Luke 6:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:16 concludes the enumeration of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, specifically identifying two individuals named Judas. This verse serves as a stark and poignant contrast, presenting Judas, the brother of James, as a faithful disciple, while simultaneously and immediately exposing Judas Iscariot with the chilling and prophetic designation of "the traitor," foreshadowing his pivotal role in Jesus' ultimate betrayal and crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the final entry in Luke's list of the twelve apostles, which immediately follows Jesus' selection of these men from a larger group of disciples after a night of prayer on a mountain ([Luke 6:12-13](/luke/6-12-13 "Luke 6:12-13 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")). The preceding verses describe Jesus healing many people and then descending to a level place, where He delivered what is often called the "Sermon on the Plain" ([Luke 6:17-49](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain")). The choosing of the Twelve is a foundational act, establishing the inner circle who would be intimately trained by Jesus, witness His miracles, and eventually be commissioned to extend His ministry. Luke's placement of Judas Iscariot last, with the explicit label "traitor," aligns with the other Gospel accounts, setting a somber tone for the unfolding narrative of Jesus' passion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century Jewish context, names were often repeated within families and communities, making it common to have multiple individuals bearing the same name. "Judas" (Yehudah in Hebrew) was a very common and honorable name, evoking the patriarch Judah, son of Jacob, and the tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. The distinction between "Judas, the brother of James" and "Judas Iscariot" was therefore crucial for clarity. The term "Iscariot" likely refers to his origin from Kerioth, a town in Judea, making him distinct from the Galilean majority of the apostles. Betrayal, especially of a teacher or leader, was considered a heinous act, carrying immense social and religious stigma within Jewish society, underscoring the gravity of Judas Iscariot's future actions.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:16 contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will**. While Jesus clearly knew of Judas's future betrayal ([John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Knows His Betrayer")), Judas's choice was his own, emphasizing human responsibility for sin. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Discernment and Authenticity**, as not all who follow or are associated with Christ will remain faithful. The presence of two men named Judas, one loyal and one treacherous, forces the reader to consider the true nature of discipleship. Finally, it subtly foreshadows the **Suffering and Sacrifice of the Messiah**, as the mention of a "traitor" immediately points towards the means by which Jesus would be delivered up to His enemies, a necessary step in God's redemptive plan for humanity, as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ's passion ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (Yehudah), was a very common name in first-century Judaism, meaning "praise" or "praised." Its repeated appearance in this verse (for two distinct individuals) underscores the need for careful identification, preventing confusion between the faithful apostle and the infamous betrayer. The name itself carries no inherent negative connotation, making the subsequent identification of one Judas as "the traitor" all the more stark.
* **Iscariot (Greek, _Iskariṓtēs'_):** This epithet, likely meaning "man of Kerioth," denotes Judas's geographical origin from Kerioth, a town in Judea. This distinguishes him from the other apostles, who were predominantly Galilean. The inclusion of this identifier serves to specify which Judas is being referenced, particularly given the commonality of the name. Over time, "Iscariot" became inextricably linked with the act of betrayal.
* **traitor (Greek, _prodótēs'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to give forward into another's hands," this term signifies one who surrenders or betrays. In this context, it refers to Judas Iscariot's act of handing Jesus over to His enemies. The use of this definitive label at the very moment of his introduction into the apostolic list is profoundly significant, serving as a prophetic and chilling premonition of his future actions and the ultimate destiny of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judas [the brother] of James,"**: This clause identifies one of the apostles as Judas, clearly distinguished by his familial relationship to James. This individual is generally understood to be the apostle also known as Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus in other Gospel lists, or Judas son of James in [Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Apostles in the Upper Room"). His inclusion here ensures that not all individuals named Judas are conflated with the betrayer, highlighting the presence of a loyal disciple bearing the same common name.
* **"and Judas Iscariot,"**: This clause introduces the second individual named Judas, immediately differentiating him with the unique epithet "Iscariot." This specific identifier sets him apart from the first Judas, preparing the reader for the crucial, albeit tragic, information that follows. The name "Iscariot" itself hints at his distinct origin and ultimately, his distinct fate.
* **"which also was the traitor."**: This final, climactic clause delivers the shocking and pivotal designation that defines Judas Iscariot's legacy. The Greek term for "traitor" (prodótēs) emphasizes his active role in delivering Jesus over to His adversaries. This statement is a prophetic declaration, revealing Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal and establishing Judas's infamous role in the unfolding divine drama of redemption. It serves as a somber conclusion to the list, underscoring the profound mystery of human free will and the reality of spiritual defection.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate succession of two individuals named Judas, one identified by his familial connection to a faithful apostle, and the other by a notorious epithet and a definitive label of betrayal. This contrast highlights the diversity within Jesus' chosen circle and the stark difference in their ultimate destinies. **Foreshadowing** is powerfully present in the phrase "which also was the traitor." This statement, uttered at the very beginning of Judas Iscariot's public introduction as an apostle, immediately alerts the reader to his future actions, creating a sense of dramatic irony and impending doom. The use of the past tense "was" (though grammatically referring to his identity at the time of the writing, or his established character) also functions as a **proleptic** statement, speaking of a future event as if it has already occurred, emphasizing its certainty and significance in the divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:16, by its stark identification of Judas Iscariot as "the traitor," underscores profound theological truths about human nature, divine sovereignty, and the nature of discipleship. It reveals that even within the most intimate circle of God's chosen, there is the capacity for profound spiritual failure and betrayal. Yet, this human treachery does not thwart God's divine plan; rather, it becomes an instrument, albeit a sinful one, through which God's redemptive purposes are accomplished. The verse serves as a sober reminder that genuine faith is not merely about proximity to Christ or outward association, but about inward transformation and unwavering loyalty, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament concerning the true cost and nature of following Jesus.

* [Matthew 26:20-25](/matthew/26-20-25 "Matthew 26:20-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")
* [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")
* [Acts 1:25](/acts/1-25 "Acts 1:25 - Judas's Fate and Replacement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:16 offers a sobering yet vital lesson for all believers. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and even close association with Christian community to examine the true state of our hearts. The presence of a "traitor" within Jesus' inner circle reminds us that spiritual deception and defection are real possibilities, even for those who have walked closely with the Lord. This should prompt a deep self-reflection: Am I truly committed to Christ, or am I harboring hidden motives, like greed or pride, that could lead me astray? It also calls us to spiritual discernment, not to judge others, but to understand that not everyone who claims the name of Christ is genuinely His. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to cultivate a genuine, unwavering loyalty to Jesus, recognizing that true discipleship is marked by faithfulness, even when faced with temptation or adversity, and to trust in God's sovereign plan, which can even redeem the darkest acts of human sin for His ultimate glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of Judas Iscariot in the list of apostles challenge my understanding of God's calling and human free will?**
* **What hidden motives or temptations might I be harboring that could lead me away from genuine faithfulness to Christ?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my own life and in my interactions within the Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judas Iscariot always identified as "the traitor" in the Gospels?**

Answer: Judas Iscariot is consistently identified as "the traitor" across all Gospel accounts ([Matthew 10:4](/matthew/10-4 "Matthew 10:4 - Judas Iscariot Listed as Betrayer"), [Mark 3:19](/mark/3-19 "Mark 3:19 - Judas Iscariot the Betrayer"), [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - Judas Iscariot the Traitor"), [John 6:71](/john/6-71 "John 6:71 - Jesus Knows Judas Will Betray Him")) to immediately distinguish him from other individuals named Judas (like Judas, the brother of James) and, more importantly, to highlight his unique and pivotal role in the betrayal of Jesus. This identification serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of his actions, underscoring the gravity of his sin and its essential place in the divine plan for Christ's crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. It also emphasizes Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal, even as He chose Judas to be among the Twelve.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:16, with its stark identification of Judas Iscariot as "the traitor," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the act of betrayal itself, but in how Christ sovereignly utilized this heinous act to accomplish humanity's redemption. Judas's betrayal, though a product of his own sinful choices, was paradoxically part of God's predetermined plan for the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was "delivered up" not only by Judas but, more profoundly, by the will of God ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). The treachery of one man led directly to the cross, where Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, bearing the weight of all human betrayal, including Judas's, and offering forgiveness to all who believe. Thus, even the darkest moment of human sin became the conduit for God's brightest display of love and grace, fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")) and paving the way for the new covenant established in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). The "traitor" serves as a grim reminder of human depravity, but Christ's response to that betrayal—His willing submission to death—is the glorious testament to His redemptive power and His triumph over sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin")).

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

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

¶ 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.