Matthew 26:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:25 captures a moment of profound dramatic irony during the Last Supper, as Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, feigns innocence by asking Jesus, "Master, is it I?" Jesus's terse and knowing reply, "Thou hast said," serves as a direct, yet understated, affirmation of Judas's guilt, revealing Christ's divine foreknowledge and sovereign control even in the face of imminent betrayal. This exchange underscores the deep hypocrisy of Judas and sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the passion of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal narrative of the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus's solemn declaration that one of His twelve disciples would betray Him (as seen in [Matthew 26:21](/matthew/26-21 "Matthew 26:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")). This announcement plunges the disciples into consternation, leading each of them, in turn, to ask, "Lord, is it I?" (a scene powerfully depicted in [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Distress")). Judas's question in [Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas's Question and Jesus's Reply") is the culmination of this sequence, highlighting his unique position as the one who has already made a pact to deliver Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver, as recorded earlier in [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Betrayal Pact"). The immediate verses following this exchange detail the institution of the Lord's Supper, an act of covenant and remembrance that starkly contrasts with the act of betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper itself is understood as a Passover meal, a central observance in Jewish tradition commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (see [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The setting of the meal, the sharing of bread and wine, and the presence of the disciples all reflect common Jewish customs of the time. The title "Master" (Rabbi) used by Judas for Jesus (G4461, _rhabbí_) indicates a formal recognition of Jesus's teaching authority, a title of respect that makes Judas's betrayal all the more jarring. Jesus's response, "Thou hast said" (Greek: _sý eipas_), is a well-documented Semitic idiom, common in both Aramaic and Hebrew, used to convey a strong affirmative without explicitly saying "yes." It implies, "It is as you say," or "You have spoken correctly," often used in legal or solemn contexts to confirm a statement or accusation. This idiom allows Jesus to confirm Judas's guilt directly and unequivocally, yet without a harsh public denunciation, leaving Judas to fully internalize the weight of his own words.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas's Betrayal Confirmed") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility**. Jesus knows precisely who will betray Him, a truth reiterated throughout the Gospel (e.g., [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection")). Yet, Judas acts with full volition, demonstrating that God's sovereign plan does not negate human culpability. Secondly, the verse highlights the profound **Hypocrisy and Deception** inherent in Judas's character. His feigned ignorance and innocent question, despite his premeditated treachery (as detailed in [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Deal to Betray Jesus")), serve as a stark warning against outward piety masking inward corruption. Finally, it underscores **Jesus's Sovereign Authority and Calm Resolve**. Even in the face of betrayal from one of His closest companions, Jesus remains in control, His response measured and authoritative, signaling His willingness to embrace His destiny as the Suffering Servant, fulfilling the prophecies found in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Hebrew, _Ioúdas'_):** This name, meaning "praise" or "Jehovah leads," carries profound irony in the context of the betrayer. As G2455, it refers to Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, whose actions stand in stark contrast to the meaning of his name. He is the one identified as having "betrayed him" (G3860), emphasizing his specific role in the unfolding events.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, this verb means "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can have neutral or positive connotations (e.g., "to deliver over" or "to commit"), in this context, it specifically denotes the act of treachery—handing over Jesus to His enemies. The participle "which betrayed him" (G3588 + G3860) serves as a defining descriptor of Judas, even before his question, highlighting his established role in the narrative.
* **Thou hast said (Greek, _sý épō'_):** This phrase combines the personal pronoun G4771 (_sý_), meaning "thou" (emphatic in this context), and G2036 (_épō_), a primary verb meaning "to speak or say." As previously noted, "Thou hast said" is a Semitic idiom functioning as a strong affirmative. Jesus's use of this idiom is a direct, undeniable confirmation of Judas's guilt, placing the burden of the truth back on Judas's own lips. It is a solemn and definitive affirmation, not a question or a statement of uncertainty, underscoring Jesus's full knowledge of the situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said,"**: This clause immediately identifies Judas, not merely as one of the disciples, but specifically as "the one who betrayed him." The evangelist's parenthetical description ("which betrayed him") serves as a crucial identifier, setting the stage for the profound **irony** of Judas's subsequent question. His act of "answering" implies he is responding to Jesus's prior declaration about the betrayer, and his "saying" indicates his verbal engagement in the dramatic moment.
* **"Master, is it I?"**: Judas's question, addressed to Jesus with the respectful title "Master" (Rabbi), is the epitome of **hypocrisy**. He asks what he already knows to be true, having already made the pact to betray Jesus for money (see [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Deal")). This question is a desperate attempt to maintain his facade of innocence among the other disciples, who are genuinely distressed and asking the same question out of sincere self-doubt (as in [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Self-Examination")).
* **"He said unto him, Thou hast said."**: Jesus's response is terse, direct, and profoundly significant. "Thou hast said" (Greek: _sý eipas_) is a common Semitic idiom used for a solemn affirmation, equivalent to "Yes, it is as you say" or "You have spoken correctly." It is not an evasive answer but a direct confirmation of Judas's guilt, placing the truth squarely on Judas's own lips. This response reveals Jesus's divine knowledge and sovereign control, even over the actions of His betrayer, underscoring His willingness to proceed with the divine plan for humanity's redemption.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in [Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas's Betrayal Confirmed") is rich with literary devices. Most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience (and Jesus) knows Judas's true intentions, while Judas feigns ignorance by asking, "Master, is it I?" This creates a powerful tension, highlighting the depth of his deception and the tragedy of his choice. The parenthetical description "which betrayed him" (G3588 G3860) immediately after "Judas" serves as a form of **Prolepsis** or **Foreshadowing**, reminding the reader of Judas's established role and impending action, even as he speaks. Jesus's concise response, "Thou hast said," functions as a form of **Understatement**, delivering a profound truth with remarkable brevity and calm authority, contrasting sharply with the immense gravity of the betrayal. This understated affirmation also carries a sense of **Solemnity**, as it marks a point of no return for Judas and signals the imminent fulfillment of prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:25 profoundly illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus's foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal, explicitly stated and confirmed in this verse, does not absolve Judas of his moral culpability. God's plan for salvation, though meticulously orchestrated, incorporates and allows for human choices, even those that are sinful and destructive. This passage underscores the depth of human depravity, capable of betraying even the Son of God for material gain, yet it simultaneously highlights the unwavering commitment of Christ to fulfill His redemptive mission, embracing the path of suffering and sacrifice. The scene also serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of hypocrisy, warning against outward religious observance that conceals a heart of treachery.

* [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer")
* [Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47-48 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas's Kiss of Betrayal")
* [Acts 1:16-20](/acts/1-16-20 "Acts 1:16-20 - Judas's Fate and Replacement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:25 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to honestly assess the alignment between their outward confession and their inward intentions. Judas's question, "Master, is it I?", though uttered in deceit, prompts us to ask ourselves with genuine humility: Is there any area of my life where I am betraying Christ, perhaps not with a kiss, but through subtle compromise, unconfessed sin, or a divided heart? This verse calls us to vigilance against hypocrisy, reminding us that true discipleship demands integrity and authenticity before God, who sees all hearts. Furthermore, Jesus's calm and knowing response, even in the face of such profound betrayal, invites us to trust in His sovereignty and perfect knowledge, especially when we face our own moments of injustice, disappointment, or betrayal. His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, even unto death, provides a profound example of steadfast faith and obedience in the midst of suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Judas, be asking "Is it I?" while already knowing the answer in my heart?**
* **How does Jesus's calm response to betrayal challenge my own reactions to difficult or unjust situations?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of integrity and authenticity in my walk with Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to Christ, free from hypocrisy and hidden motives?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus respond with "Thou hast said" instead of a direct "Yes, it is you"?**

Answer: Jesus's response, "Thou hast said" (Greek: _sý eipas_), is a common Semitic idiom used for a strong affirmation. It is equivalent to saying, "It is as you say," or "You have spoken correctly." This phrasing is not evasive but rather a solemn and definitive confirmation. It places the burden of the truth back on Judas's own words, allowing him to acknowledge his own reality without Jesus having to explicitly accuse him in front of the other disciples. This subtle yet direct affirmation underscores Jesus's divine knowledge and authority, demonstrating that He is fully aware of Judas's treachery, even as Judas attempts to conceal it. It also reflects Jesus's sovereign control over the unfolding events, as He willingly walks the path of suffering, fulfilling the Father's will.

**Did the other disciples understand that Jesus was identifying Judas as the betrayer?**

Answer: It is unlikely that the other disciples fully grasped the significance of Jesus's response to Judas at that exact moment. The Gospels indicate that the disciples were deeply troubled and each asked, "Lord, is it I?" (as seen in [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Distress")). In [John's account](/john/13-26-29 "John 13:26-29 - The Disciples' Confusion"), Jesus gives Judas a piece of bread, and even then, the other disciples do not understand the implication, thinking Jesus was instructing Judas regarding the Passover preparations or giving to the poor. This suggests that Jesus's reply to Judas in [Matthew 26:25](/matthew/26-25 "Matthew 26:25 - Judas's Betrayal Confirmed"), while clear to Judas and to the reader with hindsight, was likely subtle enough to maintain the dramatic tension and allow the plot to unfold as prophesied without immediate intervention from the other disciples. Their lack of understanding highlights the depth of Judas's deception and the unique, private nature of this solemn exchange between Jesus and His betrayer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:25, though a scene of profound human depravity and betrayal, is ultimately a testament to Christ's sovereign control and His unwavering commitment to the Father's redemptive plan. Judas's act, while an expression of his own sinful will, was paradoxically part of God's predetermined purpose to bring about salvation. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing full well the suffering that awaited Him (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Lamb Led to Slaughter")). His calm response, "Thou hast said," echoes His divine authority and underscores that no event, not even the most heinous betrayal, could thwart God's ultimate design. The betrayal by a trusted companion foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God, who, though innocent, was "delivered over" (the same Greek word _paradídōmi_ used for betrayal) for our transgressions (as seen in [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Delivered for Our Sins")). Thus, Judas's question and Jesus's knowing reply set in motion the final, crucial steps toward the cross, where Christ would offer Himself as the perfect atonement, fulfilling the Scriptures and securing eternal life for all who believe (as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). This moment, therefore, is not merely about a historical betrayal but about the divine orchestration of salvation through the willing sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

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

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.