Luke 22:3

KJV

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} entered {G1525} Satan {G4567} into {G1519} Judas {G2455} surnamed {G1941} Iscariot {G2469}, being {G5607} of {G1537} the number {G706} of the twelve {G1427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point the Adversary went into Y’hudah from K’riot, who was one of the Twelve.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.

American Standard Version

And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:3 marks a pivotal and ominous moment in the passion narrative, revealing the direct intervention of Satan in the life of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's chosen twelve disciples. This verse sets the stage for the betrayal of Jesus, underscoring the spiritual forces at play behind human actions and highlighting the profound tragedy of a trusted insider becoming the instrument of evil. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the vulnerability of even those closest to divine truth when their hearts are not fully devoted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of the chief priests and scribes seeking a way to kill Jesus, fearing the people's reaction if they acted openly ([Luke 22:1-2](/luke/22-1-2 "Luke 22:1-2 - The Plot Against Jesus")). The narrative then shifts abruptly to Judas, presenting his willingness to betray Jesus as the providential solution to their dilemma. This juxtaposition emphasizes the dark convergence of human malice and demonic influence, setting the stage for the Passover preparations and the Last Supper, which will be irrevocably tainted by this impending betrayal. The subsequent verses detail Judas's agreement with the religious authorities and their joy at securing an insider's help ([Luke 22:4-6](/luke/22-4-6 "Luke 22:4-6 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, just before the Passover feast, a time when the city swelled with pilgrims, making any public arrest of a popular figure like Jesus fraught with danger for the authorities. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, was desperate to eliminate Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their authority and the delicate peace with Rome. Betrayal for money was not uncommon in the ancient world, and the thirty pieces of silver mentioned in Matthew's account ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - The Price of Betrayal")) would have been a significant sum, though perhaps not enough to justify such an act for a truly devoted follower. The concept of demonic influence and possession was also well-understood in Jewish culture, providing a framework for interpreting extraordinary evil.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the pervasive theme of **spiritual warfare**, demonstrating that human events, especially those with cosmic significance, are often undergirded by unseen spiritual battles. The betrayal by an insider underscores the theme of **discipleship and its perils**, revealing that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee faithfulness if the heart is compromised by sin, as Judas's greed is noted elsewhere ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed")). Finally, it speaks to **divine sovereignty and human responsibility**, illustrating how even the wicked actions of individuals, influenced by evil, ultimately serve God's redemptive plan, leading to the crucifixion and resurrection ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a movement from outside to inside, indicating a complete and deliberate indwelling or penetration. In this context, it suggests more than mere temptation or influence; it implies a profound, personal invasion of Judas's being by Satan, contrasting with a superficial or external prompting. This entry marks a critical turning point, empowering Judas to act as Satan's direct agent.
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** Derived from a Hebrew word meaning "adversary" or "accuser," Satan is here presented as a personal, malevolent spiritual being, the chief antagonist of God and humanity. His "entering" Judas signifies his active role in orchestrating the betrayal of Jesus, revealing the ultimate source of the evil behind the human plot. He is not merely a force of evil but a cunning, strategic enemy.
* **twelve (Greek, _dṓdeka'_):** This number is highly significant, referring to the innermost circle of Jesus's disciples, chosen by Him to be His apostles and the foundation of the new Israel ([Luke 6:13](/luke/6-13 "Luke 6:13 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")). The fact that the betrayer came from "the number of the twelve" intensifies the shock and tragedy of the betrayal, highlighting the profound pain of treachery from within the most trusted ranks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then entered Satan":** This phrase immediately establishes the supernatural dimension of the impending betrayal. It is not merely Judas's human weakness or greed at play, but the direct, active agency of Satan himself. The timing, "Then," links this spiritual invasion directly to the religious leaders' plot, suggesting a demonic orchestration of events to fulfill their murderous desires.
* **"into Judas surnamed Iscariot":** This identifies the specific target of Satan's entry. Judas, who had been a close disciple, is now depicted as being fully indwelt by the adversary. The "surnamed Iscariot" distinguishes him from other individuals named Judas and subtly reminds the reader of his identity as the infamous betrayer.
* **"being of the number of the twelve":** This clause emphasizes the shocking nature of the betrayal. Judas was not an outsider or an enemy agent, but one of the chosen inner circle, a witness to Jesus's miracles, teachings, and intimate fellowship. This detail magnifies the depth of the treachery and the pain it would inflict upon Jesus and the remaining disciples.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise statement in [Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas") employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this verse immediately signals the impending betrayal and the dark spiritual forces behind it, building tension for the passion narrative. The phrase "entered Satan" is a stark example of **personification**, attributing direct, active agency to Satan, not merely as a concept of evil but as a tangible, invading entity. The use of **contrast** is also evident: Judas, "of the number of the twelve," a position of immense privilege and trust, is juxtaposed with the horrifying reality of being indwelt by Satan, highlighting the tragic fall from grace. Finally, the succinctness of the verse contributes to its **dramatic impact**, delivering a chilling revelation with profound theological implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the reality of spiritual warfare and the vulnerability of the human heart to evil. It underscores the biblical truth that sin is not merely a human failing but often has a demonic dimension, with Satan actively seeking to corrupt and destroy. While Judas made a conscious choice to betray Jesus, this verse reveals the spiritual power that exploited his existing weaknesses—his greed and lack of true devotion—to achieve its malevolent ends. This highlights the constant need for vigilance and reliance on God's power to resist the schemes of the devil, even for those within the community of faith.

* [John 13:27](/john/13-27 "John 13:27 - Satan Enters Judas Again")
* [Ephesians 6:11-12](/ephesians/6-11-12 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Full Armor of God Against Spiritual Forces")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Watchful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling reality of Satan entering Judas serves as a powerful and sobering reminder for every believer. It teaches us that spiritual warfare is not a distant concept but a present reality, and that the enemy actively seeks to exploit our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Judas, despite walking with Jesus, witnessing miracles, and hearing divine truth, allowed a foothold for evil through unaddressed sin, specifically greed. This calls us to a radical self-examination, to guard our hearts diligently against any sin that might become a gateway for destructive spiritual influence. It emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating genuine devotion, humility, and dependence on Christ, recognizing that outward religious observance without inward transformation is a dangerous facade. Our defense against such spiritual attacks lies in constant prayer, immersion in God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our hearts remain a dwelling place for Christ, not a foothold for the adversary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unaddressed areas of sin or weakness in my life might be vulnerable to spiritual attack or exploitation?**
* **How does the reality of spiritual warfare impact my daily walk with Christ and my approach to prayer and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart of genuine devotion and vigilance to prevent spiritual compromise, even when surrounded by spiritual truth?**

### FAQ

**Did Judas have a choice, or was he merely a puppet of Satan?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents a complex interplay between human choice and divine/demonic influence. While Luke 22:3 explicitly states that "Satan entered Judas," other passages indicate Judas's own agency and motivations. [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Love of Money") reveals his covetousness, and [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus") shows him proactively seeking to betray Jesus for money. Satan's entry likely amplified and empowered Judas's pre-existing sinful desires, pushing him to act on them. Thus, Judas was not a mere puppet; he made a conscious, morally culpable choice, but his will was profoundly influenced and strengthened by Satan's direct intervention. This highlights the biblical tension between human responsibility and spiritual forces at play.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:3, though a dark moment, ultimately points to the profound redemptive work of Christ. The entry of Satan into Judas was a critical step in the cosmic drama leading to the crucifixion, an event that, though orchestrated by evil, was paradoxically part of God's sovereign plan for salvation. Jesus Himself foreknew this betrayal, even identifying His betrayer at the Last Supper ([John 13:21-27](/john/13-21-27 "John 13:21-27 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")), demonstrating His complete control even in the face of demonic opposition. The ultimate triumph of Christ on the cross and His resurrection utterly defeated Satan's power, rendering his schemes futile in the grand scope of God's purposes. The betrayal by Judas, empowered by Satan, served to fulfill ancient prophecies, particularly those concerning the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), and ultimately led to the very sacrifice that would redeem humanity from the power of sin and death, breaking the chains of the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Thus, even the deepest betrayal becomes a testament to Christ's unwavering commitment to His mission and His ultimate victory over all the forces of darkness.

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

John 13:2

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;

Mark 14:10

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

Mark 14:11

And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

John 13:18

¶ I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

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:

Psalms 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.

John 13:26

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.