Luke 22:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:5
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, discipleship, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:5
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?