Matthew 26:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} one {G1520} of the twelve {G1427}, called {G3004} Judas {G2455} Iscariot {G2469}, went {G4198} unto {G4314} the chief priests {G749},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then one of the Twelve, the one called Y'hudah from K'riot, went to the head cohanim

Berean Standard Bible

Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:14 marks the grim turning point in the Passion narrative, where Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's chosen twelve disciples, deliberately initiates the process of betraying his Lord by approaching the chief priests. This verse sets in motion the events leading directly to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, highlighting the profound irony and tragedy of betrayal from within the inner circle. It underscores the active, calculated decision by Judas to align himself with the religious authorities plotting against Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the poignant account of Jesus's anointing by Mary in Bethany, a prophetic act of preparation for His burial ([Matthew 26:6-13](/matthew/26-6-13 "Matthew 26:6-13 - The Anointing at Bethany")). The disciples, including Judas, had objected to the "waste" of expensive ointment, suggesting it should have been sold for the poor—a critique that, in Judas's case, was rooted in his own thievery ([John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Hypocrisy")). Jesus's defense of Mary's sacrificial devotion and His declaration that her act was for His burial ([Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Jesus's Defense of Mary")) may have solidified Judas's disillusionment or intensified his mercenary motives, prompting him to act. The verse also directly connects to the chief priests' existing conspiracy to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him, as detailed earlier in the chapter ([Matthew 26:3-5](/matthew/26-3-5 "Matthew 26:3-5 - The Conspiracy Against Jesus")). Judas's action here provides them with the means to fulfill their sinister plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The chief priests (ἀρχιερεῖς, _archiereís_) were the highest-ranking religious and political leaders in Jerusalem, primarily Sadducees, who controlled the Temple and its vast revenues. They held significant power under Roman rule, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain order, which included suppressing any perceived threats to their authority or the fragile peace. Jesus, with His growing popularity, claims of divine authority, and critiques of their traditions, represented such a threat. The Passover festival was approaching, a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor, making the authorities particularly anxious to eliminate Jesus before He could incite any large-scale disturbance. Betrayal for money was not uncommon in the ancient world, but the betrayal of a teacher by his student was considered particularly heinous, a violation of sacred trust.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully introduces the theme of **betrayal**, specifically the profound pain of being betrayed by someone from one's inner circle, a stark contrast to the loyalty expected of a disciple. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** amidst human sin. While Judas's act was a free and culpable choice, it paradoxically served God's greater redemptive plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of Betrayal")). Finally, this verse highlights the **peril of unchecked sin and worldly motives**. While not explicitly stated here, the subsequent verse reveals Judas's mercenary motivation ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Price")), serving as a sober warning about how greed or disillusionment can lead to profound spiritual ruin and the ultimate act of treachery.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas Iscariot (Greek, _Ioúdas Iskariṓtēs_):** From G2455 and G2469. "Judas" is the Greek form of the Hebrew "Judah," meaning "praise." Ironically, this name is borne by the one who would bring shame and condemnation upon himself. "Iscariot" is often interpreted as "man of Kerioth," suggesting he was from a town in Judah (Kerioth-Hezron, [Joshua 15:25](/joshua/15-25 "Joshua 15:25 - Kerioth-Hezron")), distinguishing him from the Galilean majority among the disciples. This epithet serves to uniquely identify the betrayer, marking him forever with the infamy of his deed.
* **went (Greek, _poreúomai_):** G4198. This verb signifies a deliberate, purposeful movement or journey. It is not a casual stroll but an intentional act of departure with a specific destination and objective in mind. In this context, it emphasizes Judas's active agency and resolve in seeking out the chief priests, indicating a premeditated decision rather than a spontaneous impulse.
* **chief priests (Greek, _archiereús_):** G749. This term refers to the leading members of the priestly aristocracy, including the high priest, former high priests, and heads of the twenty-four priestly courses. They were the religious and political elite, holding significant power in Jerusalem and acting as the primary instigators of the plot against Jesus. Judas's action of "going to" them signifies his alignment with those who sought Jesus's destruction, effectively joining their conspiracy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then one of the twelve,"**: The introductory "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) signals a significant shift in the narrative, marking the immediate consequence or next crucial event. The phrase "one of the twelve" is profoundly impactful. It immediately establishes the shocking identity of the betrayer: not an outsider, but a member of Jesus's most intimate circle, chosen and trusted. This highlights the deep personal wound of the betrayal and underscores the gravity of the defection from within the core group of disciples.
* **"called Judas Iscariot,"**: This clause specifies the individual. The full name, "Judas Iscariot," is used to distinguish him from other disciples named Judas (e.g., Judas, son of James, [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - The Twelve Apostles")). This identification immediately brings to mind the historical and theological weight of his infamous act, setting him apart as the archetypal betrayer.
* **"went unto the chief priests,"**: This describes the decisive action and its destination. "Went unto" (G4198 _poreúomai_ G4314 _prós_) conveys a deliberate, purposeful movement towards the chief priests. This was not a chance encounter but a calculated initiative on Judas's part to seek out those who were actively plotting against Jesus. It signifies his full commitment to the betrayal, moving from internal thought or desire to external action, aligning himself with the enemies of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:14 is rich with **Irony**. The fact that "one of the twelve," a chosen disciple, would betray his Master is a profound and tragic irony. Judas, whose name means "praise," becomes the instrument of the greatest act of treachery. This verse also functions as significant **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, which will unfold in the subsequent chapters. The narrative employs **Contrast** by placing Judas's mercenary action immediately after Mary's selfless, extravagant act of devotion in anointing Jesus for burial. While Mary's act was one of love and preparation for death, Judas's act was one of greed and initiation of death. Finally, Judas himself becomes a **Symbol** of apostasy, the danger of unchecked sin, and the tragic consequences of choosing personal gain over loyalty to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:14 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of human depravity and the ever-present danger of spiritual compromise, even within the closest circles of faith. Judas's betrayal, though a free act of his will, was simultaneously part of God's sovereign plan for the redemption of humanity, demonstrating that even the darkest human sin cannot thwart divine purpose. This paradox highlights the profound mystery of God's ability to work through and even use human evil to accomplish His ultimate good. The verse also underscores the theme of divine foreknowledge and the fulfillment of prophecy, as the betrayal by a trusted companion was foretold centuries earlier.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Zechariah 11:12](/zechariah/11-12 "Zechariah 11:12 - The Price of Betrayal")
* [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, "one of the twelve," is a sobering narrative that compels us to look inward. It challenges any assumption of inherent spiritual immunity, reminding us that even those closest to Christ can fall prey to temptation and compromise if their hearts are not fully devoted. Judas's journey from disciple to betrayer serves as a powerful warning against the insidious nature of unaddressed sin, whether it be greed, disillusionment, or a misplaced understanding of God's kingdom. It prompts us to vigilantly examine our own motives, desires, and loyalties, asking ourselves if there are areas where we might be tempted to "sell out" our commitment to Christ for worldly gain or personal agenda. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a deeper level of self-awareness and dependence on God's grace, recognizing our own capacity for sin while simultaneously trusting in God's unfailing sovereignty to accomplish His purposes, even through the darkest human actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the identity of Judas as "one of the twelve" challenge our understanding of spiritual commitment and vulnerability to sin?**
* **What "chief priests" or worldly powers might we be tempted to align with, compromising our loyalty to Christ?**
* **How does this verse prompt us to examine our own hearts for hidden motives or unchecked desires that could lead to spiritual compromise?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judas's full name, "Judas Iscariot," used here?**

Answer: The use of "Judas Iscariot" ([Matthew 26:14](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14 - Judas's Betrayal Initiated")) serves a crucial purpose: to precisely identify the specific individual among the disciples who would commit this infamous act. There were other disciples named Judas (e.g., Judas, son of James, also known as Thaddaeus, mentioned in [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - The Twelve Apostles")). The epithet "Iscariot" (likely meaning "man of Kerioth," a town in Judea) distinguishes him as the betrayer, ensuring there is no confusion and forever associating him with this pivotal moment of treachery in salvation history.

**What was Judas's primary motive for betraying Jesus?**

Answer: While Matthew 26:14 itself doesn't explicitly state the motive, the very next verse, [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Price for Betrayal"), reveals that Judas asked, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" and they agreed to thirty pieces of silver. This clearly points to **greed** as a primary motivation. John's Gospel further corroborates this, stating that Judas was a thief and kept the money bag ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's True Character")). Some scholars also suggest a possible **disillusionment** with Jesus's ministry, perhaps expecting a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, which Jesus clearly was not. When Jesus did not conform to these expectations, Judas may have sought personal gain or even attempted to force Jesus's hand.

**Was Judas's betrayal predestined, and if so, does that negate his responsibility?**

Answer: The Bible teaches that Judas's betrayal was indeed foretold in Old Testament prophecies, such as [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Familiar Friend") and [Zechariah 11:12](/zechariah/11-12 "Zechariah 11:12 - The Price of Betrayal"). Jesus Himself predicted it multiple times ([Matthew 26:21-25](/matthew/26-21-25 "Matthew 26:21-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal at the Last Supper"), [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). However, biblical prophecy and divine foreknowledge do not negate human responsibility. Judas freely chose to betray Jesus, driven by his own sinful desires ([John 13:2](/john/13-2 "John 13:2 - Satan Enters Judas")). The Scriptures emphasize his culpability, with Jesus stating, "Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born" ([Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer")). God's sovereignty works through human choices, both good and evil, to accomplish His ultimate redemptive plan, without diminishing the moral accountability of the individuals involved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The betrayal initiated by Judas Iscariot in [Matthew 26:14](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14 - Judas's Betrayal") is a dark yet essential moment in the unfolding drama of Christ's redemptive work. Far from being a random act of human malice, Judas's treachery, though born of his own sin and greed, was paradoxically woven into the fabric of God's sovereign plan to bring about salvation. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was "delivered up" not only by human hands but "by the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Christ's Sacrifice")). This betrayal, foretold centuries earlier ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")), allowed Jesus to be handed over to the authorities, setting the stage for His atoning sacrifice on the cross. In this, Jesus fulfills the role of the suffering servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who was "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities." The ultimate betrayal by one of His own paved the way for the ultimate act of love—Christ's laying down His life for His enemies, demonstrating that even the deepest human sin cannot thwart God's unfailing love and His perfect plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the blood of His Son ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")). Thus, Judas's dark deed ultimately highlights the radiant glory and unfathomable depth of Christ's self-giving love and the triumph of God's redemptive purpose.

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.

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Mark 14:10

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

Mark 14:11

And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

John 13:2

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

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.