Matthew 26:16

KJV

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} from {G575} that time {G5119} he sought {G2212} opportunity {G2120} to {G2443} betray {G3860} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray him.

Berean Standard Bible

So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

American Standard Version

And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:16 marks a sinister turning point in the passion narrative, depicting Judas Iscariot's deliberate and active pursuit of an opportune moment to betray Jesus. Following his agreement with the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, this verse reveals Judas's calculated intent to deliver his Master into the hands of His enemies, initiating the final, tragic sequence of events leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the chilling agreement between Judas and the chief priests in [Matthew 26:14-15](/matthew/26-14-15 "Matthew 26:14-15 - Judas's Treacherous Bargain"), where Judas pledges to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It serves as a direct consequence and active progression of that prior decision. The narrative then moves swiftly towards the preparation for the Passover, the Last Supper, Jesus's prophecy of betrayal, and the institution of the new covenant, all building inexorably towards the ultimate act of betrayal in [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus with a Kiss"). This verse underscores the intentionality of Judas's actions, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Matthew 26](/matthew/26 "Matthew 26 - The Passion Begins") take place during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious fervor and pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The city would have been crowded, and the Jewish authorities, particularly the chief priests and elders, were wary of any public disturbance, especially one involving Jesus, who had a large following. Judas's search for an "opportunity" (G2120, _eukairía_) implies a desire to betray Jesus in a way that avoided public outcry or a riot, facilitating a quiet arrest away from the crowds, likely at night. This highlights the political and social sensitivities surrounding Jesus's ministry and the authorities' determination to eliminate Him without provoking the populace.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:16 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Deliberate Betrayal**, emphasizing Judas's active and calculated role in the events, rather than a passive yielding to circumstances. It also highlights the complex interplay of **Human Agency and Divine Sovereignty**, where Judas's sinful choice, driven by avarice (as implied in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed")), perfectly aligns with God's preordained plan for salvation through the sacrifice of His Son. Furthermore, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Judas's actions, particularly the price of betrayal, echo ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah, such as those found in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Thirty Pieces of Silver") and [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it implies an active, deliberate, and continuous search. It's not a passive waiting but an intentional effort to find the right moment. The verb's imperfect tense in Greek ("he was seeking") reinforces the idea of ongoing action.
* **opportunity (Greek, _eukairía'_):** From G2120, meaning "a favorable occasion," "a fitting time," or "a convenient season." This term suggests that Judas was looking for the ideal circumstances—a moment when Jesus could be apprehended without resistance or public spectacle, thereby minimizing risk to himself and the authorities.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can mean "deliver" in a neutral sense, in this context, given Judas's intent and the preceding agreement, it carries the sinister connotation of "betrayal"—handing over someone to their enemies, often by treachery or breach of trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from that time":** This phrase, using the Greek G5119 (_tóte_) for "time" and G575 (_apó_) for "from," directly links Judas's active seeking to the moment he made the agreement with the chief priests in [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus"). It signifies an immediate and decisive shift in his actions, moving from negotiation to execution.
* **"he sought opportunity":** This clause highlights Judas's active agency and calculated intent. He was not merely waiting for circumstances to unfold but was proactively looking for the "opportune" (G2120, _eukairía_) moment. This implies a strategic mindset, desiring to carry out the betrayal efficiently and without incident, likely avoiding a public confrontation.
* **"to betray him":** This final phrase clearly states the heinous purpose of Judas's search. The verb "betray" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) in this context is loaded with the weight of treachery, underscoring the profound breach of trust by one of Jesus's own disciples. It encapsulates the ultimate goal of his malevolent quest.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by signaling the imminent and deliberate act of betrayal, building narrative tension towards the climax of Jesus's arrest. The phrase "from that time" functions as a **Transitional Marker**, indicating a critical shift in the narrative from the agreement to the active pursuit of its execution. The entire verse is an example of **Irony**, as a disciple, chosen to follow and learn from Jesus, actively plots against Him, demonstrating the profound spiritual blindness and moral corruption that can occur even in proximity to divine truth. This also sets up a **Contrast** between Jesus's unwavering commitment to His mission and Judas's calculated treachery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:16 underscores the profound theological truth that even the most heinous acts of human sin can be woven into God's sovereign plan for redemption. While Judas's actions were undeniably wicked and driven by personal greed, they ultimately served to bring about the preordained sacrifice of Christ, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies. This verse, therefore, highlights the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's purposes are accomplished not by overriding human will, but by incorporating it, even its darkest expressions, into His grand design. It reminds us that God is never caught off guard and can bring about good even from evil.

* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility")
* [Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3-6 "Luke 22:3-6 - Satan Enters Judas")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:16 serves as a sobering reminder of the insidious nature of sin, particularly greed and the betrayal of trust. Judas's active "seeking" of an opportunity reveals a heart fully committed to his treacherous path, illustrating how unchecked desires can lead to profound spiritual compromise and ultimately, an irreparable break with God. This prompts us to examine our own hearts, to be vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin, and to recognize that spiritual compromise often begins with small, seemingly insignificant choices that, if left unchecked, can lead to catastrophic outcomes. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of loyalty and faithfulness, not just in grand gestures, but in the quiet, daily decisions of our lives, ensuring that our allegiances remain firmly with Christ, even when tested by temptation or worldly allure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "opportunities" might we be seeking in our lives that could lead us away from Christ, even subtly?**
* **How does Judas's deliberate action challenge our understanding of spiritual vigilance and the danger of unchecked desires?**
* **In what ways can we strengthen our loyalty and faithfulness to Christ, especially when faced with personal gain or convenience?**

### FAQ
**Was Judas's betrayal predetermined by God, or was it a free choice?**

Answer: The Bible presents a complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human free will in Judas's betrayal. While God's plan for salvation through Christ's sacrifice was certainly foreknown and prophesied (e.g., [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility")), Judas's actions are consistently depicted as his own deliberate and culpable choices. [Matthew 26:16](/matthew/26-16 "Matthew 26:16 - Judas Seeks Opportunity") explicitly states "he sought opportunity to betray him," highlighting his active agency. Jesus Himself states that it would have been better for Judas "if he had not been born" ([Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer")), implying moral responsibility. God's foreknowledge does not negate human culpability; rather, it demonstrates His ability to weave even sinful human choices into His perfect redemptive plan without condoning the sin itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:16, detailing Judas's active search for an opportunity to betray Jesus, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the act of betrayal itself, but in the divine purpose it served. This calculated treachery, born of human sin and greed, was paradoxically the very means by which God's eternal plan of salvation would be accomplished. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing full well the suffering it entailed, in order to become the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His foreknowledge of Judas's actions, as seen in [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal"), demonstrates His sovereign control even over the darkest human deeds. The "opportunity" Judas sought was ultimately God's appointed time for His Son to be "delivered up" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")) for our justification, transforming an act of profound evil into the cornerstone of divine grace and redemption. Thus, Judas's betrayal, far from thwarting God's will, became an essential, albeit tragic, step in the unfolding of Christ's salvific mission, leading directly to the cross and the triumph over sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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 14:11

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

Luke 22:6

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