New Testament
Luke 22:5
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They were glad and agreed to give him money.
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And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
What Luke 22:5 means
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.
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Luke 22:3–6)
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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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Keep studying Luke 22:5
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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 22:5 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.
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