacity for sin and our constant need for God's grace to remain faithful. In a world quick to accuse and slow to self-reflect, [Luke 22:23](/luke/22-23 "Luke 22:23 - The Call to Self-Examination") urges us to prioritize personal holiness and humble dependence on Christ, recognizing that our greatest battle is often fought within.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When confronted with sin or spiritual failure within the community, is my first instinct to look outward or inward?**
* **What areas of my life might be susceptible to subtle forms of spiritual compromise or unfaithfulness?**
* **How does the disciples' initial blindness to Judas's true nature challenge my own assumptions about spiritual discernment?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more consistent practice of humble self-examination and reliance on God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples unable to identify Judas immediately, even after Jesus's clear statement?**

Answer: The disciples' inability to immediately identify Judas, despite Jesus's stark warning in [Luke 22:21](/luke/22-21 "Luke 22:21 - Jesus Predicts Betrayal"), highlights several factors. Firstly, it speaks to the **deceptive nature of sin**; Judas had maintained an outward appearance of loyalty, masking his true intentions and the spiritual darkness that had entered him ([Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas")). His betrayal was a private, internal struggle that had not been evident to his companions. Secondly, it reflects the **disciples' own spiritual limitations and naiveté**. They were still learning to discern spiritual realities and were likely focused on their own roles and the implications of Jesus's Messianic claims. The idea that one of *them*, a member of the intimate twelve, could commit such an act was unfathomable and deeply shocking. Finally, Jesus's statement was a general warning, not a direct accusation of Judas by name in Luke's account, allowing for the collective introspection that followed. The other Gospels provide slightly different details, with [John 13:26-27](/john/13-26-27 "John 13:26-27 - Jesus Identifies Judas with the Sop") showing Jesus identifying Judas more directly to John.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:23, with its depiction of the disciples' bewildered self-inquiry, profoundly underscores the unique and unparalleled nature of Christ's mission and His sovereign control over even the darkest acts of human treachery. While the disciples were consumed by the uncertainty of who would "do this thing," Jesus knew the betrayer from the beginning ([John 6:64](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus Knew From the Beginning")). His willingness to allow the betrayal to proceed, even to share the Passover meal with His betrayer, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's redemptive plan. The "thing" that Judas was about to "do" was not an unforeseen tragedy, but a divinely ordained step towards the cross, where Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the confusion and fear of the disciples ultimately point to the clarity and courage of Christ, who, though "delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God," willingly submitted to the hands of lawless men to accomplish our salvation ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Jesus's Crucifixion")). In His suffering and betrayal, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the prophecies, becoming the one true and faithful Son, whose perfect obedience redeemed humanity from the consequences of all betrayal and sin.

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

Mark 14:19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

John 13:22

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

John 13:25

He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Matthew 26:22

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?