New Testament
Luke 22:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see the religious leaders of the time, specifically the chief priests and scribes, expressing their joy at the prospect of betraying Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
They were glad and agreed to give him money.
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the religious leaders of the time, specifically the chief priests and scribes, expressing their joy at the prospect of betraying Jesus. They made a formal agreement to pay Judas Iscariot for his help in handing Jesus over to them. This moment highlights the depths of their animosity towards Jesus and their willingness to resort to treachery to achieve their goals. The act of covenanted means they made a serious promise, indicating that this was not a casual agreement but a calculated decision to eliminate a perceived threat to their authority. Judas, motivated by greed, becomes a key player in the unfolding events that lead to Jesus' crucifixion. This verse sets the stage for the betrayal that will have profound implications for the Christian faith, as it leads to the events of the Last Supper and ultimately the crucifixion of Jesus.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 22:5 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of our motivations and the company we keep. It challenges us to reflect on our own choices and whether we are aligning ourselves with integrity or compromising our values for personal gain. Choose wisely.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:5 mean?
Luke 22:5 describes the moment when the religious leaders, specifically the chief priests and scribes, express their joy at the prospect of betraying Jesus. They agree to pay Judas Iscariot for his betrayal, highlighting their animosity towards Jesus and their willingness to resort to treachery.
What is the significance of the word 'covenanted' in Luke 22:5?
The term 'covenanted' in Luke 22:5 indicates that the agreement made between the religious leaders and Judas was serious and formal. It reflects a calculated decision to betray Jesus, emphasizing the depth of their conspiracy against him.
Why were the religious leaders glad in Luke 22:5?
The religious leaders were glad because they saw an opportunity to eliminate Jesus, whom they viewed as a threat to their authority. Their joy reflects their willingness to engage in betrayal for their own interests.
How does Luke 22:5 relate to the themes of betrayal and greed?
Luke 22:5 encapsulates the themes of betrayal and greed by showing Judas agreeing to betray Jesus for money. This moment highlights how personal gain can lead individuals to compromise their values and engage in treachery.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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