King James Version

What Does Luke 22:6 Mean?

Luke 22:6 in the King James Version says “And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. in the: or, without tum...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Judas promised (ἐξωμολόγησεν, exōmologēsen, 'agreed/consented'), sealing the arrangement. He then sought opportunity (ἐζήτει εὐκαιρίαν, ezētei eukairan, imperfect tense of continuous action), looking for the right eukaira—a 'good season' or 'opportune time.' The crucial condition: in the absence of the multitude (ἄτερ ὄχλου, ater ochlou, 'without a crowd').

This solves the leaders' dilemma from verse 2—how to arrest Jesus without triggering a riot among Passover pilgrims who honored Him. Judas knew Jesus' patterns: prayer at Gethsemane, teaching in temple courts, movements around Jerusalem. He would identify the isolated moment for arrest. The tragic irony: Judas searched for opportunity to destroy while Jesus sought opportunity to save. Where Judas calculated timing for treachery, Christ embraced divine timing for sacrifice: 'Mine hour is come' (John 12:23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem swelled from 40,000 residents to over 200,000 during Passover, with pilgrims camping around the city. Roman governors relocated from Caesarea to Jerusalem during festivals anticipating potential messianic uprisings. Any public arrest of a popular figure risked mob violence, complicating Roman-Jewish relations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judas' search for 'opportunity' to betray contrast with how you should seek opportunities to serve Christ?
  2. What does the leaders' fear of public reaction reveal about the difference between popular opinion and true authority?
  3. In what ways might you be tempted to follow Christ only when it's publicly acceptable, abandoning Him when the 'multitude' isn't watching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξωμολόγησεν2 of 11

“he promised”

G1843

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

καὶ3 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἐζήτει4 of 11

“sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

εὐκαιρίαν5 of 11

“opportunity”

G2120

a favorable occasion

τοῦ6 of 11
G3588

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

παραδοῦναι7 of 11

“to betray”

G3860

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

αὐτοῖς8 of 11

“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

αὐτοῖς9 of 11

“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

ἄτερ10 of 11

“in the absence”

G817

aloof, i.e., apart from (literally or figuratively)

ὄχλου11 of 11

“of the multitude”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

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 22:6 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 22:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:5Mark 14:2

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