Luke 22:6
What does Luke 22:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:6 means
Judas agrees to the deal and begins looking for the opportune time to deliver Jesus when the crowds are absent. His aim is to avoid public attention, matching the leaders’ fear of the people. The betrayal will therefore occur at night, in a secluded place where Jesus often prayed. The word “consented” captures Judas’s settled choice; opportunity meets willing treachery. Yet God remains sovereign over timing. Judas seeks the shadows; Jesus walks into them knowingly. This verse explains how the arrest can happen quietly during a festival crowded with pilgrims. It also highlights the contrast between Jesus’ openness and His enemies’ secrecy, between the light of truth and the darkness of conspiracy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he made an agreement with them to give him up to them, if he got a chance, when the people were not present.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he agreed, and was seeking a favourable season to deliver him up to them without tumult.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he promised. And he sought opportunity to betray him in the absence of the multitude.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he came to an agreement to do it, and sought an opportunity to deliver him up to them away from the crowd.
Context
The plotting section reaches its immediate conclusion here: the deal is struck and the search for a quiet moment begins. Luke will now move to the disciples’ preparation for Passover, turning from whispered plans to holy observance. This contrast heightens the weight of what Jesus will do at the meal—instituting the new covenant—while danger silently closes in. Later, Judas will guide the arresting party to Jesus in the garden, fulfilling this verse’s design.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:5
But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among the people.
- Mark 14:2
for they said, Not during the feast, lest haply there shall be a tumult of the people.
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