Luke 24:20
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
And how
G3704
ὅπως
And how
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 16
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
παρέδωκαν
delivered him
G3860
παρέδωκαν
delivered him
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
3 of 16
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
6 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κρίμα
be condemned
G2917
κρίμα
be condemned
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
12 of 16
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
θανάτου
to death
G2288
θανάτου
to death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
13 of 16
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin lacked authority to execute capital punishment under Roman occupation (John 18:31), necessitating Pilate's involvement. Crucifixion was a Roman method; Jewish execution was stoning. This collaboration between religious and political powers fulfilled Psalm 2:2—'the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and his Anointed.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' phrase 'our rulers' reflect the painful betrayal of spiritual leadership?
- What does the passive voice 'delivered him' suggest about God's sovereignty in Christ's crucifixion?
- How should believers respond when religious authorities contradict Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death (παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν... εἰς κρίμα θανάτου, paredōkan auton... eis krima thanatou)—The verb paradidōmi (delivered/handed over) carries profound theological weight throughout the Passion narrative. The same word describes Judas's betrayal (22:48), the Father's sovereignty (Acts 2:23), and Christ's self-offering (Galatians 2:20).
Our rulers (οἱ ἄρχοντες ἡμῶν, hoi archontes hēmōn) indicts the Sanhedrin leadership, yet the possessive 'our' reveals the disciples' continuing Jewish identity and communal grief. They witnessed their own religious establishment—those expected to recognize Messiah—orchestrate His execution. The passive construction to be condemned acknowledges Roman complicity while emphasizing Jewish initiative, fulfilling Jesus' prediction (18:31-33).