Luke 22:5

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

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

They were pleased and offered to pay him money.

They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

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

Luke 22:5 describes a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, revealing the dark agreement between the religious authorities of Jerusalem and Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's own disciples. This verse marks the formal beginning of the plot that would lead directly to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, highlighting the eagerness of those who opposed Jesus to achieve their goal by any means necessary, including bribery and betrayal.

Context of Luke 22:5

Leading up to this verse, the chief priests and scribes were actively seeking a way to kill Jesus, but they feared the people, who largely regarded Jesus as a prophet (Luke 22:2). Their dilemma was how to apprehend Him without causing a public uproar, especially as the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) was approaching. It is at this critical juncture that Satan enters Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3), and Judas, who was one of the twelve apostles, approaches these very enemies of Jesus. Luke 22:5 details their enthusiastic response to Judas's offer to betray Jesus, cementing the conspiracy.

Key Themes

  • The Price of Betrayal: This verse underscores the shocking reality of a disciple betraying his master for financial gain. While the exact amount isn't specified here, other Gospels reveal it was for the price of thirty pieces of silver, the cost of a slave.
  • Conspiracy and Malice: It reveals the deep-seated malice of the chief priests and scribes, who were "glad" at the prospect of finally seizing Jesus through deceit rather than confronting Him openly. Their joy signifies their desperate desire to eliminate Him.
  • The Sovereignty of God: Despite the human treachery and evil intent, this act of betrayal was part of God's overarching plan for redemption, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death (Isaiah 53:5).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "covenanted to give him money" uses the word "covenanted," which implies a formal and binding agreement. The underlying Greek word, synethemen (συνετέθεντο), from syntithemi, literally means "to put together" or "to agree with." It signifies a deliberate pact or arrangement. This wasn't a casual offer; it was a firm, mutual commitment between Judas and the authorities, solidifying their conspiracy against Jesus.

Practical Application

Luke 22:5 serves as a powerful cautionary tale and offers several enduring lessons:

  • Beware of Greed: Judas's motivation was clearly financial, illustrating how the love of money can corrupt even those in close proximity to divine truth and lead to catastrophic moral failure (1 Timothy 6:10).
  • Recognize Spiritual Opposition: The "gladness" of the religious leaders highlights the joy of those who oppose God's plan when they find an opportune moment to act. Believers must remain vigilant against spiritual attacks and the schemes of the enemy.
  • God's Unfolding Plan: Even the darkest acts of human betrayal and conspiracy cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes. This treacherous agreement, though evil in its intent, ultimately paved the way for the cross and the salvation it offers to humanity.
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.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back