Luke 22:47

KJV

¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} while he {G846} yet {G2089} spake {G2980}, behold {G2400} a multitude {G3793}, and {G2532} he that was called {G3004} Judas {G2455}, one {G1520} of the twelve {G1427}, went before {G4281} them {G846}, and {G2532} drew near {G1448} unto Jesus {G2424} to kiss {G5368} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While he was still speaking, a crowd of people arrived, with the man called Y’hudah (one of the Twelve!) leading them. He came up to Yeshua to kiss him,

Berean Standard Bible

While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.

American Standard Version

While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:47 vividly portrays the pivotal moment of Jesus' betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, marking the transition from His agonizing prayer to the direct confrontation with His captors. This verse, laden with dramatic irony, details Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own twelve disciples, leading a multitude to identify and apprehend Jesus with a treacherous kiss, setting in motion the final events of the passion narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense and solitary prayer in Gethsemane, where He wrestled with the Father's will concerning His impending suffering and death, as described in [Luke 22:39-46](/luke/22-39-46 "Luke 22:39-46 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane"). While Jesus had just admonished His disciples to "pray that you may not enter into temptation" ([Luke 22:40](/luke/22-40 "Luke 22:40 - Jesus' Command to Pray")), they had fallen asleep, highlighting their spiritual unpreparedness. The sudden appearance of the multitude, led by Judas, abruptly shifts the narrative from the quiet, internal struggle of Jesus to the external, violent unfolding of His arrest. This scene is paralleled in [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - The Betrayal of Jesus"), [Mark 14:43-45](/mark/14-43-45 "Mark 14:43-45 - Jesus' Arrest"), and [John 18:3-5](/john/18-3-5 "John 18:3-5 - John's Account of the Arrest"), each offering unique details that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of this crucial event in the passion week.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Mount of Olives, specifically the Garden of Gethsemane, a familiar place where Jesus and His disciples often gathered ([Luke 22:39](/luke/22-39 "Luke 22:39 - Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives")). This familiarity allowed Judas to know where to find Jesus, even under the cover of night. The "multitude" likely consisted of temple guards, Roman soldiers, and possibly some Jewish leaders or their servants, armed with swords and clubs, indicating an intent to secure Jesus by force ([Luke 22:52](/luke/22-52 "Luke 22:52 - Jesus Addresses His Captors")). The "kiss" was a common and accepted form of greeting among friends, disciples, and teachers in ancient Jewish culture, signifying respect, affection, and loyalty. Judas's use of this intimate gesture as a signal for betrayal was a profound act of desecration, turning a symbol of peace and fellowship into an instrument of treachery. This act occurred during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension in Jerusalem, making the arrest particularly sensitive.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:47 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader passion narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **betrayal from within**, as Judas, "one of the twelve," turns against his master, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecies about His betrayer ([Luke 22:21-22](/luke/22-21-22 "Luke 22:21-22 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayer")). Secondly, it highlights the **deceitfulness and hypocrisy of sin**, as Judas employs a sacred sign of affection for a wicked purpose. This act serves as a stark warning against spiritual duplicity. Thirdly, the verse, read in conjunction with the preceding narrative, subtly reinforces Jesus' **divine sovereignty and foreknowledge**. Despite the suddenness of the crowd's appearance, Jesus was fully aware of the impending events, demonstrating His deliberate submission to the Father's will, even unto death, a theme echoed throughout His journey to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Finally, it marks a critical turning point in the **passion narrative**, initiating the sequence of events that lead directly to Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō'_):** This word signifies to "talk" or "utter words." In the context of Luke 22:47, "while he yet spake" emphasizes the immediate transition from Jesus' verbal instruction and prayer to His disciples to the abrupt arrival of the multitude. It highlights that Jesus was still actively engaged in communication, perhaps even finishing His warning about temptation, when the betrayal unfolded. This immediacy underscores the suddenness and calculated nature of Judas's arrival.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a vehicle," this term refers to "a throng (as borne along)," implying a large, moving crowd or rabble. The presence of a "multitude" rather than a small, discreet group suggests a deliberate show of force and an intent to prevent any resistance or escape. It conveys the overwhelming numerical advantage of those coming to arrest Jesus, contrasting sharply with the small, sleeping band of disciples.
* **kiss (Greek, _philéō'_):** While this word can mean "to be a friend to" or "to have affection for," in this specific context, it signifies "to kiss (as a mark of tenderness)." The choice of this particular Greek word, _philéō_, for the act of kissing, rather than a more general term, underscores the personal attachment and affection that a kiss typically conveyed. Its use by Judas, therefore, transforms a gesture of intimate friendship into one of profound betrayal, making the act particularly chilling and morally repugnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And while he yet spake":** This phrase establishes the immediate temporal context, indicating that Jesus was still in the midst of speaking to His disciples, likely concluding His instructions or prayers in Gethsemane. It highlights the abrupt interruption of a sacred, intimate moment by the forces of betrayal.
* **"behold a multitude":** The interjection "behold" (Greek, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the sudden and dramatic appearance of a large crowd. This multitude represents the official and unofficial forces gathered to apprehend Jesus, signaling the end of His period of private prayer and the beginning of His public suffering.
* **"and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve":** This clause explicitly identifies the betrayer as Judas Iscariot, emphasizing his identity as "one of the twelve" disciples. This detail is crucial, highlighting the profound irony and tragedy of the betrayal coming from within Jesus' inner circle, a trusted companion.
* **"went before them":** Judas's action of leading the multitude signifies his active role in orchestrating the arrest. He is not merely present but is the guide and instigator, demonstrating his deliberate and calculated involvement in the betrayal.
* **"and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him":** This final clause describes the specific, intimate, and ultimately treacherous act of identification. Judas approaches Jesus with a kiss, a customary sign of greeting and affection, which he perverts into the prearranged signal for Jesus' captors. This act encapsulates the depth of his perfidy and the deceptive nature of his betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:47 is rich with **Irony**, particularly in Judas's use of a kiss—a universal symbol of affection, loyalty, and peace—as the very signal for betrayal and arrest. This profound inversion of meaning transforms a gesture of intimacy into an instrument of death, highlighting the moral depravity of Judas's act. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the arrival of the multitude and the pre-arranged signal immediately precede Jesus' arrest, trials, and crucifixion, setting the stage for the fulfillment of His prophecies regarding His suffering. Furthermore, the character of Judas functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only the archetype of betrayal but also the human capacity for spiritual blindness and the perversion of sacred trust. The stark contrast between Jesus' recent agony in prayer and the sudden, calculated appearance of His betrayer creates a dramatic and emotionally charged scene.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:47 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human sin, divine sovereignty, and the cost of discipleship. Judas's betrayal, coming from within the intimate circle of the twelve, underscores the pervasive reality of sin and its capacity to corrupt even those closest to God. Yet, this act of treachery does not catch Jesus by surprise; it is part of a divinely orchestrated plan for redemption, demonstrating God's sovereign control even over the darkest human actions. Jesus' calm demeanor in the face of such betrayal highlights His willingness to submit to the Father's will, fulfilling ancient prophecies and laying down His life as the ultimate sacrifice. The verse, therefore, challenges believers to examine their own hearts for hypocrisy and to remain vigilant in their commitment to Christ, even when facing opposition or betrayal from unexpected sources.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Prophecy of Betrayal by a Trusted Friend")
* [Matthew 26:21-25](/matthew/26-21-25 "Matthew 26:21-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer at the Last Supper")
* [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Scripture Fulfilled in Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:47 is a sobering reminder that betrayal can come from the most unexpected places, even from within our closest circles. It calls us to a deeper discernment and spiritual vigilance, recognizing that the enemy often works through subtle deceptions and seemingly familiar gestures. Judas's act of using a kiss for betrayal highlights the insidious nature of sin, which can twist what is good and sacred into a tool for evil. For believers, this passage underscores the reality that following Christ may involve facing misunderstanding, opposition, and even profound betrayal, just as He did. It challenges us to cultivate a steadfast faith that sustains us through adversity, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. Ultimately, it invites us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our allegiance to Christ is genuine and unwavering, free from hypocrisy or self-serving motives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's act of betrayal, using a kiss, challenge my understanding of trust and deception in relationships?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, use "sacred" or "good" gestures for self-serving or unrighteous purposes?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge and calm submission in the face of betrayal inform my response to unexpected difficulties or injustices in my own life?**
* **What lessons can I draw from the disciples' failure to "pray that you may not enter into temptation" in the context of this immediate betrayal?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judas use a kiss to identify Jesus?**

Answer: Judas used a kiss because it was a common and culturally accepted sign of greeting, respect, and affection among friends and disciples in ancient Jewish society. By using this intimate gesture, Judas could identify Jesus clearly to the multitude, especially in the darkness of the Garden of Gethsemane, without causing immediate alarm or suspicion among the disciples present. The act was a pre-arranged signal, as indicated in [Matthew 26:48](/matthew/26-48 "Matthew 26:48 - The Sign of the Betrayal"), making the betrayal all the more poignant and insidious due to its perversion of a symbol of love and loyalty.

**Was Jesus surprised by Judas's betrayal?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not surprised by Judas's betrayal. The Gospels repeatedly show Jesus' divine foreknowledge of this event. He had previously predicted that one of His disciples would betray Him, as seen in [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer") and [Luke 22:21-22](/luke/22-21-22 "Luke 22:21-22 - Jesus Foretells the Betrayer"). Even at the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly identified Judas as His betrayer ([John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")). His calm demeanor and willingness to submit to the arrest, despite His agony in prayer, underscore His sovereignty and His deliberate embrace of the Father's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:47, while detailing a moment of profound human treachery, ultimately points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the sovereign Son of God, was not a victim caught off guard, but the divine Lamb willingly going to the slaughter. His foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal ([John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Scripture Fulfilled")) and His calm submission to the kiss of death underscore His complete control and purposeful surrender to the Father's will. This moment fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), demonstrating that even the darkest human sin serves to accomplish God's righteous purposes. Jesus' acceptance of the betrayal, leading to His crucifixion, is the very means by which He became the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through this act of profound self-giving, Christ conquers sin and death, offering salvation and reconciliation to all who believe, transforming the kiss of betrayal into the gateway to eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take [your] rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mark 14:50

And they all forsook him, and fled.

Matthew 26:45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take [your] rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Matthew 26:56

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Luke 22:3

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luke 22:6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Mark 14:10

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.