The invention relates to an actuating device for a lock, especially a lock on the parcel shelf of a motor vehicle, comprising an actuating element (30) and a transmission element (20) which can be moved in a linear manner (20) and on which a catch device (21) is disposed, whereby the movement thereof impinges upon a trigger element (12) which interacts with an actuating rod assembly. The transmission element (20) is embodied as an axially displaceable shaft (20) which can be rotated by means of a central locking device (11) and is provided with an eccentrically arranged extension (22). One area of the actuating element (30) can be rotated by means of a locking cylinder (31) and is provided with an eccentrically arranged extension (32). The front faces (23, 32) of the extensions (22, 32) face each other and overlap in at least one rotational position but not in all relative rotational positions of the extensions (22,32). No overlapping of the front faces (22,32) occurs, however, in at least one rotational position of one of the extensions (22,32), irrespective of the adjustable rotational position of the other extension. Preferably, a locking plate (40) is arranged between the actuating element and the transmission element. Said locking plate has a recess (41) whose shape enables engagement of the extension (32) of the actuating element (30) in at least one but not all of the rotational positions provided.