New Testament
Luke 22:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And he agreed and looked for a chance to betray him to them when the crowd was not present.
Compare translations
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
What Luke 22:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, makes a secret agreement with the religious leaders to betray Jesus. He is actively looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when there are no crowds around. This moment highlights Judas's willingness to betray his teacher and friend for personal gain. The phrase 'when the crowd was not present' indicates that Judas wanted to avoid public backlash and ensure that the betrayal could be carried out discreetly. This act of betrayal is significant as it sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Judas's actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and the consequences of turning away from loyalty and faithfulness. It also emphasizes the theme of betrayal, which is central to the narrative of Jesus' passion and sacrifice.
How to apply Luke 22:6 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 remain faithful and to seek integrity in our relationships, even when faced with difficult choices.
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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 22:6
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 22:6 reveal about Judas Iscariot?
Luke 22:6 reveals that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' closest disciples, secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the religious leaders. This verse highlights Judas's willingness to turn against his teacher for personal gain, emphasizing the theme of betrayal that runs throughout the narrative of Jesus' passion.
Why did Judas seek to betray Jesus in secret?
Judas sought to betray Jesus in secret to avoid public backlash and ensure that the act could be carried out discreetly. By waiting for a moment when the crowd was not present, he aimed to minimize the risk of being confronted or stopped by Jesus' followers, showcasing his cunning and treachery.
What are the implications of betrayal in Luke 22:6?
The implications of betrayal in Luke 22:6 are profound, as it sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and the consequences of turning away from loyalty and faithfulness, urging readers to reflect on their own values and relationships.
How can we apply the lessons from Luke 22:6 to our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Luke 22:6 by examining our own loyalties and motivations. It challenges us to consider whether we ever compromise our values or betray those we care about for personal gain. This verse encourages us to remain faithful and uphold integrity in our relationships, especially during challenging times.
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