TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Complete Jewish Bible
He approached the head cohanim and the Temple guard and discussed with them how he might turn Yeshua over to them.
Berean Standard Bible
And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them.
American Standard Version
And he went away, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto them.
World English Bible Messianic
He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he went his way, and communed with the hie Priestes and captaines, how he might betray him to them.
Young's Literal Translation
and he, having gone away, spake with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might deliver him up to them,
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In the KJVVerse 25,869 of 31,102
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Commentary on Luke 22 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
The year of the redeemed is now come, which had been from eternity fixed in the divine counsels, and long looked for by them that waited for the consolation of Israel. After the revolutions of many ages, it is at length come, Isa 63:4. And, it is observable, it is in the very first month of that year that the redemption is wrought out, so much in haste was the Redeemer to perform his undertaking, so was he straitened till it was accomplished. It was in the same month, and at the same time of the month (in the beginning of months, Exo 12:2), that God by Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, that the Antitype might answer the type. Christ is here delivered up, when the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, Luk 22:1. About as long before that feast as they began to make preparation for it, here was preparation making for our Passover's being offered for us. Here we have,
I. His sworn enemies contriving it (Luk 22:2), the chief priests, men of sanctity, and the scribes, men of learning, seeking how they might kill him, either by force of fraud. Could they have had their will, it had been soon done, but they feared the people, and the more for what they now saw of their diligent attendance upon his preaching.
II. A treacherous disciple joining in with them, and coming to their assistance, Judas surnamed Iscariot. He is here said to be of the number of the twelve, that dignified distinguished number. One would wonder that Christ, who knew all men, should take a traitor into that number, and that one of that number, who could not but know Christ, should be so base as to betray him; but Christ had wise and holy ends in taking Judas to be a disciple, and how he who knew Christ so well yet came to betray him we are here told: Satan entered into Judas, Luk 22:3. It was the devil's work, who thought hereby to ruin Christ's undertaking, to have broken his head; but it proved only the bruising of his heel. Whoever betrays Christ, or his truths or ways, it is Satan that puts them upon it. Judas knew how desirous the chief priests were to get Christ into their hands, and that they could not do it safely without the assistance of some that knew his retirements, as he did. He therefore went himself, and made the motion to them, Luk 22:4. Note, It is hard to say whether more mischief is done to Christ's kingdom by the power and policy of its open enemies, or by the treachery and self-seeking of its pretended friends: nay, without the latter its enemies could not gain their point as they do. When you see Judas communing with the chief priests, be sure some mischief is hatching; it is for no good that they are laying their heads together.
III. The issue of the treaty between them. 1. Judas must betray Christ to them, must bring them to a place where they might seize him without danger of tumult, and this they would be glad of. 2. They must give him a sum of money for doing it, and this he would be glad of (Luk 22:5): They covenanted to give him money. When the bargain was made, Judas sought opportunity to betray him. Probably, he slyly enquired of Peter and John, who were more intimate with their Master than he was, where he would be at such a time, and whither he would retire after the passover, and they were not sharp enough to suspect him. Somehow or other, in a little time he gained the advantage he sought, and fixed the time and place where it might be done, in the absence of the multitude, and without tumult.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EXODUS 8.6
Jesus Christ our Savior has been crucified. The author of this crime and father of this wickedness is, without doubt, the devil. It is written: "When, however, the devil had entered the heart of Judas Iscariot that he should betray him." The devil is the father of sin. He fathered Judas as his first son in this wickedness, but Judas alone could not execute the betrayal. What then is written? "Judas departed," Scripture says, "to the scribes and Pharisees and chief priests and said to them: 'What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you?' " The third and fourth generation of sin was born from Judas.
Titus of Bostra (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 378
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Satan entered into Judas not by force, but finding the door open. For forgetful of all that he had seen, Judas now turned his thoughts solely to covetousness.
And he adds, one of the twelve, since he made up the number, though he did not truly discharge the Apostolic office. Or the Evangelist adds this, as it were for contrast sake. As if he said, "He was of the first band of those who were especially chosen."
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 80. in Matt.) St. Luke gives his surname, because there was another Judas.
(ut sup.) Observe the exceeding iniquity of Judas, that he both sets out by himself, and that he does this for gain. It follows, And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains.
(ut sup.) By covetousness then Judas became what he was, for it follows, And they covenanted to give him money. Such are the evil passions which covetousness engenders, it makes men irreligious, and compels them to lose all knowledge of God, though they have received a thousand benefits from Him, nay, even to injure Him, as it follows, And he contracted with them.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
There is nothing contrary to this in what John says, that after the sop Satan entered into Judas; seeing he now entered into him as a stranger, but then as his own, whom he might lead after him to do whatsoever he willed.
Now many shudder at the wickedness of Judas, yet do not guard against it. For whosoever despises the laws of truth and love, betrays Christ who is truth and love. Above all, when he sins not from infirmity or ignorance, but after the likeness of Judas seeks opportunity, when no one is present, to change truth for a lie, virtue for crime.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Having already said that the Chief Priests sought means how they might slay Jesus without incurring any danger, he next goes on to relate the means which occurred to them, as it is said, Then entered Satan into Judas.
The magistrates here mentioned were those appointed to take care of the buildings of the temple, or it may be those whom the Romans had set over the people to keep them from breaking forth into tumult; for they were seditious.
That is, he bargained and promised. And sought opportunity to betray him unto them, without the crowds, that is, when he saw Him standing by Himself apart, in the absence of the multitude.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Luke 22:4 details Judas Iscariot's immediate and decisive action following his decision to betray Jesus, initiating the conspiratorial process that would lead to Christ's arrest. This verse describes Judas's direct engagement with the highest religious authorities and the temple police, seeking a means to deliver Jesus into their hands, thereby formalizing the plot against his Master.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke 22:4 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. Irony is prominent, as a disciple, one of Jesus's chosen twelve, becomes the instrument of His betrayal. The very individual called to follow and learn from Jesus now conspires to hand Him over to His adversaries. There is also a strong element of foreshadowing, as Judas's act of "delivering up" Jesus anticipates the broader theological truth that Jesus would be "delivered up" for the sins of the world, a theme central to the New Testament's understanding of the atonement. The verse also presents a stark contrast between the light and truth represented by Jesus and the darkness and deception embodied by Judas and the conspiring authorities. This immediate shift from Judas's internal decision to his external, calculated action creates a sense of dramatic tension, propelling the narrative towards its climactic events.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:4 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of human sin and the insidious nature of betrayal, even within the closest circles. It highlights the chilling intersection of human agency and divine sovereignty. While Judas's act was undeniably a heinous sin, driven by his own corrupted will and influenced by Satan, it paradoxically fit into God's overarching plan for the redemption of humanity. This verse underscores that God's purposes are so vast and unshakeable that even the most malicious acts of humanity cannot thwart them, but rather, in His mysterious wisdom, are incorporated into His redemptive design. The betrayal of Jesus, though a profound tragedy, was a necessary step towards the cross, where the ultimate victory over sin and death would be secured.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering warning against the dangers of unaddressed sin and spiritual compromise. Judas's journey from disciple to betrayer was not instantaneous but likely a gradual erosion of faith and integrity, perhaps fueled by covetousness or unmet expectations. This reminds us of the critical need for constant self-examination, vigilance against temptation, and a steadfast commitment to Christ, even when His path seems difficult or contrary to our immediate desires. The verse also challenges us to consider our own allegiances: are we truly "going our way" in alignment with Christ's will, or are we, in subtle or overt ways, "communing" with forces that seek to undermine His kingdom or our faithfulness to Him? Ultimately, while we are called to mourn the reality of betrayal, we are also invited to marvel at God's sovereign ability to bring about His glorious purposes even through the darkest human acts, fostering a deep trust in His ultimate control and goodness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Answer: The text in Luke 22:3 states that "Satan entered into Judas." While this highlights a spiritual influence, it doesn't negate Judas's personal responsibility. Other Gospels suggest motives like greed (Matthew 26:15), as he was the treasurer and known to steal (John 12:6). Some scholars propose he may have been disillusioned with Jesus's perceived failure to establish an earthly kingdom, hoping to force Jesus's hand or provoke a messianic uprising. Ultimately, a combination of spiritual darkness, personal sin (like covetousness), and unmet expectations likely contributed to his tragic decision to "betray him unto them."
Who were the "captains" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: The "captains" (Greek: stratēgoi) refer to the captains of the Temple guard. These were Levites, often priests themselves, who were responsible for maintaining order within the Temple courts, enforcing religious law, and guarding the Temple treasury. They operated under the direct authority of the chief priests. Their involvement with Judas indicates that the chief priests were not only seeking counsel on how to arrest Jesus but were also mobilizing their enforcement arm to carry out the capture discreetly and effectively. They were the practical, operational arm of the Jewish religious establishment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:4, detailing Judas's calculated betrayal, is a pivotal moment that, though born of human sin and demonic influence, ultimately serves to highlight the greater redemptive purpose of God in Christ. Judas's act of "delivering up" Jesus foreshadows and sets in motion the divine plan wherein Jesus Himself would be "delivered up" for the sins of the world. This is not merely a tragic event, but a necessary step in the unfolding of God's love and justice. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the willing Lamb of God, who, though betrayed by one of His own, voluntarily submitted to the Father's will, allowing Himself to be handed over to death. As Isaiah 53:6 prophesied, "the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all," and Romans 8:32 proclaims, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Thus, Judas's betrayal, while a profound act of human evil, became the dark backdrop against which the radiant, self-sacrificial love of Christ, who was "delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification" (Romans 4:25), shines even brighter, bringing about salvation for all who believe.