Luke 22:6

KJV

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he promised {G1843}, and {G2532} sought {G2212} opportunity {G2120} to betray {G3860} him {G846} unto them {G846} in the absence {G817} of the multitude {G3793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He agreed and began looking for a good opportunity to betray Yeshua without the people’s knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible

Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd.

American Standard Version

And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:6 details Judas Iscariot's active and deliberate pursuit of a suitable moment to hand Jesus over to the Jewish authorities. Having already agreed to their terms, this verse emphasizes his calculated efforts to find an opportune time for the betrayal, specifically when Jesus would be away from the protective presence of the large crowds who followed Him, thereby minimizing the risk of public unrest during the arrest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Judas Iscariot's agreement with the chief priests and captains to betray Jesus for money ([Luke 22:3-5](/luke/22-3-5 "Judas's Pact with the Priests")). The preceding verses establish the Jewish leaders' desire to seize Jesus, but their fear of the people. Judas, identified as one of the twelve, is presented as being "possessed by Satan" ([Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Satan Enters Judas")) and then actively engaging with Jesus's enemies. Luke 22:6 thus serves as the direct consequence of that pact, highlighting Judas's transition from agreement to active planning. It sets the stage for the Passover preparations and the Last Supper, where the betrayal will be further alluded to by Jesus ([Luke 22:21-23](/luke/22-21-23 "Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time when the city swelled with pilgrims, making public order a significant concern for both Roman and Jewish authorities. The chief priests and scribes, representatives of the Sanhedrin, held significant religious and political power, but they were wary of Jesus's popularity among the common people, many of whom regarded Him as a prophet or even the Messiah. A public arrest could easily spark a riot, which would draw the attention and potentially harsh intervention of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Judas's search for an "absence of the multitude" reflects this critical concern for a discreet arrest, aligning with the Sanhedrin's strategy to avoid public outcry and maintain control.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. It underscores the theme of **Deliberate Betrayal**, revealing Judas's premeditated and active role, contrasting sharply with the loyalty expected of a disciple. This verse also highlights the **Calculated Opposition** of the religious authorities, whose fear of the people dictated their strategy for Jesus's arrest. Furthermore, it subtly points to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Agency**, as Judas's wicked actions, though freely chosen, ultimately align with God's foreordained plan for the Messiah's suffering and death, a truth reflected in passages like [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility") and [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "The Plan of God Fulfilled").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **promised (Greek, _exomologéō_):** From G1843, this word means "to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully." In this context, it signifies Judas's full and deliberate agreement to the terms of betrayal with the chief priests and captains. It's not a casual promise but a firm commitment to a treacherous act.
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively)." While it can mean to worship or enquire, in a negative sense, as here, it implies to "plot against life." This highlights Judas's active, persistent, and malevolent intent. He wasn't passively waiting but actively pursuing the means to carry out his plan.
* **opportunity (Greek, _eukairía_):** From G2120, meaning "a favorable occasion." This term underscores Judas's calculated approach. He was not just looking for *any* time, but the *right* time—one that would minimize risk for the authorities and ensure the success of the betrayal, specifically "in the absence of the multitude."
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can be neutral ("hand over"), in this context, it carries the strong connotation of treachery and disloyalty, denoting the act of delivering Jesus into the hands of His enemies for malicious purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he promised":** This refers to Judas Iscariot, confirming his prior agreement with the chief priests and captains to hand over Jesus. It signifies a firm commitment on his part, not a tentative or reluctant one.
* **"and sought opportunity":** This phrase reveals Judas's active and premeditated involvement in the conspiracy. He was not merely a passive participant but diligently searching for the most advantageous moment to carry out his treacherous plan. This implies careful observation and strategic thinking.
* **"to betray him unto them":** This specifies the object of the betrayal (Jesus) and the recipients (the chief priests and captains). It clearly states the ultimate goal of Judas's seeking: to deliver Jesus into the hands of those who wished Him harm.
* **"in the absence of the multitude":** This crucial condition highlights the strategic concern of the Jewish authorities and Judas. They feared a public disturbance or riot if Jesus were arrested openly, given His popularity. Therefore, Judas's task was to find a moment when Jesus was isolated from His followers, ensuring a discreet and uncontested apprehension.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as a disciple, one of Jesus's closest followers, actively seeks to betray his Master. This stark contrast between expected loyalty and actual treachery deepens the sense of tragedy. The phrase "sought opportunity" also serves as **Foreshadowing**, building suspense and indicating the imminent arrest of Jesus. It implies a deliberate, calculated plot that will soon unfold. Furthermore, the emphasis on "in the absence of the multitude" highlights the **Contrast** between Jesus's public ministry, where He was surrounded by crowds, and the clandestine nature of His impending arrest, orchestrated by those who feared His popular appeal. This detail underscores the underhanded tactics of His adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:6 is a somber reminder of the reality of human sin and the profound mystery of divine sovereignty. Judas's actions, while undeniably a result of his own free will and corrupted heart, were paradoxically part of God's overarching plan for the redemption of humanity. This verse illustrates the depth of betrayal that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly endured for the sake of humanity. It also highlights the fear and strategic cunning of those who opposed Jesus, revealing their desire to maintain control and suppress the truth. Ultimately, this act of betrayal, though evil, became a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive narrative, leading to the cross and resurrection.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted his heel against me.")
* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Thirty pieces of silver, the price of the betrayed shepherd.")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:6 offers a stark mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the state of our own hearts and the insidious nature of hidden motives. Just as Judas's outward discipleship masked a heart consumed by greed and perhaps disillusionment, we too can harbor desires or resentments that, if left unchecked, can lead to spiritual compromise and betrayal of our convictions or even of Christ Himself. This verse reminds us that true discipleship demands not just outward adherence but inward integrity and unwavering loyalty. It also prepares us for the painful reality that betrayal can come from unexpected sources, even those within our closest circles. In such moments, we are called to remember Jesus's response—not bitterness, but steadfast commitment to God's will, trusting that even the darkest acts of human sin can be woven into God's redemptive tapestry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What hidden motives or unconfessed desires might be lurking in my own heart, similar to Judas's greed?**
* **How do I respond when I experience betrayal from someone I trusted, and what can I learn from Jesus's example?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my faith or convictions for personal gain or convenience, even subtly?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Judas to betray Jesus "in the absence of the multitude"?**

Answer: It was crucial for the Jewish religious leaders to arrest Jesus discreetly to avoid a public uprising. Jesus was very popular among the common people, many of whom saw Him as a prophet or even the Messiah. A public arrest during the crowded Passover festival could easily have sparked a riot, which would have drawn the immediate and severe attention of the Roman authorities. By arresting Jesus away from the crowds, the leaders hoped to maintain control, avoid public outcry, and execute their plan without interference, as seen in their initial discussions in [Luke 22:2](/luke/22-2 "The Chief Priests and Scribes Feared the People").

**Did Judas have free will, or was he merely fulfilling prophecy?**

Answer: The Scriptures present a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Judas's betrayal was foretold in prophecy ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted his heel against me!") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Thirty pieces of silver, the price of the betrayed shepherd.")), and God certainly knew it would happen, Judas still made a conscious choice to betray Jesus. The text emphasizes his active "seeking opportunity" and his agreement for money ([Luke 22:3-5](/luke/22-3-5 "Judas's Pact with the Priests")). God's foreknowledge does not negate human culpability. Judas was responsible for his actions, even as those actions ultimately served God's greater redemptive plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas, as detailed in [Luke 22:6](/luke/22-6 "Judas Seeks Opportunity to Betray Jesus"), stands as a chilling testament to the depth of human depravity, yet it simultaneously serves as a profound and necessary step in God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly entered into this betrayal, knowing full well the heart of Judas ([John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "Jesus Knew Who Would Betray Him")). His passive acceptance of this treachery, rather than resisting or exposing Judas publicly, underscores His commitment to fulfilling the Father's will and becoming the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins. Just as the Old Testament prophets foretold a suffering servant who would be "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "The Suffering Servant")), Judas's act of handing Jesus over was a dark, yet essential, component of Jesus's journey to the cross. Through this act of betrayal, Jesus was delivered up not merely to His enemies, but ultimately as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom")), transforming the deepest human treachery into the means of divine salvation and demonstrating the boundless love of God who brings good even out of the most heinous evil ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Own Love For Us")).

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

Matthew 26:5

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

Mark 14:2

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.