Mark 14:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, one {G1520} of the twelve {G1427}, went {G565} unto {G4314} the chief priests {G749}, to {G2443} betray {G3860} him {G846} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Y'hudah from K'riot, who was one of the Twelve, went to the head cohanim in order to betray Yeshua to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

American Standard Version

And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:10 marks a profoundly somber turning point in the Gospel narrative, detailing the deliberate act of betrayal by Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's chosen twelve disciples. This verse succinctly records Judas's calculated decision to seek out the chief priests with the explicit intent of handing Jesus over to them, thereby initiating the sequence of events that would lead directly to Christ's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It stands as a stark testament to human treachery set against the backdrop of divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the deeply symbolic anointing of Jesus at Bethany ([Mark 14:3-9](/mark/14-3-9 "Mark 14:3-9 - The Anointing at Bethany")), where an unnamed woman poured costly perfumed oil on Jesus's head. While some disciples, including Judas (as indicated in other Gospel accounts), grumbled about the "waste" that could have been given to the poor, Jesus commended her act as a beautiful preparation for His burial. The stark contrast between the woman's lavish devotion and Judas's subsequent cynical act of betrayal for monetary gain highlights the spiritual chasm that had opened in Judas's heart. This transition underscores the theme of contrasting responses to Jesus, from profound worship to ultimate rejection. The narrative then moves swiftly into the preparations for the Passover meal and Jesus's final teachings to His disciples, all under the shadow of the impending betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Mark 14 unfold during the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims, making any public disturbance a significant concern for both the Roman authorities and the Jewish leadership. The chief priests and scribes had long sought to arrest Jesus, but they feared a riot if they did so openly during the festival ([Mark 14:1-2](/mark/14-1-2 "Mark 14:1-2 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Their desire was to seize Jesus "by treachery" (Mark 14:1, KJV), and Judas's offer provided the perfect opportunity to achieve this discreetly. The "chief priests" (ἀρχιερεῖς, _archiereís_) were powerful figures, largely Sadducees, who controlled the Temple economy and held significant political sway, often collaborating with the Roman occupiers to maintain order. Judas's approach to them signals a deliberate move to align himself with the very authorities seeking Jesus's demise.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:10 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. The most immediate is **Betrayal and Treachery**, as an intimate insider, "one of the twelve," turns against his master. This act is not merely a defection but a deliberate "handing over" (as seen in the meaning of _paradídōmi_). This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**, as Judas's free choice, driven by his own motives (often understood as greed, as seen in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed") and [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Price")), paradoxically aligns with and fulfills God's predetermined plan for the Messiah's suffering and atonement, a plan Jesus Himself had foretold, such as in [Mark 14:21](/mark/14-21 "Mark 14:21 - Woes for the Betrayer"). Finally, it underscores the **Cost of Discipleship** and the reality that not all who follow outwardly possess true inward devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** From Hebrew origin (יְהוּדָה, Judah), this name means "praised." Ironically, the one praised becomes the one who betrays. The name is common, but here it specifically refers to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.
* **Iscariot (Greek, _Iskariṓtēs'_):** Of Hebrew origin, likely meaning "man of Kerioth." Kerioth was a town in Judea, suggesting Judas was the only Judean among the predominantly Galilean disciples. This epithet distinguishes him and hints at his unique identity and, tragically, his unique role in Jesus's passion.
* **Betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From _pará_ (alongside) and _dídōmi_ (to give), meaning "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." This word is crucial. While it can mean simply "to hand over," in this context, it carries the sinister connotation of delivering someone into the hands of an enemy, especially for treacherous purposes. It is the same verb used throughout the passion narrative for Jesus being "handed over" by Judas, by the Jewish authorities to Pilate, and by Pilate to be crucified.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve,"**: This clause immediately identifies the betrayer, emphasizing his intimate connection to Jesus. The phrase "one of the twelve" highlights the profound irony and tragedy of the betrayal—it comes from within the closest circle of disciples, not from an external enemy. This detail underscores the depth of the treachery and the personal pain it inflicted upon Jesus.
* **"went unto the chief priests,"**: This describes Judas's deliberate action and destination. His initiative in seeking out Jesus's enemies indicates a pre-meditated decision, not a spontaneous act. The "chief priests" represent the highest religious authority in Jerusalem, who were actively seeking to eliminate Jesus, making Judas's choice of contact highly significant.
* **"to betray him unto them."**: This final clause states the explicit purpose of Judas's visit. The infinitive "to betray" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) confirms his malicious intent to deliver Jesus into the hands of those who sought His life. The repetition of "him unto them" reinforces the direct and intentional nature of this handing over, sealing his role as the instrument of the plot against Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as "Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve," a member of Jesus's inner circle, is the one who "went unto the chief priests, to betray him." This juxtaposition of intimate association with ultimate treachery creates a profound sense of shock and sorrow. The verse also serves as a critical point of **Foreshadowing**, setting in motion the direct events leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, which are the central focus of the subsequent chapters. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** with the preceding narrative of the woman's anointing, where lavish devotion is immediately followed by cynical betrayal, highlighting the divergent responses to Jesus's person and mission. The concise, declarative statement of Judas's action lends it a sense of **Dramatic Tension**, signaling the imminent crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:10 stands as a stark theological statement on the nature of human sin and the unfolding of divine sovereignty. Judas's act of betrayal, while a clear demonstration of human depravity and free will exercised for selfish ends, simultaneously serves as an integral part of God's redemptive plan. The "handing over" of Jesus, initiated by Judas, is echoed throughout the passion narrative, ultimately leading to Jesus being "handed over" to death for the sins of humanity. This highlights that even the darkest acts of human wickedness cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes, but rather, in His mysterious wisdom, are woven into the tapestry of salvation.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")
* [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")
* [Acts 1:16-20](/acts/1-16-20 "Acts 1:16-20 - Judas's Demise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:10 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination and a sobering reminder of the realities of sin and grace. It compels us to consider the state of our own hearts, recognizing that even those in close proximity to Christ can harbor hidden motives or succumb to the allure of worldly gain. Judas's story is a cautionary tale against hypocrisy, greed, and the spiritual blindness that can lead to ultimate apostasy. It reminds us that true discipleship is not merely outward association but a deep, abiding commitment of heart and will. For those who have experienced betrayal, Jesus's experience with Judas offers profound solidarity and understanding, demonstrating that even the Son of God knew the pain of being wounded by those closest to Him. Ultimately, this verse, while dark, points to the unwavering purpose of God, reminding us that even the most heinous acts of human sin cannot derail His sovereign plan for redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the contrast between the woman's anointing and Judas's betrayal challenge my own priorities and motivations in following Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be susceptible to the subtle influences of greed or self-interest that could compromise my devotion to Jesus?**
* **How does Jesus's experience of betrayal by an intimate disciple offer comfort or perspective when I face similar pain in my own relationships?**
* **What does Judas's story teach me about the importance of genuine repentance versus mere regret?**

### FAQ

**Why did Judas betray Jesus? Was it solely for money?**

Answer: While Mark 14:10 does not explicitly state Judas's motive, other Gospel accounts strongly suggest that financial gain was a primary factor. [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Price") records Judas asking the chief priests, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" and receiving thirty pieces of silver. [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Character") further reveals that Judas was the disciples' treasurer and would often steal from the money bag. However, some scholars propose additional motivations, such as disillusionment with Jesus's perceived failure to establish an earthly kingdom, a desire to force Jesus's hand into a confrontation, or even political zeal. While these might have played a role, the consistent emphasis in the Gospels is on his greed and the thirty pieces of silver as the immediate catalyst.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:10, though a dark moment, is paradoxically integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ. Judas's act of "betrayal" or "handing over" (Greek _paradídōmi_) is not merely a human tragedy but a divinely permitted, albeit sinful, step toward the ultimate "handing over" of Jesus for the salvation of the world. Just as the Passover lamb was "handed over" for sacrifice, so too was Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivered up. This betrayal by an intimate friend fulfills ancient prophecies, such as [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend"), demonstrating that even the deepest human wickedness cannot thwart God's sovereign will. Jesus willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing its outcome, as part of His mission to become the atoning sacrifice for sin. His being "handed over" to the chief priests, then to Pilate ([Mark 15:1](/mark/15-1 "Mark 15:1 - Jesus Before Pilate")), and ultimately to crucifixion ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Jesus Delivered to be Crucified")), was the means by which He bore the sin of the world and secured eternal life for all who believe. Thus, Judas's treachery, though a heinous act, ultimately served to bring about the glorious triumph of Christ on the cross, demonstrating God's remarkable ability to use even the darkest human actions to accomplish His perfect redemptive purposes.

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

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.

John 13:2

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;

Matthew 26:14

¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

John 13:30

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.