Matthew 26:47

ยถ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

And {G2532} while {G2089} he {G846} yet {G2089} spake {G2980}, lo {G2400}, Judas {G2455}, one {G1520} of the twelve {G1427}, came {G2064}, and {G2532} with {G3326} him {G846} a great {G4183} multitude {G3793} with {G3326} swords {G3162} and {G2532} staves {G3586}, from {G575} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245} of the people {G2992}.

While Yeshua was still speaking, Y'hudah (one of the Twelve!) came, and with him a large crowd carrying swords and clubs, from the head cohanim and elders of the people.

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Commentary

Matthew 26:47 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, detailing the immediate onset of Jesus' arrest. While Jesus was still speaking with His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayer, Judas Iscariot, arrived with a large, armed crowd, signaling the beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry before His resurrection.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He wrestled with the Father's will concerning the impending suffering and death. Having just roused His sleeping disciples and declared that "the hour is at hand," the scene quickly shifts from intimate spiritual struggle to public confrontation. The arrival of Judas and the multitude fulfills Jesus' own prediction and sets in motion the events of His trial and crucifixion. The "chief priests and elders of the people" represent the religious and political authorities of the time who sought Jesus' demise, viewing Him as a threat to their power and traditions.

Key Themes

  • Betrayal: The most striking theme is the betrayal by Judas, one of the twelve disciples, who had walked closely with Jesus. This act underscores the depth of human treachery and the pain of being betrayed by someone trusted.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite the malicious intent of Judas and the authorities, this event unfolds precisely according to God's predetermined plan for salvation, highlighting God's ultimate control even over evil actions.
  • The Hour of Darkness: The arrival of the armed multitude signifies the forces of opposition gathering against Jesus, representing a spiritual battle where the powers of darkness seemed to prevail temporarily.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This moment is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah, as well as Jesus' own predictions about His betrayal and arrest (e.g., Matthew 26:21).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "great multitude" translates the Greek word ochlos (แฝ„ฯ‡ฮปฮฟฯ‚), which often refers to a common, disorderly crowd, not necessarily trained soldiers. The mention of "swords and staves" (Greek: machairas kai xylลn) indicates a mix of weaponry, suggesting they were prepared for a potential struggle or sought to intimidate Jesus and His followers. The specific identification of "Judas, one of the twelve," emphasizes the profound personal and spiritual significance of his treachery, distinguishing him from a mere acquaintance.

Related Scriptures

This event is also recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels: Mark 14:43 and Luke 22:47. John's Gospel provides further details in John 18:3, noting the presence of a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. Judas's prior agreement to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is detailed in Matthew 26:14-16.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:47 serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of deep spiritual commitment, betrayal can arise from unexpected sources. It encourages believers to remain vigilant and discerning. The verse also underscores God's unwavering plan, even when seemingly derailed by human sin. Jesus' calm acceptance of His fate, despite the injustice, provides a model of submission to God's will, even in the face of adversity and suffering. It prompts us to consider our own loyalty to Christ, especially when faced with pressure or the allure of worldly gain.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 1:16

    Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

  • Luke 22:47

    ยถ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

  • Luke 22:53

    When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

  • Mark 14:43

    ยถ And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

  • Mark 14:50

    And they all forsook him, and fled.

  • Matthew 26:14

    ยถ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
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