Luke 22:23
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
συζητεῖν
to enquire
G4802
συζητεῖν
to enquire
Strong's:
G4802
Word #:
4 of 16
to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 16
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τίς
which
G5101
τίς
which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Passover setting included reclining positions that made it difficult to identify who Jesus meant. Jewish culture valued group solidarity, so the accusation of betrayal would have shocked all participants. The disciples' inability to detect Judas's true heart demonstrates how skillfully he concealed his greed and unbelief for three years.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disciples' self-questioning teach about the importance of regular spiritual self-examination?
- How can we better discern genuine faith from convincing counterfeits in our communities?
- Why is it dangerous to assume we are immune to serious spiritual failure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was (τὸ τίς ἄρα εἴη, to tis ara eie)—The disciples' question reveals their genuine confusion and, remarkably, their self-awareness of potential sin. Each asked "Is it I?" (Matthew 26:22), showing they recognized their own capacity for betrayal. This honest self-examination contrasts with Judas's feigned innocence.
The Greek construction indicates ongoing, intense discussion (ἐπιζητέω, epizeteo—to seek earnestly). Even in this solemn moment, the Twelve couldn't identify the traitor among them—Judas's external conformity had been convincing. This warns that apostasy can masquerade as authentic faith, even among the closest disciples (1 John 2:19).