Luke 22:5
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐχάρησαν
they were glad
G5463
ἐχάρησαν
they were glad
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
2 of 7
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνέθεντο
covenanted
G4934
συνέθεντο
covenanted
Strong's:
G4934
Word #:
4 of 7
to place jointly, i.e., (figuratively) to consent (bargain, stipulate), concur
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 7
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
Historical Context
Thirty shekels was the compensation for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32), insulting valuation for Israel's shepherd. Temple authorities controlled vast wealth from taxes, tithes, and Passover commerce (the temple treasury held deposits from across the diaspora). Judas' price was relatively modest—about four months' wages for a laborer.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the leaders' 'gladness' at betrayal expose the danger of religious externalism without heart transformation?
- What modern parallels exist to 'covenanting' for convenience or profit in ways that betray Christ's gospel?
- How does Judas' price—the value of a slave—highlight both humanity's contempt for Christ and His willing self-humiliation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. The leaders' response reveals moral bankruptcy—they were glad (ἐχάρησαν, echarēsan, aorist passive, 'they rejoiced') at the opportunity to murder the Messiah. They covenanted (συνέθεντο, synethento, 'agreed/contracted') to pay Judas, using business language for spiritual treason. Matthew specifies thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), fulfilling Zechariah 11:12's prophecy of the Good Shepherd valued at a slave's price.
The irony is profound: those who studied Scripture daily, who meticulously tithed 'mint and rue and all manner of herbs' (Luke 11:42), casually purchased murder. Money becomes the currency of betrayal—Judas' greed met by institutional corruption. This 'covenant' of blood money contrasts sharply with the New Covenant Jesus will establish hours later through His own blood (Luke 22:20). Where religious leaders covenant for death, Christ covenants for life.