Bible Strands
Luke 22:3
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke records this event during the final hours before Jesus' arrest, as the chief priests and scribes seek a covert way to execute him while avoiding public unrest. The narrative shifts focus from the conspirators to Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, at the moment his role in the betrayal is initiated.
The words — εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) literally means "entered," describing a transition of influence into a person. The text states this action occurred as Judas was identified as one of the Twelve, marking the point where spiritual opposition moved into active conspiracy.
The thread — This event parallels John 13:2, where the devil had already put the idea of betrayal into Judas's heart, and Mark 14:10, which records Judas approaching the chief priests to arrange the betrayal. It also echoes Psalm 55:12, which laments betrayal coming from a trusted insider rather than an open enemy.
Why it lands — The text states that spiritual opposition can operate through appointed positions and trusted relationships to facilitate a predetermined outcome. It asks the reader to recognize the seriousness of compromised authority and the reality of unseen forces working through human agency.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Cross-references
- John 13:2 The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
- Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
- Psalms 55:12 For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide.
- John 13:18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
- John 13:26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.
- Psalms 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
- Matthew 26:14 Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
- Luke 22:21 Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table.
- Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?
- Luke 6:16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.