Matthew 26:46

KJV

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rise {G1453}, let us be going {G71}: behold {G2400}, he is at hand {G1448} that doth betray {G3860} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get up! Let's go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Berean Standard Bible

Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!”

American Standard Version

Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:46 marks a profound turning point in the Gethsemane narrative, transitioning from Jesus' agonizing prayer to His resolute acceptance of His imminent betrayal and arrest. These words, spoken to His sleeping disciples, underscore Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will and His active readiness to face the cross, even as the instrument of His betrayal draws near. It is a moment of divine resolve amidst human weakness, signaling the commencement of the passion events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' third return to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, finding them asleep despite His earnest request to "watch and pray" ([Matthew 26:41](/matthew/26-41 "Jesus' Instruction to Watch and Pray")). His prior prayers revealed His human struggle and ultimate submission to the Father's will, saying, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Jesus' Prayer of Submission in Gethsemane")). The shift from prayerful agony to decisive action in verse 46 signals the end of the internal struggle and the beginning of the external confrontation, setting the stage for Judas's arrival and Jesus' arrest in [Matthew 26:47-56](/matthew/26-47-56 "The Arrest of Jesus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a place Jesus and His disciples frequented. This was likely late at night, after the Passover meal. Betrayal by a trusted associate was a particularly heinous act in ancient cultures, often viewed as a deep violation of loyalty and hospitality. The arrival of a large crowd with "swords and staves" ([Matthew 26:47](/matthew/26-47 "Judas Betrays Jesus")) indicates an official, albeit clandestine, arrest operation, likely involving temple guards and Roman soldiers, orchestrated by the chief priests and elders who sought to apprehend Jesus without causing a public disturbance during the festival.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Jesus' divine sovereignty** and control over His destiny, even in the face of human treachery, demonstrating that His suffering was not a tragic accident but a predetermined part of God's redemptive plan ([Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Jesus Predicts Judas's Betrayal")). It also emphasizes **Christ's perfect obedience** to the Father, as He willingly embraces the path of suffering that leads to the cross. Furthermore, the stark contrast between Jesus' vigilance and the disciples' repeated failure to stay awake underscores the theme of **human spiritual weakness** and the constant need for watchfulness and prayer, a lesson Jesus had just imparted to them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, this verb means "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." Here, it is an imperative, a direct command to the disciples to "wake up" or "get up" from their sleep. It carries a sense of urgency and a call to action, moving from a state of rest or inaction to readiness.
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400, this is an interjection used as an imperative, meaning "lo!" or "see!" It functions as a deictic particle, drawing immediate attention to what is about to be stated or to something that is suddenly present. In this context, it signals the imminent and visible arrival of Judas and the arresting party, emphasizing the immediacy and undeniable reality of the unfolding events.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, this verb means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." While it can have neutral meanings like "deliver" or "hand over," in the context of Judas's actions concerning Jesus, it takes on the sinister meaning of "betray." It describes the act of handing Jesus over to His enemies, an act of treachery that initiates the passion narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rise, let us be going":** This is a command from Jesus to His disciples, urging them to awaken and prepare for action. It is not a call to flee, but rather to meet the approaching confrontation. The "us" indicates that Jesus includes Himself in this movement, signifying His active participation and willingness to step forward into His predetermined destiny, rather than passively awaiting it.
* **"behold":** This interjection serves as an urgent announcement, drawing the disciples' attention to the immediate reality. It underscores the suddenness and inevitability of the impending event, demanding their immediate awareness and comprehension of the gravity of the situation.
* **"he is at hand that doth betray me":** This clause reveals the specific and immediate threat: Judas, the betrayer, is already very close. The phrase "is at hand" (Greek, _engízō'_ - G1448) emphasizes the proximity and the precise, divinely orchestrated timing of the betrayal. Jesus' knowledge of Judas's identity and his purpose highlights His omniscience and His control, even as He is "delivered over" by human treachery.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Rise," "behold") conveys Jesus' authority and the urgency of the moment, shifting the narrative from contemplative prayer to decisive action. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that one of Jesus' own chosen disciples, Judas, is the one who "doth betray me," highlighting the depth of human sin and the unexpected source of opposition. The entire statement functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as Jesus had repeatedly predicted His betrayal and suffering (e.g., [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection")). The stark **Contrast** between Jesus' resolute readiness and the disciples' repeated failure to stay awake underscores the theme of spiritual vigilance versus human frailty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:46 is a powerful testament to Christ's divine sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to the Father's redemptive plan. Despite the horrific nature of betrayal by one of His own, Jesus does not recoil or attempt to escape. Instead, He actively steps into the moment, demonstrating His perfect obedience even unto death. This verse highlights that the events of the passion were not accidental or forced upon Jesus, but were willingly embraced by Him as the means to accomplish salvation. It underscores the profound truth that God's purposes are sovereign, even over the darkest acts of human sin and treachery, weaving them into His ultimate plan for good.

* [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Jesus' Submission to the Father's Will")
* [John 13:21](/john/13-21 "Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "God's Predetermined Plan for Christ's Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:46 calls believers to a profound reflection on the nature of discipleship, vigilance, and divine purpose. Jesus' command to "Rise, let us be going" is not a call to flee from difficulty, but to courageously meet the challenges that God permits in our lives, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances. His example of moving from agonizing prayer to resolute action teaches us the importance of submitting our will to God's, even when His path leads through suffering or betrayal. We are reminded that spiritual preparedness is crucial, especially in times of trial, and that our trust in God's overarching plan can provide peace and strength when facing the unexpected or the painful. This verse encourages us to remain spiritually awake, to pray without ceasing, and to embrace God's will with courageous obedience, just as Christ did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' shift from prayer to action in this verse challenge my own approach to difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" when I should be vigilant and ready?**
* **How does Jesus' knowledge of His betrayal, yet His willingness to face it, deepen my understanding of His love and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell the disciples to "Rise" and "let us be going" if He knew Judas was coming to betray Him? Was He trying to escape?**

Answer: Jesus was not attempting to escape. His words "Rise, let us be going" signify His active and willing movement towards His destiny, not away from it. Having fully submitted His will to the Father's in prayer ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), Jesus was now ready to embrace the cross. His command was a call to His disciples to awaken from their spiritual slumber and face the reality of the moment with Him, even if they could not fully comprehend it. It underscores His divine control over the situation, even in the face of betrayal, demonstrating that He was not a victim but a willing participant in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:46 is a pivotal moment that profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered narrative of salvation. Jesus' resolute command, "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me," is not merely a statement of impending doom, but an active step towards His ultimate triumph. In this moment, Jesus fully embodies the obedient Son, who, having wrestled in prayer and perfectly aligned His will with the Father's ([Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7-8 "Christ's Obedience Learned Through Suffering")), now willingly offers Himself as the Lamb of God. His "going" is not a retreat, but an advance towards the cross, where He would become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The betrayal by Judas, though an act of human evil, was paradoxically woven into God's predetermined plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")), fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")). Thus, Jesus' words in Gethsemane reveal His active participation in His own "delivery" into the hands of sinners, a voluntary act of love that ultimately secured our redemption and victory over sin and death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

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

1 Samuel 17:48

¶ And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

Luke 12:50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

John 14:31

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 22:15

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: