King James Version

What Does Luke 22:5 Mean?

Luke 22:5 in the King James Version says “And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:5 · KJV

Context

3

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

4

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

5

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

6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. in the: or, without tumult

7

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does the leaders' 'gladness' at betrayal expose the danger of religious externalism without heart transformation?
  2. What modern parallels exist to 'covenanting' for convenience or profit in ways that betray Christ's gospel?
  3. How does Judas' price—the value of a slave—highlight both humanity's contempt for Christ and His willing self-humiliation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
καὶ1 of 7

“And”

G2532

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

ἐχάρησαν2 of 7

“they were glad”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καὶ3 of 7

“And”

G2532

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

συνέθεντο4 of 7

“covenanted”

G4934

to place jointly, i.e., (figuratively) to consent (bargain, stipulate), concur

αὐτῷ5 of 7

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀργύριον6 of 7

“money”

G694

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

δοῦναι7 of 7

“to give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:15-16Acts 1:18Matthew 27:3-5Zechariah 11:12-131 Timothy 6:9-10Acts 8:20

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