What does Luke 22:23 mean?
What is the meaning of Luke 22:23?

Then

“Then” links this moment to Jesus’ grave announcement in the previous verse: “Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him” (Luke 22:22).

• In Scripture, “then” often signals a turning point (see Matthew 26:22).

• The disciples move instantly from listening to reacting—showing how the Word of Christ always calls for a response (James 1:22–25).

• Their timeline is set by Jesus, not by circumstance; He reveals what will happen, and “then” the narrative unfolds exactly as He said (John 13:18–19).


they began to question among themselves

The conversation shifts from Jesus’ declaration to personal self-examination.

• The group dynamic mirrors Proverbs 27:17—interaction sharpens spiritual awareness.

• Though the Lord has just instituted the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19–20), the disciples are still processing His words rather than the symbols, echoing how believers can miss deeper meaning when focused on immediate concerns (Mark 9:31–32).

• Their questioning is not gossip but an earnest search of the heart, similar to Psalm 139:23–24.


which of them

The phrase shows each disciple recognizing the possibility of personal failure.

• No one assumes innocence automatically; humility is evident (1 Corinthians 10:12).

• Even the inner circle (Peter, James, John) are not exempt—illustrating Romans 3:23 in real time.

• This collective uncertainty affirms Jesus’ prior teaching that wheat and tares grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:24–30).


was going to do this

“Do this” refers to the act of betrayal foretold in verse 22.

• The certainty—“was going to”—highlights divine sovereignty; the event is set, though human responsibility remains (Acts 2:23).

• Their ignorance of the betrayer’s identity underscores Judas’s outward conformity, warning that proximity to Jesus is not the same as loyalty to Jesus (1 John 2:19).

• The statement presses the disciples toward vigilance and faithfulness amid an approaching crisis (Ephesians 6:13–14).


summary

Luke 22:23 captures the disciples’ immediate, humble, and urgent self-examination after Jesus foretells His betrayal. The verse reminds believers that Christ’s Word provokes response, that sincere fellowship involves mutual heart-searching, that no one is above falling, and that God’s sovereign plan unfolds even through human choices.

What does Luke 22:22 reveal about God's plan for salvation through Jesus' suffering?
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