Luke 22:23
What does Luke 22:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:23 means
The disciples begin to question among themselves which of them would do such a deed. Their uncertainty shows they do not immediately suspect Judas, and it reflects self-distrust mixed with confusion. This moment invites sober reflection: sin’s capacity lies near each heart. Yet the questioning quickly degenerates into a dispute about greatness, showing how easily fear and pride can surface even in holy moments. The verse captures the disciples’ immaturity and the need for Jesus’ patient instruction. It also preserves the mystery of Judas’s duplicity; outwardly, he blended in. The scene exposes the limits of human insight and the necessity of Jesus’ searching word to reveal hearts and to form true humility among His followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they were wondering among themselves which of them it was who would do this thing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they began to reason among themselves, who then of them it may be, who is about to do this thing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they began to question together among themselves who then it could be of them who was about to do this.
Context
Jesus has just pronounced the divine determination of His suffering and the woe on the betrayer. The disciples respond with anxious self-examination, wondering who could do this. In the very next breath, they slide into a contention over who is greatest, which prompts Jesus to teach about leadership by service. The flow from suspicion to ambition shows their frailty, setting up Jesus’ gracious promise of a kingdom and His sober warning to Peter about Satan’s sifting.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:22
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?
- Mark 14:19
They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?
- John 13:22
The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
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