The verse highlights that Satan didn't just tempt Judas from the outside, but "entered into him," signifying a profound inner possession and influence. What's easy to miss is that this invasion occurred while Judas was still counted among the "number of the twelve," underscoring the devastating tragedy of a trusted insider being fully overcome by evil.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples are gathered for the Passover meal, the very last one before his crucifixion, and tensions are running high. Jesus has just predicted that one of them will betray him, and now Luke reveals the spiritual forces at play, showing that Satan has fully possessed Judas, one of the twelve apostles, spurring him to carry out his plan to hand Jesus over.
Satan doesn't create desires out of nowhere. He finds what's already there and fans the flames. How does this change how we view temptation?
The verse says, 'Then Satan entered into Judas.' This isn't about demonic possession in the way we often imagine. Instead, it speaks to Satan exploiting Judas's existing inner struggles.
A Pre-existing Weakness
Commentaries suggest Satan targeted Judas's greed. This wasn't a new passion Satan invented, but a deep-seated flaw he amplified. Think of it like this: Satan found a crack in Judas's character and pushed, widening it until the whole structure was compromised.
Amplifying Our Own Failures
This is a sobering truth for all of us. Satan often works by magnifying our own native passions – pride, anger, lust, greed. He doesn't force us to act against our nature, but tempts us to act out of our established patterns of sin. When we nurture a negative trait, we're essentially leaving the door ajar for spiritual darkness.
Judas wasn't just any follower; he was one of Jesus's closest companions. What makes his betrayal so uniquely devastating?
Luke emphasizes that Judas was 'of the number of the twelve.' This isn't a casual detail; it's crucial to understanding the gravity of his actions.
Close Proximity, Deep Corruption
Judas walked with Jesus. He saw the miracles, heard the teachings, and was entrusted with significant responsibilities (like handling money, as noted in John's Gospel). He was part of Jesus's inner circle, a 'family' of disciples.
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An Aggravated Crime
His position made his betrayal infinitely worse. It wasn't a stranger's act, but an insider's. The deep trust placed in him, and the profound kindness he received, only magnify the wickedness of his choice. This highlights how betrayal cuts deepest when it comes from those closest to us, whether in a spiritual or personal sense.
Understand the original words
Satanas · Greek Noun
The personal spiritual adversary of God and His people, who actively seeks to tempt, deceive, and destroy. He is the ultimate orchestrator of evil in the world, though subject to God’s sovereign control.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of delivering someone to an enemy, often involving treachery or a breach of trust. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the handing over of Jesus to be executed.
stratēgos · Greek Noun
Temple guards or police who acted under the authority of the chief priests to maintain order and carry out arrests in the temple precincts.
paradidomi · Greek Verb
A deliberate act of treachery or turning over a person to their enemies, often implying a breach of trust or loyalty. In the NT, it is used specifically for Judas's action against Jesus.
This passage highlights a critical, specific moment in the unfolding plan of salvation, showing how personal sin (Judas' avarice) can open the door to demonic influence and ultimately lead to betrayal, even among those closest to Jesus.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus' public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, including the twelve apostles, has been ongoing, drawing crowds and attracting attention from religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33 (likely closer to AD 30-33)
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Among the twelve chosen men to be His closest companions and future leaders of His church was Judas Iscariot, who was entrusted with managing the disciples' finances.
c. AD 30-33 (Days before Passover)— this verse
Judas Communes with Chief Priests
Judas Iscariot, motivated by avarice or disappointment, secretly meets with the religious leaders of Jerusalem to arrange the betrayal of Jesus for a sum of money.
c. AD 30-33 (During the Last Supper)
Satan Fully Possesses Judas
Luke specifically notes that 'Satan entered into Judas' during this pivotal moment, signifying a full surrender to evil influence that would lead to the betrayal.
c. AD 30-33 (Following the Last Supper)
Jesus Arrested in Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, a contingent of soldiers and temple guards arrives at the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, fulfilling Judas' agreement with the authorities.
c. AD 30-33 (Good Friday)
Jesus Crucified
Jesus is condemned and crucified by Roman authorities, an event precipitated by the betrayal orchestrated by Judas and the Sanhedrin.
c. AD 30-33 (After the Crucifixion)
Judas' Remorse and Death
Overcome with guilt after Jesus' execution, Judas attempts to return the money and ultimately takes his own life.
This passage directly parallels Luke's description by stating 'Then, after he had received the sop, Satan entered into him,' giving a more specific timing to the 'entering' of Satan.
Acts 5:3Peter's question to Ananias, 'Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?' echoes Luke's description, showing Satan's influence filling a person to commit sin, even within the early church.
1 Samuel 16:14This earlier account describes how 'an evil spirit from the LORD troubled Saul,' illustrating a pattern in Scripture where an evil influence can directly afflict an individual, leading them astray.
Ephesians 6:11Paul's exhortation to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the active opposition of Satan against believers, which is exemplified in Judas's betrayal.
Matthew 26:14-16This parallel account in Matthew describes Judas going to the chief priests to betray Jesus, showing the practical steps taken after Satan's influence, and underscoring the agreement Judas made for thirty pieces of silver.
pooleLuke 22:3: "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."
Ver. 3-14. See Poole on "Matthew 26:14" , and following verses to Matthew 26:19 . See Poole on "Mark 14:10" , and following verses to Mark 14:16 .
barnesLuke 22:3: "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."
Then entered Satan into Judas - It is not necessary to suppose that Satan entered personally into the body of Judas, but only that he brought him under his influence; he filled his mind with an evil passion, and led him on to betray his Master. The particular passion of which Satan made use was "avarice" - probably the besetting sin of Judas. To show its exceeding evil and baseness, it is only neces…
The verse highlights that Satan didn't just tempt Judas from the outside, but "entered into him," signifying a profound inner possession and influence. What's easy to miss is that this invasion occurred while Judas was still counted among the "number of the twelve," underscoring the devastating tragedy of a trusted insider being fully overcome by evil.
Jesus and his disciples are gathered for the Passover meal, the very last one before his crucifixion, and tensions are running high. Jesus has just predicted that one of them will betray him, and now Luke reveals the spiritual forces at play, showing that Satan has fully possessed Judas, one of the twelve apostles, spurring him to carry out his plan to hand Jesus over.
Jesus and his disciples are gathered for the Passover meal, the very last one before his crucifixion, and tensions are running high. Jesus has just predicted that one of them will betray him, and now Luke reveals the spiritual forces at play, showing that Satan has fully possessed Judas, one of the twelve apostles, spurring him to carry out his plan to hand Jesus over.
"Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he con…" — The verse highlights that Satan didn't just tempt Judas from the outside, but "entered into him," signifying a profound inner possession and influence. What's easy to miss is that this invasion occur…
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Last reviewed October 2026
