Luke 22:3
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰούδαν
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδαν
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
6 of 15
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικαλούμενον
surnamed
G1941
ἐπικαλούμενον
surnamed
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
8 of 15
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
Ἰσκαριώτην
Iscariot
G2469
Ἰσκαριώτην
Iscariot
Strong's:
G2469
Word #:
9 of 15
inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.Acts 5:3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.Luke 22:21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.John 12:6This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.Luke 6:16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.Matthew 26:23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Historical Context
Satanic possession was recognized in first-century Judaism, distinct from illness or general temptation. Judas' surname 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth' (a Judean town), making him possibly the only non-Galilean among the Twelve. His access to the money bag (John 13:29) gave him unique opportunities for theft.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas' example warn against allowing persistent sin (like greed) to create footholds for deeper spiritual darkness?
- What does Satan's direct involvement in the betrayal reveal about the cosmic stakes of Christ's Passion?
- How should the reality of spiritual warfare inform your vigilance against compromise and sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. Luke uniquely specifies Satan's direct agency in the betrayal. The verb entered (εἰσῆλθεν, eisēlthen, aorist active) indicates definitive action—this is demonic possession, not mere temptation. Satan (Σατανᾶς, Satanas, 'adversary') himself, not a lesser demon, enters Judas Iscariot (Ἰούδαν τὸν καλούμενον Ἰσκαριώτην, Ioudan ton kaloumenon Iskariōtēn).
Luke stresses the horror: Judas was of the number of the twelve (ὄντα ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τῶν δώδεκα, onta ek tou arithmou tōn dōdeka)—an insider, chosen apostle who heard Jesus' teaching, witnessed miracles, shared table fellowship. Yet Satan found access, likely through Judas' greed (John 12:6). This doesn't absolve Judas' responsibility; rather, it reveals how human sin opens doors to demonic exploitation. The cosmic battle behind the Passion becomes explicit: Satan seeks to destroy the Messiah, but God will use Satan's own scheme to accomplish redemption.