Luke 22:2
What does Luke 22:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:2 means
The chief priests and scribes are not seeking truth but a way to kill Jesus. Their motive is not justice but fear—fear of the people, who esteemed Him. Religious office does not guard the heart from envy or unbelief; here, those entrusted with God’s law plot against God’s Messiah. Their concern to avoid public backlash shows their political calculations. Luke presents their intent starkly: they seek death, not dialogue. Human schemes, however, operate within God’s sovereign timetable. Their plotting will, unknowingly, serve the divine purpose of redemption. The contrast is clear: leaders fearing crowds versus Jesus fearless in obedience. Darkness maneuvers in secrecy, but the light is walking openly among the people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the chief priests and the scribes were looking for a chance to put him to death, but they went in fear of the people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they may take him up, for they were afraid of the people.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death: but they feared the people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Context
After noting the Passover’s approach, Luke immediately exposes the opposition’s resolve. This sets the tension: a holy feast and unholy plans. The next verses will introduce Judas as the insider who can deliver Jesus “in the absence of the multitude,” solving the leaders’ problem. The narrative will then pivot from conspiracy to preparation for the Passover meal, keeping the reader aware that betrayal and sacred observance are moving toward the same hour.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:47
The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.
- Matthew 12:14
But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.
- Matthew 21:38
But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and take his inheritance.
- Luke 20:19
And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
- Psalms 2:1
Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
- John 11:57
Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he should show it, that they might take him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 22
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 22.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covenant
God’s covenant is a sacred agreement between Him and His people, demonstrating His unchanging faithfulness and redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Will of God
Understanding and following God's will is crucial for every believer seeking a life of purpose and divine fellowship
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.