The Meaning of Luke 22:66 Explained

Luke 22:66

KJV: And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

YLT: And when it became day there was gathered together the eldership of the people, chief priests also, and scribes, and they led him up to their own sanhedrim,

Darby: And when it was day, the elderhood of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, were gathered together, and led him into their council, saying,

ASV: And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,

What is the context of Luke 22:66?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  as soon as  it was  day,  the elders  of the people  and  the chief priests  and  the scribes  came together,  and  led  him  into  their  council,  saying, 

What does Luke 22:66 Mean?

Study Notes

And as soon
For order of events on the day of the crucifixion, .
led
A comparison of the narratives gives the following order of events in the crucifixion day:
(1) Early in the morning Jesus is brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. He is condemned and mocked Matthew 26:57-68 ; Mark 14:55-65 ; Luke 22:63-71 ; John 18:19-24 .
(2) The Sanhedrin lead Jesus to Pilate, Matthew 27:1 ; Luke 23:6-1247 ; Matthew 27:11-14 ; Mark 15:1-5 ; Luke 23:1-5 ; John 18:28-38 .
(3) Pilate sends Jesus to Herod 1713489158_3 ; John 19:4 .
(4) Jesus is again brought before Pilate, who releases Barabbas and delivers Jesus to be crucified Matthew 27:15-26 ; Mark 15:6-15 ; Luke 23:13-25 ; John 18:39 ; John 18:40 ; John 19:4-16 .
(5) Jesus is crowned with thorns and mocked Matthew 27:26-30 ; Mark 15:15-20 ; John 19:1-3 .
(6) Suicide of Judas Matthew 27:3-10 .
(7) Led forth to be crucified, the cross is laid upon Simon: Jesus discourses to the women Matthew 27:31 ; Matthew 27:32 ; Mark 15:20-23 ; Luke 23:26-33 ; John 19:16 ; John 19:17 .
For the order of events at the crucifixion (See Scofield " Matthew 27:33 ")

Verse Meaning

The Sanhedrin, also known as the council of the elders, was Israel"s supreme court. It could only conduct cases involving potential capital punishment during daylight hours. [1] This seems to be the reason for the time of this meeting. Evidently the Sanhedrin members wanted to send Jesus on to Pilate for trial as early as they could. The Sanhedrin normally met in a building not far to the west of the western wall of the temple. [2] But archaeologists have not yet been able to determine exactly where.

Context Summary

Luke 22:63-71 - "rejected Of Men"
This scene of mockery is very terrible. How difficult the twelve legions of angels must have found it to restrain themselves. See Matthew 26:53. Here we have an exhibition of the hidden evil of the human heart, which is drawn forth in contact with infinite purity, as the stench of stagnant water is elicited by the summer sun.
Our Lord answered not a word to all the false accusations that were leveled against Him. He left the false witnesses to refute each other. But as soon as His divine claims were challenged, He could not keep silence. It is very noticeable that, in this Gospel, which lays such stress on Christ's pure humanity, Luke makes it so clear that the unwavering affirmation of His equality with God was the cause of His death, John 5:18. Is there not a sense in which the eye of faith always beholds Him seated at the right hand of God's power? [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 22

1  The leaders conspire against Jesus
3  Satan prepares Judas to betray him
7  The apostles prepare the Passover
19  Jesus institutes his holy supper;
21  covertly foretells of the traitor;
24  rebukes the rest of his apostles from ambition;
31  assures Peter his faith should not fail;
34  and yet he should deny him thrice
39  He prays in the mount, and sweats blood;
47  is betrayed with a kiss;
50  he heals Malchus' ear;
54  he is thrice denied by Peter;
63  shamefully abused;
66  and confesses himself to be the Son of God

Greek Commentary for Luke 22:66

As soon as it was day [ως εγενετο ημερα]
Mark 15:1 (Matthew 27:1) has “morning.” [source]
The assembly of the people [το πρεσβυτεριον του λαου]
The technical word for “the eldership” (from πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros an old man or elder) or group of the elders composing the Sanhedrin. The word occurs in the lxx for the Sanhedrin. In the N.T. occurs only here and Acts 22:5 of the Sanhedrin. In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul uses it of the elders in a church (or churches). The Sanhedrin was composed of the elders and scribes and chief priests (Mark 15:1) and all three groups are at this meeting. Luke‘s language (both chief priests and scribes, τε και — te … πρεσβυτεριον — kai) seems to apply the word εις το συνεδριον αυτων — presbuterion to the whole Sanhedrin. Sadducees (chief priests) and Pharisees (scribes) were nearly equally represented.Into their council (eis to sunedrion autōn). The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber. [source]
… []
πρεσβυτεριον — kai) seems to apply the word εις το συνεδριον αυτων — presbuterion to the whole Sanhedrin. Sadducees (chief priests) and Pharisees (scribes) were nearly equally represented.Into their council (eis to sunedrion autōn). The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber. [source]
Into their council [eis to sunedrion autōn)]
The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber. [source]
The elders [πρεσβυτέριον]
More correctly, the assembly of the elders. So Rev. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 22:66

Matthew 27:1 Now when morning was come [πρωιας δε γενομενης]
Genitive absolute. After dawn came the Sanhedrin held a formal meeting to condemn Jesus and so ratify the illegal trial during the night (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71). Luke gives the details of this second ratification consultation. The phrase used, took counsel (συμβουλιον ελαβον — sumboulion elabon) is a Latin idiom (consilium ceperunt) for συνεβουλευσαντο — sunebouleusanto f0). [source]
Mark 15:1 Held a consultation [συμβουλιον ποιησαντες]
So text of Westcott and Hort (Vulgate consilium facientes), though they give ετοιμασαντες — hetoimasantes in the margin. The late and rare word συμβουλιον — sumboulion is like the Latin consilium. If ετοιμασαντες — hetoimasantes is the correct text, the idea would be rather to prepare a concerted plan of action (Gould). But their action was illegal on the night before and they felt the need of this ratification after dawn which is described in Luke 22:66-71, who does not give the illegal night trial.Bound Jesus (δησαντες τον Ιησουν — dēsantes ton Iēsoun). He was bound on his arrest (John 18:12) when brought before Annas who sent him on bound to Caiaphas (John 18:24) and now he is bound again as he is sent to Pilate (Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:2). It is implied that he was unbound while before Annas and then before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. [source]
John 18:28 They lead [αγουσιν]
Dramatic historical present of αγω — agō plural “they” for the Sanhedrists (Luke 23:1). John gives no details of the trial before the Sanhedrin (only the fact, John 18:24, John 18:28) when Caiaphas presided, either the informal meeting at night (Mark 14:53, Mark 14:55-65; Matthew 26:57, Matthew 26:59-68; Luke 22:54, Luke 22:63-65) or the formal ratification meeting after dawn (Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1; Luke 22:66-71), but he gives much new material of the trial before Pilate (John 18:28-38). Into the palace For the history and meaning of this interesting Latin word, praetorium, see note on Matthew 27:27; note on Acts 23:35; and note on Philemon 1:13. Here it is probably the magnificent palace in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great for himself and occupied by the Roman Procurator (governor) when in the city. There was also one in Caesarea (Acts 23:35). Herod‘s palace in Jerusalem was on the Hill of Zion in the western part of the upper city. There is something to be said for the Castle of Antonia, north of the temple area, as the location of Pilate‘s residence in Jerusalem. Early Technically the fourth watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.). There were two violations of Jewish legal procedure (holding the trial for a capital case at night, passing condemnation on the same day of the trial). Besides, the Sanhedrin no longer had the power of death. A Roman court could meet any time after sunrise. John (John 19:14) says it was “about the sixth hour” when Pilate condemned Jesus. That they might not be defiled Purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of μιαινω — miainō to stain, to defile. For Jewish scruples about entering the house of a Gentile see Acts 10:28; Acts 11:3. But might eat the passover Second aorist active subjunctive of the defective verb εστιω — esthiō to eat. This phrase may mean to eat the passover meal as in Matthew 27:17 (Mark 14:12, Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11, Luke 22:15), but it does not have to mean that. In 2 Chronicles 30:22 we read: “And they did eat the festival seven days” when the paschal festival is meant, not the paschal lamb or the paschal supper. There are eight other examples of πασχα — pascha in John‘s Gospel and in all of them the feast is meant, not the supper. If we follow John‘s use of the word, it is the feast here, not the meal of John 13:2 which was the regular passover meal. This interpretation keeps John in harmony with the Synoptics. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 Of the presbytery [τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου]
The word is found in Luke 22:66, where it denotes the body of representative elders of the people in the Sanhedrim, as distinguished from the two other constituents of that body - the chief priests and scribes. Similarly Acts 22:5. Here of the college or fraternity of Christian elders in the place where Timothy was ordained. The word is frequent in the Epistles of Ignatius. According to this, Timothy was not ordained by a Bishop. Bishop and Presbyter are not identical. In 2 Timothy 1:6we read, “by the laying on of my hands.” The inconsistency is usually explained by saying that Paul was associated with the Presbyters in the laying on of hands. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 The gift that is in thee [του εν σοι χαρισματος]
Late word of result from χαριζομαι — charizomai in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Romans 1:11; etc.). Here it is God‘s gift to Timothy as in 2 Timothy 1:6. By prophecy (δια προπητειας — dia prophēteias). Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [μετα επιτεσεως των χειρων του πρεσβυτεριου]
In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 22:66 mean?

And when it became day were gathered together the elderhood of the people chief priests both scribes they led Him into the council of them saying
Καὶ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡμέρα συνήχθη τὸ πρεσβυτέριον τοῦ λαοῦ ἀρχιερεῖς τε γραμματεῖς ἀπήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ συνέδριον αὐτῶν λέγοντες

ἐγένετο  it  became 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ἡμέρα  day 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
συνήχθη  were  gathered  together 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: συνάγω  
Sense: to gather together, to gather.
πρεσβυτέριον  elderhood 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: πρεσβυτέριον  
Sense: body of elders, presbytery, senate, council.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
λαοῦ  people 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: λαός  
Sense: a people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock and language.
ἀρχιερεῖς  chief  priests 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀρχιερεύς  
Sense: chief priest, high priest.
τε  both 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: τέ  
Sense: not only … but also.
γραμματεῖς  scribes 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: γραμματεύς  
Sense: a clerk, scribe, esp.
ἀπήγαγον  they  led 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀπάγω  
Sense: to lead away.
εἰς  into 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
συνέδριον  council 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: συνέδριον  
Sense: any assembly (esp.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
λέγοντες  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.