And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

LUKE 22:6KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 22:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:6 mean?

Luke 22:6 describes how Judas agreed to betray Jesus and then looked for the right moment to hand him over to the religious leaders when there would not be a crowd around. This verse shows Judas actively planning how to turn Jesus over in secret, away from the public eye.

Judas is the one making the promise here, responding to the religious leaders who wanted to arrest Jesus without causing a scene. The verse highlights the careful plotting involved, as Judas seeks an opportunity when Jesus is not surrounded by the crowds who often followed him. This sets the stage for the events that will soon unfold in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 22:6

  • "ἐπηγγείλατο" (epēngeilato, "promised"): This word means Judas made a firm commitment or pledge, not just a casual agreement. It shows his deliberate choice to go through with the betrayal.
  • "ἐζήτει" (ezētei, "sought"): The Greek here carries the sense of actively looking or searching, not just waiting for a chance. Judas is shown as taking initiative in finding the right moment.
  • "εὐκαιρίαν" (eukairian, "opportunity"): This word often refers to a favorable or convenient time. Judas is not just waiting for any moment, but specifically for a time that would make the betrayal easier and less risky.
  • "ἄτερ ὄχλου" (ater ochlou, "in the absence of the multitude"): The phrase means without the crowd present. The leaders and Judas wanted to avoid public uproar, so secrecy was important.

Why Luke 22:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Judas’s betrayal was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a calculated act, involving planning and secrecy.
  • The detail about avoiding the crowd explains why Jesus was arrested at night and in a secluded place, connecting to the later events in Gethsemane.
  • Luke 22:6 helps readers see the tension between the leaders’ fear of the people and their determination to arrest Jesus, highlighting the political and social pressures at play.

Where else these words appear

“opportunity” Greek G2120 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

“absence” Greek G817 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

“promised” Greek G1843 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

“sought” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?