Matthew 26:24

KJV

The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G3303} The Son {G5207} of man {G444} goeth {G5217} as {G2531} it is written {G1125} of {G4012} him {G846}: but {G1161} woe {G3759} unto that {G1565} man {G444} by {G1223} whom {G3739} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is betrayed {G3860}! it had been {G2258} good {G2570} for that {G1565} man {G846} if {G1487} he {G444} had {G1080} not {G3756} been born {G1080}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Son of Man will die just as the Tanakh says he will; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him had he never been born!"

Berean Standard Bible

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

American Standard Version

The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:24 captures Jesus's solemn declaration during the Last Supper concerning His impending betrayal. He affirms that His suffering and death align with divine prophecy, yet simultaneously pronounces a severe "woe" upon His betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The chilling pronouncement that it would have been better for that man never to have been born underscores the profound culpability and dire eternal consequences awaiting the one who would hand over the Son of Man to His enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intimate and highly charged setting of the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus has announced that one of His twelve disciples will betray Him ([Matthew 26:21](/matthew/26-21 "Matthew 26:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")). The disciples' immediate reaction of sorrow and questioning ("Is it I, Lord?") sets a somber tone. Jesus's words in [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer") serve as a direct, albeit veiled, identification of the betrayer and a stark warning of the eternal ramifications of his actions, immediately preceding 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")). This juxtaposition highlights the profound contrast between the divine plan of salvation through sacrifice and the human act of treachery.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a meal steeped in Jewish history and symbolism, commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. For Jesus and His disciples, this meal was a deeply significant annual ritual. The act of betrayal by a close associate, especially during such a sacred meal, would have been particularly shocking and culturally abhorrent, violating deeply held norms of hospitality and loyalty. The Roman occupation of Judea also created a volatile political climate, where accusations of sedition against a perceived messianic figure could lead to swift and brutal judgment, adding a layer of immediate danger to Jesus's situation and Judas's impending action.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully intertwines several critical themes. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, affirming that Jesus's suffering and death are not random events but are part of God's predetermined plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Simultaneously, it emphasizes **Human Responsibility**, making it unequivocally clear that Judas's betrayal is a conscious, culpable act for which he bears full moral accountability. The pronouncement of "woe" and the dire consequence ("it had been good for that man if he had not been born") underscore the **Gravity of Sin and Betrayal**, particularly against the Son of Man. Finally, it points to the theme of **Eternal Judgment**, illustrating that some choices carry such profound spiritual weight that their ultimate outcome is worse than non-existence, serving as a solemn warning about the ultimate consequences of rejecting or betraying Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** This is a powerful interjection expressing deep grief, denunciation, and impending judgment. It is not merely an expression of sorrow or pity, but a solemn declaration of divine displeasure and the terrible fate awaiting the recipient. In this context, it signifies the profound spiritual and eternal condemnation that awaits Judas, highlighting the severity of his sin.
* **Betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** Meaning "to surrender," "yield up," or "intrust," this word describes the act of handing over Jesus to His enemies. While it can have neutral or even positive connotations (e.g., entrusting something), here it is loaded with the negative sense of treachery and delivery into harm's way. It emphasizes Judas's active role in delivering Jesus to those who sought His death.
* **Good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This word signifies something beautiful, valuable, or virtuous, often implying intrinsic moral goodness. In the phrase "it had been good," it expresses a state of desirability or advantage. The stark contrast here is that non-existence would have been preferable to the eternal state Judas would enter, emphasizing the extreme negative value of his ultimate destiny.
* **Born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** Meaning "to procreate," "beget," or "be born," this word refers to the act of coming into existence. The phrase "if he had not been born" is a hyperbolic expression of the most extreme negative outcome imaginable, indicating that the betrayer's eternal suffering would be so immense that even the absence of existence would be a mercy by comparison.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Son of man goeth as it is written of him:"** This clause affirms Jesus's divine awareness and the predetermined nature of His suffering and death. The title "Son of Man" (G5207, G444) is Jesus's preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His messianic authority as prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds"). The phrase "as it is written of him" (G2531, G1125) points directly to the Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Suffering and Praise")) that foretold the Messiah's suffering, betrayal, and sacrificial death. This highlights God's sovereign plan unfolding precisely as revealed in Scripture.
* **"but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!"** This is a stark pronouncement of judgment. The conjunction "but" (G1161) introduces a sharp contrast between divine necessity and human culpability. The "woe" (G3759) is a powerful declaration of impending doom and condemnation. Despite the fulfillment of prophecy, the individual responsible for the betrayal is held fully accountable. This emphasizes that God's sovereign plan does not negate human free will or moral responsibility for sinful actions. The repetition of "Son of man" underscores the gravity of betraying the very embodiment of God's redemptive purpose.
* **"it had been good for that man if he had not been born."** This chilling statement reveals the horrific eternal consequences awaiting the betrayer. It is an expression of extreme hyperbole, indicating that the ultimate fate of Judas would be so terrible, so utterly devoid of hope or relief, that non-existence would have been a preferable alternative. This is one of the Bible's most severe pronouncements, powerfully illustrating the eternal damnation that awaits those who utterly reject and betray Christ, facing a judgment far worse than any earthly suffering or death.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jesus explicitly predicts His betrayal and its devastating consequences, setting the stage for the unfolding events of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The phrase "as it is written of him" also serves as an appeal to **Prophecy Fulfillment**, aligning current events with ancient divine declarations, thereby affirming Jesus's messianic identity and the divine orchestration of His mission. Most strikingly, the final clause, "it had been good for that man if he had not been born," utilizes **Hyperbole**. This extreme exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally as a desire for non-existence, but rather to emphasize the unparalleled severity and eternal nature of the judgment awaiting the betrayer. It underscores the ultimate tragedy of a life lived in opposition to God, leading to a state of being so miserable that even never having existed would be a mercy. This hyperbole functions as a stark warning, highlighting the immense spiritual stakes involved in one's response to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:24 stands as a profound theological statement on the intersection of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Jesus's suffering and death were undeniably part of God's redemptive plan, "as it is written," this divine decree did not absolve Judas of his moral culpability. The "woe" pronounced upon him underscores that his betrayal was a conscious, wicked act of his own free will, for which he would face dire eternal consequences. This tension highlights a core biblical truth: God's perfect plan unfolds, yet human beings remain morally accountable for their choices, particularly in their response to Christ. The verse also implicitly connects to the concept of the ultimate value of a human soul, suggesting that for some, the eternal state is so dreadful that it negates the very gift of life.

* [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")
* [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Death")
* [Acts 1:18-19](/acts/1-18-19 "Acts 1:18-19 - The Death of Judas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:24 serves as a sobering reminder of the profound consequences of our choices, especially concerning our allegiance to Christ. It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and the depth of our commitment. While we may not betray Jesus in the dramatic way Judas did, any act of unfaithfulness, compromise with sin, or deliberate rejection of His truth carries spiritual weight. This verse calls us to consider the eternal implications of our decisions and to live lives marked by genuine devotion and obedience. It underscores the immense value of faithfulness and the severe judgment for those who knowingly turn away from the light. Ultimately, it compels us to cling to Christ, recognizing that true life and blessing are found only in Him, and that separation from Him leads to an unimaginable "woe."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's plan and your own choices?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, "betray" Christ in our daily lives, and what does this verse teach us about the gravity of such actions?**
* **What does the phrase "it had been good for that man if he had not been born" reveal about the ultimate consequences of rejecting Christ, and how should this shape our urgency in sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Did God force Judas to betray Jesus?**

Answer: No, the Bible consistently presents Judas's betrayal as his own deliberate choice, for which he is held fully accountable. While Jesus's death was part of God's sovereign plan and prophesied in Scripture, God did not coerce Judas. Instead, Judas acted out of his own free will, driven by greed ([John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Greed")) and perhaps disillusionment with Jesus's messianic mission. God's foreknowledge of an event does not equate to His causing it to happen in a way that negates human responsibility. The "woe" pronounced upon Judas in [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer") clearly indicates his culpability.

**What does "it had been good for that man if he had not been born" truly mean?**

Answer: This is one of the most chilling and severe pronouncements in the Bible. It is a hyperbolic expression indicating that the eternal state and suffering awaiting Judas would be so utterly terrible and without hope that non-existence would have been preferable. It does not suggest that God wished Judas had never existed, but rather emphasizes the extreme, irreversible, and horrific nature of the judgment he would face. It underscores the eternal damnation for those who fundamentally reject and betray the Son of God, a fate far worse than any earthly suffering or even death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:24, though a pronouncement of woe, ultimately points to the profound Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "Son of Man" who "goeth as it is written of him" is Jesus, the promised Messiah whose suffering and death were not accidental but divinely ordained to accomplish salvation. His betrayal, far from derailing God's purposes, was an integral, albeit tragic, part of the script written in eternity and foretold by the prophets ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Jesus willingly embraced this path, knowing the cost, because it was the only way to reconcile humanity to God. His ultimate triumph over sin and death through the cross and resurrection ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")) transforms the "woe" of betrayal into the glory of redemption for all who believe. Thus, even in the darkest moment of betrayal, Jesus remains the sovereign Lord, fulfilling His mission to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing an eternal "good" for those who trust in Him, in stark contrast to the betrayer's tragic end.

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 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Acts 26:23

That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Matthew 18:7

¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Matthew 26:54

But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Luke 22:22

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!