And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

LUKE 22:5KJV
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Luke 22:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:5 mean?

Luke 22:5 describes how the religious leaders were pleased with Judas Iscariot’s offer to betray Jesus and agreed to pay him money for his help. This verse shows the leaders making a deal with Judas, setting in motion the events that would lead to Jesus’ arrest.

In this scene, the chief priests and officers are meeting with Judas, one of Jesus’ own disciples. Judas has approached them with a plan to hand Jesus over to them quietly. The leaders are glad about this unexpected opportunity and formally agree to give Judas a payment, highlighting how both sides are willingly entering into this arrangement.

The Greek behind Luke 22:5

  • χαίρω (chairō, “glad”): This word means to rejoice or be very pleased. The Greek here shows that the leaders weren’t just agreeing—they were genuinely happy about Judas’s offer, which emphasizes their eagerness to get rid of Jesus.
  • συνέθεντο (synethento, “covenanted”): This word means to make an agreement or contract. It suggests a formal, deliberate arrangement, not just a casual promise, showing both sides are making a binding deal.
  • ἀργύριον (argyrion, “money”): This word refers specifically to silver coins. The use of this term points to the kind of payment Judas would receive, which later is described as thirty pieces of silver.

Why Luke 22:5 matters

  • Luke 22:5 clarifies that Judas’s betrayal was not forced or accidental; it was a planned agreement between him and the religious leaders, with money as a clear motive.
  • The verse highlights the eagerness of the leaders to arrest Jesus, showing their willingness to use underhanded means to achieve their goal.
  • This moment is a turning point in the narrative, directly leading to the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, and it shows how betrayal and conspiracy played a role in the story.

Where else these words appear

“covenanted” Greek G4934 · used in 4 verses

  • John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
  • Acts 23:20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
  • Acts 24:9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

“money” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
  • Luke 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

“glad” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.