For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus declares that His coming death is "as it was determined," highlighting that it's part of God's unfolding plan. But then He immediately pivots to a stark warning: "woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" This shows that divine destiny doesn't excuse human treachery; both God's sovereign purpose and individual accountability are profoundly true at the same time.
For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking these words at the Last Supper, just after instituting the Lord's Supper and a heated discussion among the disciples about who would be the greatest. He's revealing that his own death is part of God's plan, while simultaneously pronouncing a terrible judgment on the one who will hand him over. This statement directly precedes Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus speaks of His departure, not as a surprise, but as a preordained event. What does it mean that His path was 'determined'?
Jesus acknowledges His impending suffering and death with remarkable clarity. The phrase 'as it has been determined' points to the sovereign plan of God. This wasn't an unexpected tragedy, but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies and God's eternal purpose.
Divine Counsel
Immediately after speaking of God's plan, Jesus pronounces a severe judgment. What is the weight of this 'woe' on the betrayer?
Jesus’ words pivot sharply from divine sovereignty to human responsibility. While His betrayal was part of God’s plan, the person who carried it out faces a terrifying consequence.
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A Solemn Judgment
Understand the original words
ho huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Himself, derived from Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority as the eschatological Judge and King.
horizō · Greek Verb
A term often associated with the sovereign plan or decree of God. In this context, it signifies that Jesus’ suffering and death were not accidental but fulfilled the divine necessity of the Father's will.
ouai · Greek Interjection
An interjection expressing deep grief, distress, or impending judgment. It functions as a solemn pronouncement of doom upon those who set themselves against God’s purposes.
Jesus' words highlight the tension between God's sovereign plan for salvation, which included his betrayal and death, and the profound personal responsibility and guilt of the betrayer.
c. 700 BC
Prophecies of Isaiah
The prophet Isaiah foretells a suffering servant who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "numbered with the transgressors." These prophecies were understood by many Jews to foreshadow a future Messiah who would die for his people.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Throughout his ministry, Jesus spoke of his impending death and resurrection, often in veiled terms but at other times quite directly, preparing his disciples for the inevitable.
Thursday, Nisan 14, c. 30 AD— this verse
The Last Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, sharing bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood, and foretold his betrayal by one of those present.
Thursday night, c. 30 AD
Betrayal and Arrest
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrays Jesus to the authorities with a kiss, leading to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Friday, Nisan 15, c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is tried, condemned, and crucified, fulfilling the prophecies and God's determined plan for the atonement of sins.
This passage echoes Luke 22:22 by stating that Jesus was delivered according to God's definite plan and foreknowledge, highlighting the predetermined aspect of Christ's suffering.
Revelation 13:8This verse connects to the idea of Jesus being 'slain from the foundation of the world,' reinforcing the concept that His betrayal and death were part of an eternal divine plan, even before human actions took place.
Psalm 41:9This Old Testament psalm is seen by many as a prophecy fulfilled in Judas's betrayal, as it speaks of a close companion turning against someone, foreshadowing the act described in Luke 22:22.
Matthew 26:24While Luke focuses on the woe pronounced, Matthew records Jesus adding that it would have been better for the betrayer if he had never been born, intensifying the consequence of the predetermined betrayal.
bengelLuke 22:22: "And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!"
Luke 22:22 . Κατἀ τὸ ὡρισμένον , according to what was determined ) What was determined or appointed, we may know from Scripture. See Luke 22:37 (“This that is written must yet be accomplished”); Mark 14:21 (“The Son of Man goeth, as it is written of Him”).—V. g.]
ellicottLuke 22:22: "And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!"
(22) As it was determined. —The word is eminently characteristic of St. Luke. (Comp. Acts 2:23 ; Acts 10:42 ; Acts 17:26 ; Acts 17:31 .) Woe unto that man . . .—As occurring in all the first three Gospels, the words must be noted as among those that had made an indelible impression on those who heard them, and were therefore reproduced verbatim in the midst of many variations on oth…
Jesus declares that His coming death is "as it was determined," highlighting that it's part of God's unfolding plan. But then He immediately pivots to a stark warning: "woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" This shows that divine destiny doesn't excuse human treachery; both God's sovereign purpose and individual accountability are profoundly true at the same time.
Jesus is speaking these words at the Last Supper, just after instituting the Lord's Supper and a heated discussion among the disciples about who would be the greatest. He's revealing that his own death is part of God's plan, while simultaneously pronouncing a terrible judgment on the one who will hand him over. This statement directly precedes Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus is speaking these words at the Last Supper, just after instituting the Lord's Supper and a heated discussion among the disciples about who would be the greatest. He's revealing that his own death is part of God's plan, while simultaneously pronouncing a terrible judgment on the one who will hand him over. This statement directly precedes Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
"For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”" — Jesus declares that His coming death is "as it was determined," highlighting that it's part of God's unfolding plan. But then He immediately pivots to a stark warning: "woe to that man by whom he is…
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Last reviewed October 2026