Matthew 26:25

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Then {G1161} Judas {G2455}, which {G3588} betrayed {G3860} him {G846}, answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Master {G4461}, is {G1510} it {G3385} I {G1473}? He said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Thou {G4771} hast said {G2036}.

Y'hudah, the one who was betraying him, then asked, "Surely, Rabbi, you don't mean me?" He answered, "The words are yours."

Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”

And Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, Is it I, Rabbi? He saith unto him, Thou hast said.

Context of Matthew 26:25

This verse occurs during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus's final days. Earlier, Jesus had announced to His disciples that one of them would betray Him (see Matthew 26:21). This declaration caused great sorrow and confusion among the disciples, who each began to ask, "Lord, is it I?" (as seen in Matthew 26:22). Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, also asks the question, feigning ignorance and innocence, despite his already-formed plot to hand Jesus over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (mentioned in Matthew 26:15).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility: Jesus clearly knows who will betray Him, yet Judas proceeds with his actions, demonstrating his full culpability. This highlights the complex interplay between God's sovereign plan and human free will.
  • Hypocrisy and Deception: Judas's question, "Master, is it I?", is a profound act of hypocrisy. He asks what he already knows to be true, attempting to hide his treachery even from Jesus, who sees all hearts. This serves as a warning against outward piety masking inward sin.
  • Jesus's Calm Authority: Despite the imminent betrayal, Jesus responds with quiet authority. His answer, "Thou hast said," is a direct affirmation without emotional outburst, underscoring His control and willingness to face His destiny.
  • The Nature of Betrayal: The verse vividly portrays the pain of being betrayed by someone close, especially one who shared intimate moments and ministry with the betrayed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thou hast said" translates the Greek σὺ εἶπας (sy eipas). This was a common Semitic idiom, particularly in Jewish culture, used to give an affirmative answer. It is similar to saying, "Yes, you are right," or "It is as you say." It's a solemn and definitive affirmation, not a question or a statement of uncertainty. In this context, it confirms Judas's guilt directly and unequivocally, yet without a harsh accusation, allowing Judas to acknowledge his own truth.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:25 challenges believers to engage in honest self-examination. We are called to consider whether our outward confession aligns with our inward intentions and actions. The verse also reminds us of Jesus's perfect knowledge and His unwavering commitment to God's will, even in the face of profound betrayal. It encourages us to be vigilant against hypocrisy in our own lives and to trust in God's sovereignty even when facing difficult and unjust circumstances, much like Jesus did in His journey towards the cross.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:64

    Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

  • Matthew 27:11

    ¶ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

  • John 18:37

    Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

  • Luke 22:70

    Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

  • Proverbs 30:20

    Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

  • Matthew 26:49

    And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

  • Matthew 23:7

    And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

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