Luke 22:4

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

And {G2532} he went his way {G565}, and communed with {G4814} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} captains {G4755}, how {G4459} he might betray {G3860} him {G846} unto them {G846}.

He approached the head cohanim and the Temple guard and discussed with them how he might turn Yeshua over to them.

And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them.

And he went away, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto them.

Luke 22:4 describes the immediate action taken by Judas Iscariot after his decision to betray Jesus, marking a critical step in the unfolding events leading to Christ's crucifixion. It details Judas's direct engagement with the religious authorities to facilitate the capture of Jesus.

Context

This verse follows directly from Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus, a choice influenced by Satan. The "chief priests and captains" represent the powerful religious leadership of Jerusalem (the Sanhedrin) and the temple police force, respectively. They were actively seeking a way to arrest Jesus without causing a public disturbance, especially given the large crowds in Jerusalem for the Passover festival (Luke 22:2). Judas's meeting with them signifies the formalization of this conspiracy against Jesus.

Key Themes

  • Betrayal and Treachery: The verse vividly highlights Judas's deliberate act of treachery against his Master, driven by personal motives, often understood as greed, and spiritual darkness.
  • Conspiracy and Human Agency: It reveals the human element of the plot against Jesus, where powerful religious figures colluded with one of Jesus's own disciples to achieve their objective. This human conspiracy, though profoundly sinful, was paradoxically part of God's sovereign plan for salvation (Acts 2:23).
  • The Price of Sin: Judas's actions set in motion a chain of events with devastating consequences, both for Jesus and ultimately for Judas himself.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "communed" is from the Greek synelalēsen (συνελάλησεν), meaning "to speak together" or "to confer with." It implies a deliberate, joint discussion and planning session, emphasizing the collaborative and conspiratorial nature of the betrayal plot. The term "betray" comes from paradō (παραδῷ), which means "to hand over" or "to deliver up." This same word is frequently used in the New Testament to describe Jesus being "delivered up" to suffer and die, highlighting the active role Judas played in handing Him over to His enemies.

Practical Application

The narrative of Luke 22:4 serves as a powerful warning against the destructive power of covetousness and spiritual compromise. Judas's initial yielding to temptation led him down a path of irreversible betrayal and tragic end. It reminds believers that even within the closest circles, hidden motives and spiritual darkness can operate. Yet, despite human treachery and evil schemes, God's divine purpose for salvation through Christ prevailed, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty and control over all events, even the most wicked ones.

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.

  • Acts 4:1

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Acts 5:24

    Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

  • Acts 5:26

    ¶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

  • Matthew 26:14

    ¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Luke 22:52

    Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

  • 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.

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