Luke 22:66

KJV

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as soon as {G5613} it was {G1096} day {G2250}, the elders {G4244} of the people {G2992} and {G5037} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} came together {G4863}, and {G2532} led {G321} him {G846} into {G1519} their {G1438} council {G4892}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

At daybreak, the people’s council of elders, including both head cohanim and Torah-teachers, met and led him off to their Sanhedrin,

Berean Standard Bible

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said,

American Standard Version

And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:66 marks the formal and public commencement of Jesus' trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the highest religious and judicial body in ancient Israel. Occurring at daybreak, this verse describes the assembly of the full council—comprising the elders, chief priests, and scribes—who convened with the express purpose of bringing Jesus before their official tribunal, setting the stage for His condemnation and subsequent delivery to Roman authority. This moment is pivotal, transitioning from an informal, illegal nighttime interrogation to a more structured, albeit still unjust, legal proceeding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:66 follows a series of harrowing events for Jesus. He has just endured the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal by Judas, and His arrest by a mob of temple guards and religious leaders ([Luke 22:47-53](/luke/22-47-53 "Luke 22:47-53 - Jesus' Arrest")). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has been subjected to a preliminary, illegal nighttime interrogation at the high priest's house, where He was mocked, beaten, and denied by Peter ([Luke 22:54-65](/luke/22-54-65 "Luke 22:54-65 - Peter's Denial and Jesus' Mockery")). Verse 66 thus signals a shift from the clandestine, abusive interrogation to a more formal, though still deeply flawed, judicial process intended to legitimize His condemnation. The events described here directly precede Jesus' declaration of His divine Sonship and the council's subsequent decision to send Him to Pilate ([Luke 22:67-71](/luke/22-67-71 "Luke 22:67-71 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin") and [Luke 23:1](/luke/23-1 "Luke 23:1 - Jesus Led to Pilate")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body, consisting of 71 members drawn from the priestly aristocracy (chief priests), the lay nobility (elders), and legal experts (scribes). Under Roman occupation, the Sanhedrin retained considerable authority over internal Jewish affairs, including religious law, but their power to execute capital punishment was limited, often requiring Roman approval. Jewish law, particularly for capital cases, stipulated that trials should be held during daylight hours, not at night, and that a verdict of guilty required a second day for confirmation. The convening "as soon as it was day" in Luke 22:66 was an attempt by the Jewish leaders to provide a veneer of legality to a process that was fundamentally unjust, driven by malice and a predetermined outcome. Their urgency reflected their desire to dispose of Jesus before the Passover festival crowds could intervene or before Roman authorities could fully grasp the situation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **formal initiation of Jesus' Passion**, marking the point where the religious authorities officially move to condemn Him, fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah's suffering ([Luke 18:31-33](/luke/18-31-33 "Luke 18:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Death Again")). Secondly, it underscores the **unified opposition** of the Jewish leadership against Jesus, demonstrating their collective resolve to eliminate Him. The mention of "the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes" emphasizes that all factions of the Sanhedrin were united in this purpose. Thirdly, the hurried, daybreak convening hints at the **illegitimacy and injustice of the trial**, a theme that runs throughout the Passion narrative. Despite the outward appearance of legality by holding the trial in daylight, the entire proceeding was a travesty of justice, driven by envy and fear rather than a genuine pursuit of truth, contrasting sharply with the divine justice Jesus embodies and will ultimately administer ([Luke 17:24-30](/luke/17-24-30 "Luke 17:24-30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** This word refers to the time space between dawn and dark, or the entire 24-hour period. In Luke 22:66, its use emphasizes the moment of dawn, signaling the transition from the darkness of the illegal nighttime interrogation to the light of day. This timing was critical for the Jewish leaders, as capital trials were legally required to be held during daylight hours, attempting to lend a semblance of legitimacy to their proceedings.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** Derived from a word meaning "writer," a scribe was a professional copyist, interpreter, and teacher of the Jewish law. They were highly respected legal experts and members of the Sanhedrin, representing the intellectual and legal authority within the Jewish leadership. Their presence alongside the elders and chief priests signifies the full legal and religious weight of the Sanhedrin's decision against Jesus.
* **council (Greek, _synédrion'_):** This term refers specifically to the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial and legislative body. It denotes a "joint session" or tribunal. The act of "leading Him into their council" indicates that Jesus was brought before the official, formal assembly of this body, where a verdict would be sought, distinguishing it from the earlier, informal questioning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as soon as it was day,"**: This phrase establishes the critical timing of the formal trial. It highlights the transition from the clandestine, illegal nighttime interrogation to a public, albeit still unjust, proceeding. The leaders waited until dawn to convene, attempting to adhere to Jewish legal tradition that prohibited capital trials at night, thereby giving their actions a superficial appearance of legitimacy.
* **"the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together,"**: This clause identifies the specific composition of the Sanhedrin, emphasizing the collective and unified nature of the opposition against Jesus. "Elders" represented the lay aristocracy, "chief priests" the priestly elite (including the high priest and former high priests), and "scribes" the legal experts and teachers of the Law. Their coming together signifies a full, official assembly of the highest Jewish authority, demonstrating their unanimous resolve to condemn Jesus.
* **"and led him into their council,"**: This action marks the formal presentation of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. It indicates that Jesus was physically brought from His place of detention (likely the high priest's house) into the official meeting place of the Sanhedrin. This was not merely an interrogation but an official judicial session, albeit one where the verdict was largely predetermined.
* **"saying,"**: This concluding word sets up the subsequent narrative, indicating that the council immediately began to question Jesus, seeking grounds for His condemnation. It implies a direct address and the initiation of the formal accusations against Him, which are detailed in the verses that follow (Luke 22:67-71).

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:66 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the phrase "as soon as it was day," contrasting the emerging light of dawn with the moral darkness and injustice of the Sanhedrin's proceedings. This moment of supposed clarity and legal adherence is ironically the beginning of a profound miscarriage of justice. The precise naming of "the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes" functions as **synecdoche**, where the parts (these specific groups) represent the whole (the entire Sanhedrin), emphasizing the unified and comprehensive nature of the Jewish leadership's opposition to Jesus. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **foreshadowing**, indicating the inevitable progression towards Jesus' crucifixion. The formal convening of the council at daybreak, despite its pretense of legality, is the final step in the Jewish leaders' conspiracy, setting the stage for Jesus' transfer to Pilate and His ultimate execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:66 powerfully illustrates the tragic reality of human opposition to divine truth and the perversion of justice by those in power. The Sanhedrin, established to uphold God's law, instead becomes an instrument of injustice, condemning the very Son of God. This scene underscores the theme of divine sovereignty amidst human sin, as Jesus willingly submits to this unlawful process, fulfilling the Father's redemptive plan. It highlights the spiritual blindness of those who, despite their religious authority, failed to recognize the Messiah in their midst, choosing instead to cling to their earthly power and traditions. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true authority and righteousness are not found in human institutions or titles, but in the humble, obedient Lamb of God.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Silent Lamb Led to Slaughter")
* [Psalm 94:20](/psalms/94-20 "Psalm 94:20 - Throne of Iniquity")
* [Matthew 26:59](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59 - Sanhedrin Seeks False Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:66 confronts us with the profound injustice Jesus endured, not from foreign oppressors, but from His own people's religious leadership. This moment invites us to reflect on the nature of true authority and the dangers of religious power when it becomes corrupted by fear, envy, or self-preservation. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we prioritize human tradition or institutional security over divine truth and righteousness? Jesus' quiet submission in the face of such a predetermined and unlawful trial serves as a powerful example of His trust in the Father's will and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission. For us, this means discerning true spiritual authority, standing for justice even when it is unpopular, and recognizing that following Christ may involve enduring misunderstanding or false accusation. It calls us to embody integrity and truth, even when the world around us operates with deceit and injustice, trusting that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Sanhedrin's actions in this verse challenge my understanding of religious authority and leadership?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to prioritize human systems or traditions over divine truth, similar to the Sanhedrin?**
* **What does Jesus' quiet submission to this unjust process teach me about responding to injustice in my own life?**
* **How can I actively seek to uphold truth and justice in my sphere of influence, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**What was the Sanhedrin, and why was Jesus brought before them?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish religious and judicial council in ancient Israel, composed of 71 members including chief priests, elders, and scribes. They held significant authority over Jewish religious and civil matters under Roman rule. Jesus was brought before them in [Luke 22:66](/luke/22-66 "Luke 22:66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin") because the Jewish leaders viewed Him as a threat to their authority, their interpretation of the Law, and potentially to their relationship with the Roman authorities. They sought to condemn Him on charges of blasphemy or sedition, aiming to secure His execution.

**Why was the trial held "as soon as it was day" rather than immediately after His arrest?**

Answer: Jewish legal tradition, particularly for capital cases, stipulated that trials should be held during daylight hours and not at night. While Jesus had already undergone an illegal, informal interrogation and abuse during the night ([Luke 22:63-65](/luke/22-63-65 "Luke 22:63-65 - Jesus Mocked and Beaten")), the convening of the Sanhedrin "as soon as it was day" in [Luke 22:66](/luke/22-66 "Luke 22:66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin") was an attempt by the Jewish leaders to give a veneer of legality to their proceedings. Despite this outward adherence to the law, the entire trial was a hurried and unjust process, with a predetermined verdict.

**What was the significance of "the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes" being present?**

Answer: This specific enumeration in [Luke 22:66](/luke/22-66 "Luke 22:66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin") signifies that the full spectrum of the Sanhedrin's leadership was present and united in their condemnation of Jesus. The "elders" represented the lay aristocracy, the "chief priests" were the Sadducean priestly elite (including the high priest and former high priests), and the "scribes" were the Pharisees and other legal experts. Their collective presence underscores the comprehensive and unanimous resolve of the Jewish religious establishment against Jesus, demonstrating the immense institutional power arrayed against Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:66, detailing the formal commencement of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, is a profound moment of Christ-centered fulfillment. Here, the Son of God, the rightful Judge of all humanity, stands accused before a human court that is itself steeped in injustice and spiritual blindness. This scene powerfully foreshadows His role as the suffering servant, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Silent Lamb"), who "was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth." Jesus' willingness to be "led into their council" and submit to this unlawful process is a testament to His perfect obedience to the Father's redemptive plan, a plan that culminated in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. His silent endurance in the face of false accusations and a predetermined verdict highlights His divine innocence and His voluntary offering of Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Ultimately, this unjust trial before the Sanhedrin, leading to His condemnation, paved the way for His ultimate triumph over sin and death, establishing Him as the true High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest")) and the King of kings, whose judgment is always righteous ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Mark 15:1

¶ And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Acts 22:5

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Acts 4:25

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.