Matthew 26:22

KJV

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were exceeding {G4970} sorrowful {G3076}, and began {G756} every one {G1538} of them {G846} to say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, is {G1510} it {G3385} I {G1473}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They became terribly upset and began asking him, one after the other, "Lord, you don't mean me, do you?"

Berean Standard Bible

They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”

American Standard Version

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:22 captures the profound emotional response of Jesus' disciples during the Last Supper, immediately following His startling announcement that one of them would betray Him. Overcome with deep grief and consternation, each disciple, in turn, began to question their own heart and loyalty, asking Jesus, "Lord, is it I?", revealing a remarkable blend of personal humility, fear, and genuine love for their Master, as they grappled with the unthinkable possibility of such treachery originating from within their intimate circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Passion narrative of Matthew's Gospel, specifically during the account of the Last Supper ([Matthew 26:17-30](/matthew/26-17-30 "Matthew 26:17-30 - The Last Supper")). Jesus has just celebrated the Passover with His disciples, a meal rich in symbolism pointing to Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The solemnity of this sacred occasion is abruptly shattered by Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 26:21](/matthew/26-21 "Matthew 26:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal") that one of them would betray Him. This shocking revelation sets the stage for the disciples' collective and individual reactions described in [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Self-Examination"), leading into Judas's eventual identification ([Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas Identified")) and the institution of the Lord's Supper ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The immediate narrative flow emphasizes the stark contrast between the disciples' genuine sorrow and self-examination, and Judas's hardened heart and imminent treachery.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a foundational ritual commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This annual feast, steeped in tradition and national identity, was a time of communal celebration and remembrance. The setting was likely an upper room in Jerusalem, a common practice for pilgrims during the Passover festival. The act of sharing a meal, particularly the Passover, signified deep fellowship and covenantal relationship. For one at the table to betray another, especially the host, was an act of profound dishonor and treachery, violating sacred social and religious norms. The disciples' response must be understood against this backdrop of shared intimacy and the gravity of the Passover covenant, making the idea of betrayal from one of their own utterly devastating and culturally abhorrent.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and human agency**, as Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal does not negate the betrayer's responsibility. It underscores the theme of **discipleship and its challenges**, revealing the disciples' initial loyalty and their vulnerability to sin, prompting a crucial moment of self-examination. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus as the innocent suffering servant**, who, despite knowing His fate, continues to minister to His disciples. Furthermore, it foreshadows the ultimate **atoning sacrifice** of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose betrayal and death would ultimately bring about salvation, as seen in the broader narrative of [Matthew 26](/matthew/26 "Matthew 26 - The Passion Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrowful (Greek, _lypéō'_):** From G3076, this word conveys a deep sense of grief, distress, or pain. It signifies more than mere disappointment; it is a profound, heartfelt sadness that grips the disciples upon hearing Jesus' announcement. Their sorrow reflects their genuine love for Jesus and their shock at the idea of such a heinous act originating from within their trusted circle.
* **every one (Greek, _hékastos'_):** From G1538, this term emphasizes the individual and universal nature of the disciples' response. It means "each" or "every," indicating that this question was not a collective murmur but a personal, introspective inquiry from each disciple present, highlighting their individual spiritual inventory and humility.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this title signifies "supreme in authority" or "Master." The disciples' address of Jesus as "Lord" even in this moment of crisis underscores their recognition of His authority and their reverence for Him, despite the unsettling nature of His revelation. It frames their question within a context of submission and respect for His divine knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were exceeding sorrowful":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the emotional atmosphere. The Greek adverb `sphódra` (G4970), translated "exceeding," intensifies the `lypéō` (sorrowful), indicating that their grief was not superficial but profound and overwhelming. This reaction demonstrates their genuine affection for Jesus and their horror at the thought of betrayal, especially from one of their own. It reflects the shock and pain of hearing such a devastating prophecy.
* **"and began every one of them to say unto him":** This clause highlights the immediate and individual nature of their response. The phrase "began... to say" suggests a spontaneous, perhaps even overlapping, outpouring of concern. The emphasis on "every one of them" underscores the pervasive nature of their self-examination, indicating that each disciple felt compelled to personally inquire of Jesus, rather than pointing fingers at others. This collective, yet individual, questioning reveals a remarkable humility and a lack of immediate accusation.
* **"Lord, is it I?":** This direct question is the crux of the verse. The Greek particle `mḗti` (G3385) preceding "I" (G1473, _egṓ_) and "is" (G1510, _eimí_) implies a negative answer is expected or hoped for. It's not a neutral inquiry but one born of apprehension, expressing a desire that the answer be "no." The disciples, despite their devotion, recognized their own human fallibility and the potential for sin, leading them to humbly consider if such a dark possibility could reside within their own hearts. This question serves as a powerful model of personal introspection.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:22 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten the dramatic tension and convey the disciples' emotional state. **Repetition** is evident in "every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?", emphasizing the universality of the disciples' self-questioning and their collective shock. This repetition underscores their genuine concern and the profound impact of Jesus' words. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the reader (and Jesus) knows who the betrayer is, while the disciples are left in agonizing suspense, each fearing it might be himself. This creates a poignant contrast between their innocent self-doubt and Judas's hidden guilt. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Foreshadowing**, not only of Judas's specific betrayal but also of the broader theme of human weakness and the need for divine grace, which will be further demonstrated by Peter's denial and the disciples' desertion later in the Passion narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:22 serves as a profound theological moment, illustrating the human capacity for self-deception and the necessity of humble self-examination before God. The disciples' immediate introspection, rather than outward accusation, models a critical spiritual discipline for all believers: to regularly assess one's own heart and motives in light of God's truth. This moment highlights the stark contrast between genuine, albeit flawed, discipleship and the hardened, deceptive heart of Judas. It underscores that even those closest to Christ are not immune to temptation or spiritual failure, emphasizing the constant need for vigilance, reliance on God's grace, and a willingness to confront one's own potential for sin. The scene ultimately points to Jesus' perfect knowledge and divine authority, even in the face of human treachery, affirming His sovereignty over all events, including His own suffering and death.

* [Psalm 139:23-24](/psalms/139-23-24 "Psalm 139:23-24 - A Prayer for Self-Examination")
* [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves")
* [Hebrews 4:12-13](/hebrews/4-12-13 "Hebrews 4:12-13 - The Word of God is Living and Active")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' humble question, "Lord, is it I?", resonates deeply with believers across all generations. In a world quick to point fingers and assign blame, this passage calls us to a posture of profound introspection and spiritual humility. It challenges us to look inward first when faced with the reality of sin, compromise, or spiritual lukewarmness within the community of faith. Rather than assuming our own righteousness or immediately judging others, we are invited to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, revealing any hidden motives, unconfessed sins, or areas where our loyalty to Christ may be wavering. This regular, honest self-examination, empowered by God's Word and prayer, is vital for spiritual growth, maintaining a pure conscience, and ensuring that our walk with Christ remains authentic and unblemished. It reminds us that true discipleship involves a continuous process of repentance and reliance on God's transforming grace, echoing the call to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" ([Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When was the last time you truly asked yourself, "Lord, is it I?" regarding a sin or spiritual failing, rather than assuming it was someone else's issue?**
* **What specific areas of your life might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to examine for potential compromise or disloyalty to Christ?**
* **How does the disciples' immediate sorrow and self-questioning challenge your own typical reactions when confronted with difficult truths about sin within the church or your own life?**
* **In what ways can a posture of humble self-examination foster greater spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did all the disciples ask, "Lord, is it I?" if only one was the betrayer?**

Answer: The disciples' collective question, "Lord, is it I?", stems from a combination of factors: profound shock, genuine humility, and an understanding of human fallibility. When Jesus declared that one among them would betray Him, it was an unthinkable act within their intimate circle. Rather than immediately suspecting one another, their initial reaction was one of deep sorrow and personal introspection. They recognized the potential for sin and weakness within themselves, even as devoted followers of Christ. The question, often posed with the Greek particle `mḗti` (G3385), implies a hope for a negative answer, indicating their desire not to be the one, yet their humility compelled them to consider the possibility. This response highlights their genuine love for Jesus and their awareness that, despite their best intentions, they were still capable of failing Him. It stands in stark contrast to Judas, whose heart was already hardened by greed and deceit, and who did not ask this question until prompted later ([Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas's Question")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:22, though focusing on the disciples' human frailty, powerfully points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of prophecy and the nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly entered into this moment of betrayal, knowing full well the identity of His betrayer and the suffering that awaited Him. His declaration, which provoked such sorrow and self-examination among His disciples, was not a moment of surprise but a deliberate step in fulfilling the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's suffering and rejection ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - My Own Familiar Friend")). The very act of betrayal, orchestrated by Judas, was paradoxically part of God's sovereign plan to bring about salvation. Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice, allowed Himself to be betrayed and handed over, not because of His own sin, but to bear the sins of humanity. This scene, therefore, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating His unparalleled love and obedience to the Father, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Humility and Obedience")). The disciples' sorrow over a potential human betrayer pales in comparison to the divine sorrow over humanity's universal sin, which Jesus willingly took upon Himself to reconcile us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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 13:22

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

John 13:25

He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Luke 22:23

And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Mark 14:19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

Mark 14:20

And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.