King James Version

What Does Luke 22:22 Mean?

Luke 22:22 in the King James Version says “And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Luke 22:22 · KJV


Context

20

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

21

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

22

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

23

And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

24

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Son of man goeth, as it was determined (κατὰ τὸ ὡρισμένον, kata to horismenon)—The cross was not Plan B but eternally decreed (Acts 2:23, 4:28). God's sovereign determination (ὁρίζω, horizo—to mark out boundaries, appoint) guaranteed Christ's atoning work would succeed.

Woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed—Divine sovereignty and human responsibility stand together without contradiction. Judas was fully culpable (οὐαί, ouai—woe, expressing both grief and judgment) despite God's predetermined plan. Jesus later said it would have been better if Judas had never been born (Mark 14:21), showing the eternal consequences of rejecting the Messiah even from a position of intimate discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology affirmed both God's sovereignty over history and human moral responsibility. The disciples understood prophecies like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 predicted Messiah's suffering, but they struggled to reconcile this with their expectations of a conquering king. Jesus clarified that His suffering was not defeat but divine plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile God's sovereign decree with human moral responsibility in your own understanding of salvation?
  2. What does Judas's eternal condemnation despite fulfilling prophecy teach about the seriousness of rejecting Christ?
  3. How should the predetermined nature of Christ's sacrifice affect our confidence in God's control over current events?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

2 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν3 of 18

truly

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

υἱὸς4 of 18

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπῳ6 of 18

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πορεύεται7 of 18

goeth

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

κατὰ8 of 18

as

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ9 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὡρισμένον10 of 18

it was determined

G3724

to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify

πλὴν11 of 18

but

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

οὐαὶ12 of 18

woe

G3759

woe

τῷ13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπῳ14 of 18

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐκείνῳ15 of 18

unto that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

δι'16 of 18

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ17 of 18

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραδίδοται18 of 18

he is betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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