Luke 6:16

And Judas [the brother] of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

And Judas {G2455} the brother of James {G2385}, and {G2532} Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, which {G3739} also {G2532} was {G1096} the traitor {G4273}.

Shim`on, the one called the Zealot; Y'hudah Ben-Ya`akov; and Y'hudah from K'riot, who turned traitor.

Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor;

Commentary

Luke 6:16 concludes the list of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, providing a crucial detail about two individuals named Judas. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the diverse characters within Jesus' inner circle, culminating in the somber identification of the betrayer.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' selection of His twelve apostles, immediately following the "Sermon on the Plain" and His choosing of these men from a multitude of disciples (Luke 6:13). This pivotal moment establishes the core group who would be with Him, learn from Him, and eventually be sent out to preach and heal. The list of apostles appears in all four Gospels, and Luke's account, like others, places Judas Iscariot last, always with the infamous title of "traitor."

Key Figures and Significance

  • Judas, the brother of James: This individual is often identified with Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus in other Gospel accounts (e.g., Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18). He is also referred to as Judas, son of James, in Acts 1:13. His inclusion here, distinct from Judas Iscariot, highlights that not all individuals named Judas were the infamous betrayer, preventing confusion. He was a faithful apostle.
  • Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor: This is the most significant part of the verse. The immediate identification of Judas Iscariot as "the traitor" serves as a prophetic and chilling note, foreshadowing the pivotal act of betrayal that would lead to Jesus' crucifixion. His inclusion among the chosen twelve emphasizes the mystery of human free will and the reality of potential spiritual failure even within the closest spiritual communities.

Linguistic Insights

The name Iscariot is widely believed to mean "man of Kerioth," indicating his origin from a town in Judah, making him the only apostle not from Galilee. The Greek word for "traitor" is prodotes (Ο€ΟΞΏΞ΄ΟŒΟ„Ξ·Ο‚), meaning one who delivers up, betrays, or hands over. It emphasizes the active role he took in handing Jesus over to His enemies, not merely being an informer but an active participant in the betrayal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Reality of Betrayal: This verse starkly reminds us that even within the most intimate circle of followers, betrayal can occur. It underscores the human capacity for darkness and the reality that not all who begin a journey with Christ will remain faithful.
  • Divine Foreknowledge vs. Human Responsibility: While Jesus knew of Judas's future actions (John 6:70), Judas was still fully responsible for his own choices. His actions, though foreseen, were not compelled, but were the result of his own free will and internal struggles, such as covetousness (John 12:6).
  • Discernment and Contrast: The presence of two apostles named Judas underscores the importance of discernment. Not every individual bearing a familiar name or appearing within a religious community is true to their calling or genuine in their faith.

Practical Application

Luke 6:16 serves as a sobering reminder that genuine faith is not merely about association or outward appearance but about true commitment and loyalty to Christ. It encourages believers to exercise spiritual discernment and to guard their hearts against temptations like greed, disillusionment, or pride, which can lead to spiritual defection. Ultimately, it also reminds us that even in the face of human treachery, God's sovereign plan will prevail, leading to the ultimate redemption found through Christ's sacrifice, a central theme of the Gospel message.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 14:22

    Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

  • Acts 1:16

    Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Acts 1:20

    For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

  • John 6:71

    He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

  • Jude 1:1

    ΒΆ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:

  • Acts 1:25

    That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
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