Luke 22:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Luke 22:3

Luke 22:3 is set during the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically leading up to the Passover feast and the events of the Last Supper and His crucifixion. At this point, the religious leaders in Jerusalem were actively seeking a way to arrest and kill Jesus without causing a public uproar. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, becomes the central figure in their plot. The verse highlights the spiritual dimension behind Judas's actions, indicating that his betrayal was not merely a human decision but was influenced by a powerful spiritual entity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: This verse starkly reveals the active presence of evil in the world, personified by Satan. It's not just that Judas was tempted, but that Satan literally "entered" him, signifying a profound level of influence or even possession. This underscores the spiritual battle behind human events, especially those of cosmic significance like the betrayal of Jesus.
  • Betrayal from Within: The phrase "being of the number of the twelve" is crucial. Judas was not an outsider or an enemy agent; he was part of Jesus' inner circle, one of His chosen apostles whom He had taught and shared life with. This emphasizes the profound pain and shock of betrayal by someone trusted, a theme echoed in prophetic Psalms (e.g., Psalm 41:9).
  • Human Choice and Divine Sovereignty: While Satan's influence is evident, the New Testament also portrays Judas as making a conscious choice to betray Jesus, motivated by greed (John 12:6). This verse, like many others, presents the tension between human free will and God's sovereign plan. Judas's actions, though wicked, ultimately served to fulfill God's redemptive purpose for humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "entered" is eisēlthen (εἰσῆλθεν), which literally means "came into" or "went into." Its use here suggests a complete and deliberate indwelling, not just a fleeting temptation. It highlights a deep, personal invasion of Judas's being by Satan, contrasting with mere external influence. The term "Iscariot" (Ἰσκαριώτης - Iskariōtēs) likely designates Judas's hometown, Kerioth, a village in Judea, distinguishing him from other disciples named Judas.

Practical Application

Luke 22:3 serves as a sobering reminder of several truths for believers today:

  • Vigilance Against Spiritual Attack: We must be aware that spiritual forces of evil are real and actively seek to undermine faith and cause destruction. Prayer and spiritual discernment are vital to resist such influences (Ephesians 6:11-12).
  • Guard Your Heart: Judas's covetousness and greed provided a fertile ground for Satan's entry. This emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts against sin, particularly against seemingly small compromises that can lead to greater spiritual vulnerability (Proverbs 4:23).
  • The Danger of Unbelief and Hypocrisy: Judas walked with Jesus, heard His teachings, and witnessed His miracles, yet he harbored a heart of unbelief and deceit. This warns against outward religious observance without true inward transformation and genuine devotion to Christ.
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Cross-References

  • John 13:2 (14 votes)

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

  • Mark 14:10 (11 votes)

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

  • Mark 14:11 (11 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • John 13:26 (7 votes)

    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.