New Testament
Luke 22:4
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Judas went and talked with the chief priests and the temple guards about how he could betray Jesus to them.
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And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
What Luke 22:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, takes a decisive step towards betraying his master. He seeks out the chief priests and the temple guards, indicating a premeditated plan to hand Jesus over to them. This act of betrayal is significant as it sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Judas' actions highlight themes of greed, betrayal, and the struggle between good and evil. His willingness to collaborate with the religious leaders shows a deep moral failure and a choice driven by personal gain rather than loyalty or faithfulness. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the potential for betrayal that exists even among those closest to us, and it raises questions about loyalty, integrity, and the consequences of our choices.
How to apply Luke 22:4 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own loyalties and the motivations behind our actions. Are we ever tempted to betray our values or those we care about for personal gain? It encourages us to choose integrity and faithfulness in our relationships and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Luke 22:3–6)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:4 mean?
Luke 22:4 describes Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus by meeting with the chief priests and temple guards. This act signifies a deliberate choice to turn against Jesus, leading to the events of his arrest and crucifixion.
What is the significance of Judas' actions in Luke 22:4?
Judas' actions in this verse highlight themes of betrayal and moral failure. His willingness to collaborate with religious leaders for personal gain illustrates the conflict between loyalty and greed.
How does Luke 22:4 relate to themes of loyalty and betrayal?
Luke 22:4 exemplifies the struggle between loyalty and betrayal, as Judas chooses to betray Jesus, who was one of his closest companions. This choice raises important questions about integrity and the consequences of our actions.
What can we learn from Luke 22:4?
Luke 22:4 encourages self-reflection on our loyalties and motivations. It prompts us to consider whether we ever compromise our values for personal benefit, urging us to choose integrity in our relationships.
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