Luke 22:5

KJV

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were glad {G5463}, and {G2532} covenanted {G4934} to give {G1325} him {G846} money {G694}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were pleased and offered to pay him money.

Berean Standard Bible

They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

American Standard Version

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:5 marks a chilling and pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, detailing the formal agreement between the chief priests and scribes and Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's own disciples. This verse solidifies the conspiracy to betray Jesus, revealing the eager acceptance of Judas's offer by the religious authorities and setting in motion the events that would lead directly to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It underscores the dark intersection of human treachery and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:5 is situated at the precipice of Jesus's Passion week, immediately following the religious leaders' desperate plotting and Satan's entry into Judas. Verses 1-2 establish the chief priests and scribes' desire to kill Jesus, but their fear of the people, especially with the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) approaching. This created a dilemma: how to apprehend Jesus without inciting a riot. Into this vacuum of opportunity, [Satan enters Judas Iscariot](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas"), one of the Twelve, who then approaches these very enemies of Jesus. Verse 4 details Judas's communication with the chief priests and officers about betraying Jesus, and verse 5 presents their enthusiastic response, cementing the treacherous pact. This sequence highlights the calculated, deliberate nature of the betrayal and the eager complicity of those in power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover, a time of heightened religious fervor and pilgrimage, making public disturbances a significant concern for both Jewish and Roman authorities. The "chief priests and scribes" represent the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and judicial council, who held significant power under Roman oversight, though capital punishment required Roman approval. Their fear of the people stemmed from Jesus's popularity as a prophet and teacher, particularly among the Galileans. The concept of "money" as a payment for betrayal was not uncommon, and the specific amount mentioned in other Gospels ([thirty pieces of silver](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - The Price of Betrayal")) was the legal compensation for a slave gored by an ox ([Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Slave")), underscoring the contempt with which Jesus was valued by His betrayers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **betrayal and human depravity**, showcasing how greed and spiritual darkness can corrupt even those closest to divine truth. Secondly, it highlights the **conspiracy and malice of religious hypocrisy**, as those who should have recognized and welcomed the Messiah instead actively sought His destruction through deceit. Their "gladness" reveals the depth of their animosity toward Jesus. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God** amidst human evil. Despite the wicked intentions of Judas and the religious leaders, their actions unwittingly served God's ultimate redemptive plan, fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). The very act of betrayal, though morally reprehensible, was paradoxically woven into the fabric of salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Greek, _chaírō_):** This primary verb means "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." In this context, it denotes a deep satisfaction and rejoicing among the chief priests and scribes. Their "gladness" is not a benign emotion but a sinister joy, indicating their relief and eagerness at finding an expedient way to eliminate Jesus without public outcry. It underscores the malicious intent behind their actions.
* **covenanted (Greek, _syntíthemai_):** Derived from _sýn_ (with) and _títhēmi_ (to place), this word in the middle voice means "to place jointly," "to consent," "to bargain," or "to stipulate." It signifies a formal, deliberate, and binding agreement or pact. This was not a casual understanding but a firm, mutual commitment between Judas and the authorities, solidifying their conspiracy against Jesus and highlighting the premeditated nature of the betrayal.
* **money (Greek, _argýrion_):** This neuter noun, derived from _árgyros_ (silver), literally means "silvery" and by implication refers to "cash," specifically "a silverling" (e.g., a drachma or shekel). The mention of "money" as the incentive for Judas's betrayal immediately points to his corrupt motivation, aligning with other Gospel accounts that specify the infamous "thirty pieces of silver." It symbolizes the base, material gain prioritized over loyalty and divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were glad":** This clause reveals the immediate and profound emotional response of the chief priests and scribes to Judas's offer. Their "gladness" is a stark indicator of their desperate desire to seize Jesus and their relief at finding a seemingly easy and discreet method. It exposes the depth of their animosity and their willingness to engage in deceit and conspiracy to achieve their ends, contrasting sharply with the joy one might expect from spiritual leaders.
* **"and covenanted":** This signifies the formalization of the agreement. The use of "covenanted" (from _syntíthemai_) emphasizes that this was a deliberate, mutual, and binding pact. It was a solemn and calculated arrangement, not a casual discussion, underscoring the premeditated nature of the betrayal and the active complicity of both Judas and the religious authorities in plotting Jesus's demise.
* **"to give him money":** This phrase identifies the explicit incentive for Judas's betrayal. The offer of "money" (silver) highlights the mercenary motive behind Judas's actions. It reveals the corrupting power of greed and the willingness of the religious leaders to use bribery to achieve their objective, demonstrating their moral bankruptcy and their readiness to exploit human weakness for their own nefarious purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the religious leaders, who should have been guardians of truth and justice, are "glad" at the prospect of betraying an innocent man. Their joy is a perversion of true spiritual gladness, revealing their deep-seated malice. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, the central event of the Passion narrative. It sets the stage for the unfolding drama of betrayal, trial, and sacrifice. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the purity and divine mission of Jesus and the corrupt motives and actions of Judas and the Sanhedrin. Finally, the mention of "money" serves as **Symbolism**, representing the corrupting power of material gain and the spiritual blindness that can lead individuals to betray the most sacred trusts for worldly profit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:5 profoundly illustrates the tragic reality of human sin and the insidious nature of spiritual darkness, even among those ostensibly devoted to God. The "gladness" of the religious leaders and Judas's willingness to betray Jesus for "money" expose the depths of human depravity and the corrupting power of greed and envy. Yet, within this dark moment, the verse also subtly points to the unwavering sovereignty of God. Despite the evil intentions and actions of men, this betrayal was not an unforeseen calamity but a divinely ordained step in God's redemptive plan, fulfilling ancient prophecies and paving the way for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It underscores that even the most heinous acts of sin are ultimately subjected to God's overarching purpose for salvation.

* [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver")
* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - Prophecy of the Thirty Pieces of Silver")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money as the Root of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:5 serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging believers to examine their own hearts for any seeds of greed, envy, or spiritual compromise that could lead to betrayal of Christ or His truth. Judas's story is a stark reminder that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee faithfulness; genuine discipleship requires ongoing vigilance against the allure of worldly gain and the schemes of the enemy. We are called to recognize that spiritual opposition often comes cloaked in religious authority or personal familiarity, and to stand firm against such pressures. Moreover, this verse invites us to find comfort and strength in God's unwavering sovereignty. Even in the face of the most profound human evil and betrayal, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. Our trust should rest not in human faithfulness, which can falter, but in the steadfastness of God's plan, which works even through the darkest moments to bring about ultimate good and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What temptations in my life might lead me to compromise my loyalty to Christ, even subtly?**
* **How do I respond when I see "religious" people or institutions acting with malice or hypocrisy?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**
* **What does Judas's "money" symbolize in my own life, and how can I guard against its corrupting influence?**

### FAQ
**Why were the chief priests and scribes "glad" about Judas's offer?**

Answer: The chief priests and scribes were "glad" because Judas's offer provided a solution to their dilemma. They desperately wanted to kill Jesus but feared the people, who largely regarded Jesus as a prophet, especially during the crowded Passover feast ([Luke 22:2](/luke/22-2 "Luke 22:2 - Leaders Fear the People")). Judas, being one of Jesus's inner circle, could betray Him discreetly, away from the crowds, allowing them to apprehend Him without causing a public uproar or riot. His offer was an opportune moment to achieve their goal of eliminating Jesus without political or social backlash, hence their enthusiastic acceptance.

**What was Judas's primary motivation for betraying Jesus?**

Answer: While the text of Luke 22:5 explicitly states they "covenanted to give him money," suggesting financial gain as a primary motivation, other Gospel accounts and biblical context provide further insight. [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed") reveals that Judas was a thief and kept the money bag. This historical detail reinforces the idea that greed was a significant, if not the primary, driver for his betrayal. Additionally, [Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas") states that "Satan entered into Judas," indicating a spiritual dimension to his fall, where his personal weaknesses (like greed) were exploited by demonic influence, leading him to this ultimate act of treachery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:5, though a dark moment of human treachery, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the betrayal itself, but in how Jesus sovereignly leveraged this evil act for the redemption of humanity. The "gladness" of the religious leaders and Judas's mercenary decision to accept "money" were part of a larger divine drama. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing it was the path to the cross. His voluntary surrender, as stated in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly"), where He declares, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord," underscores His active participation in God's plan, rather than being a passive victim. This betrayal, prophesied centuries earlier (e.g., [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - Prophecy of the Thirty Pieces of Silver")), ultimately led to the shedding of His precious blood, the true "money" that purchased our salvation ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the very act intended to destroy Jesus became the means by which He triumphed over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. The "money" of betrayal was utterly eclipsed by the priceless sacrifice of the Son of God, demonstrating God's remarkable ability to work even the most heinous human acts into His perfect redemptive narrative.

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

Zechariah 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

Zechariah 11:13

And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 27:3

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Matthew 27:5

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.