And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

LUKE 22:2KJV
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Luke 22:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:2 mean?

Luke 22:2 describes how the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to kill Jesus because they were afraid of how the people would react. The verse shows that their fear of the people's response influenced their secretive and cautious approach.

The setting is just before Jesus’ arrest in Jerusalem, as religious leaders secretly plot against him. The “chief priests and scribes” were influential Jewish authorities, and their fear was not of Jesus himself, but of the crowds who supported him. This verse highlights the tension between the leaders’ intentions and the popularity Jesus had with ordinary people.

The Greek behind Luke 22:2

  • ἐφοβοῦντο (phobounto, “feared”): This word means to be afraid or deeply concerned. Here, it shows that the leaders’ actions were driven by anxiety over public opinion, not just by opposition to Jesus.
  • ἐζήτουν (ezētoun, “sought”): This verb means to seek or look for, often with determination. The use here suggests an ongoing, active search for an opportunity, not a one-time thought.
  • ἀποκτείνωσιν (apokteinōsin, “kill”): This word means to kill or put to death. The verse makes clear that their intent was not just to silence or discredit Jesus, but to end his life.

Why Luke 22:2 matters

  • Luke 22:2 clarifies that the religious leaders’ plot against Jesus was motivated by fear of the people, not just theological disagreement or personal rivalry.
  • The verse sets up the atmosphere of secrecy and tension that leads to Judas’s betrayal, helping readers understand why the leaders needed an inside accomplice.
  • This detail helps explain why Jesus’ arrest and execution happened at night and away from the crowds, highlighting the leaders’ concern about public backlash.

Where else these words appear

“kill” Greek G337 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

“feared” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.