Luke 22:23

And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And {G2532} they {G846} began {G756} to enquire {G4802} among {G4314} themselves {G1438}, which {G5101}{G686} of {G1537} them {G846} it was {G1498} that should {G3195} do {G4238} this thing {G5124}.

They began asking each other which of them could be about to do such a thing.

Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Commentary

Luke 22:23 captures a poignant moment during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus reveals that one of His closest disciples would betray Him.

Context of Luke 22:23

This verse is set within the solemn atmosphere of the Passover meal, which Jesus transformed into the institution of the New Covenant through His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20). Just moments before, Jesus declared, "But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table" (Luke 22:21). The disciples, stunned by this shocking revelation, react by turning their suspicion inward and towards each other, rather than immediately identifying Judas Iscariot, whose heart had already been swayed by Satan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disbelief and Confusion: The disciples are utterly bewildered. They cannot fathom such an act from within their own ranks, highlighting their initial blindness to the spiritual darkness at play and the depth of Judas's deception.
  • Self-Examination (Though Misdirected): Their immediate response is to "enquire among themselves," indicating a momentary, albeit anxious, self-reflection. Each disciple wonders if they could be capable of such a heinous act. This reflects a human tendency to look around rather than deep within, yet it also shows a dawning awareness of human fallibility.
  • The Gravity of Betrayal: The phrase "this thing" underscores the unspeakable nature of the impending betrayal. It was not just a simple act but a profound violation of trust and loyalty against the Son of God.
  • Human Frailty: This scene subtly reminds us that even those closest to Jesus are susceptible to spiritual weakness and failure, as evidenced later by Peter's denial (Luke 22:34) and the disciples' desertion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "enquire" comes from the Greek verb eperōtaō (ἐπερωτάω), which means "to ask, question, interrogate." It suggests a thorough, perhaps anxious, questioning rather than a casual inquiry. The phrase "do this thing" translates touto to pragma (τοῦτο τὸ πρᾶγμα), literally "this matter" or "this deed," emphasizing the specific, terrible nature of the act of betrayal without needing to name it directly, as its enormity was self-evident.

Practical Application and Reflection

Luke 22:23 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. When confronted with difficult truths or prophecies of spiritual decline, our first inclination should be a humble self-examination rather than immediate accusation of others. It prompts us to ask: "Lord, is it I?" This verse encourages a spirit of introspection and vigilance, recognizing our own potential for failure and the need for constant reliance on God's grace to remain faithful to Christ's teachings and His new commandment of love.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 14:19 (2 votes)

    And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

  • John 13:22 (2 votes)

    Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

  • John 13:25 (2 votes)

    He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

  • Matthew 26:22 (2 votes)

    And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?