Matthew 26:47

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:47 marks the dramatic and immediate onset of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. As Jesus concluded His final instructions and prayers with His disciples, Judas Iscariot, identified pointedly as one of the twelve, arrived with a large, armed contingent dispatched by the chief priests and elders. This pivotal moment swiftly transitions the narrative from intimate spiritual preparation to public confrontation, initiating the Passion events that would lead to Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' profound and agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, detailed in [Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). Having just urged His disciples to "watch and pray" and having confronted their inability to stay awake, Jesus announces, "Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" ([Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - The Hour is at Hand")). The arrival of Judas and the multitude in [Matthew 26:47](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47 - The Betrayal of Jesus") is the direct, chilling fulfillment of this declaration, setting in motion the rapid sequence of events culminating in Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The narrative shifts abruptly from the intimate struggle of prayer to the harsh reality of betrayal and capture.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in the Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a familiar retreat for Jesus and His disciples. The "chief priests and elders of the people" represent the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council, which held significant authority under Roman rule, particularly in matters of Jewish law and order. Their dispatch of a "great multitude with swords and staves" indicates a deliberate, organized effort to apprehend Jesus, suggesting they anticipated resistance or sought to make a public display of His capture. The presence of such weaponry, rather than solely Roman soldiers, suggests a mixed group, possibly temple guards and an agitated mob, indicating the Sanhedrin's intent to handle the arrest themselves before handing Jesus over to the Roman authorities for capital punishment, which they could not directly administer.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 26:47](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47 - The Betrayal of Jesus") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Betrayal**, highlighted by Judas, "one of the twelve," turning against Jesus, a stark illustration of human treachery. This act, however, simultaneously underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, as Jesus' arrest, though orchestrated by human malice, unfolds precisely according to God's predetermined plan for salvation, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of Betrayal")). The "great multitude" with their crude weapons symbolizes the **Forces of Opposition** gathering against the light, representing the "hour of darkness" ([Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness")) where evil appears to triumph, yet ultimately serves God's redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (Yehudah), identifies the specific individual responsible for the betrayal. The inclusion of "one of the twelve" (G1520 _heîs_ "one" + G1427 _dṓdeka_ "twelve") is crucial. It emphasizes his intimate relationship with Jesus and the profound depth of his treachery, distinguishing him from an ordinary adversary. His identity as an insider makes the betrayal all the more shocking and painful.
* **Multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** While often translated as "multitude," _óchlos_ (G3793) specifically refers to a throng or common crowd, often implying a disorderly or agitated group, rather than a disciplined military unit. This suggests that the group accompanying Judas was not solely Roman soldiers but likely a mix of temple guards, servants of the chief priests, and perhaps an incited rabble, reflecting the volatile nature of the arrest.
* **Staves (Greek, _xýlon'_):** The term _xýlon_ (G3586) refers to timber, a stick, or a club. Its pairing with "swords" (G3162 _máchaira_, a dirk or knife) indicates the varied and somewhat improvised weaponry of the crowd. The presence of "staves" suggests a less formal, more aggressive, and possibly less professional force, prepared for a brawl rather than a precise military operation, consistent with the nature of an _óchlos_.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And while he yet spake":** This phrase highlights the immediate and abrupt nature of Judas's arrival, occurring precisely as Jesus was concluding His discourse with His disciples, perhaps even as He uttered the words about His betrayal being "at hand" ([Matthew 26:46](/matthew/26-46 "Matthew 26:46 - The Hour Has Come")). It emphasizes the sudden shift from a moment of profound spiritual intimacy to one of harsh, external reality.
* **"lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came":** The interjection "lo" (Greek _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the unexpected yet anticipated appearance of Judas. His identification as "one of the twelve" carries immense weight, underscoring the personal tragedy and profound irony of an intimate disciple becoming the betrayer. His "coming" (Greek _érchomai_) signifies his deliberate action to lead the arresting party to Jesus.
* **"and with him a great multitude with swords and staves":** This clause describes the formidable force accompanying Judas. The "great multitude" (Greek _polýs óchlos_) implies a large, possibly unruly crowd, armed with both formal weapons ("swords") and more crude implements ("staves"). This detail conveys the intent to overwhelm and capture Jesus, suggesting a readiness for confrontation and violence.
* **"from the chief priests and elders of the people":** This final phrase reveals the ultimate authority behind the arrest. The "chief priests and elders" represent the highest religious and political leaders of the Jewish people, members of the Sanhedrin. Their involvement underscores the official, institutional opposition to Jesus, indicating that His capture was a calculated act by the established powers, driven by their fear and rejection of His claims and teachings.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:47 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The sudden appearance of Judas immediately after Jesus' declaration of His impending betrayal creates dramatic **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**, as the predicted event unfolds in real-time. The phrase "one of the twelve" functions as a poignant **Epithet**, emphasizing the profound personal betrayal and the tragic fall of a disciple who had been privy to Jesus' most intimate teachings and miracles. The contrast between Jesus' serene acceptance of His fate in the preceding verses and the chaotic, armed arrival of the multitude creates a stark **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the spiritual battle at play. Furthermore, the "swords and staves" serve as **Symbolism** for the worldly power and violence arrayed against the spiritual authority of Christ, implicitly contrasting with the spiritual "sword" of truth Jesus wielded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:47 is a profoundly significant verse that intertwines themes of human depravity, divine sovereignty, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The betrayal by Judas, an intimate disciple, underscores the depth of human sin and the capacity for treachery even within the closest circles. Yet, this act of betrayal, seemingly a victory for the forces of darkness, paradoxically serves God's sovereign plan for redemption. Jesus' arrest, though unjust, was a necessary step in His journey to the cross, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant. This moment highlights that even the most malicious human actions cannot thwart God's ultimate purpose, but rather, are woven into His grand design for salvation. The scene foreshadows the ultimate triumph of light over darkness, as Jesus, though captured, would ultimately conquer sin and death.

* [Mark 14:43](/mark/14-43 "Mark 14:43 - The Arrest of Jesus")
* [Luke 22:47](/luke/22-47 "Luke 22:47 - The Betrayal and Arrest")
* [John 18:3](/john/18-3 "John 18:3 - Judas Betrays Jesus")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:47 serves as a stark reminder that even in the most sacred of relationships and contexts, betrayal can emerge from unexpected sources. It challenges believers to cultivate spiritual vigilance and discernment, recognizing that the enemy often works through those closest to us or through seemingly benign circumstances. The verse also offers profound comfort in its demonstration of God's unwavering sovereignty; despite the malicious intent of Judas and the authorities, God's redemptive plan remained perfectly on course. Jesus' calm and resolute acceptance of His fate, even in the face of such injustice and violence, provides a powerful model for believers. It calls us to surrender to God's will, even when it leads through suffering, trusting that His purposes are always good and ultimately victorious. This passage prompts us to examine our own loyalty to Christ, asking if we are truly committed to Him, or if we, like Judas, might be susceptible to worldly temptations or pressures that could lead to spiritual compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's identity as "one of the twelve" deepen the impact of his betrayal, and what does this teach us about the nature of sin and human brokenness?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's sovereignty, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming evil and injustice?**
* **How can we, like Jesus, respond with calm and submission to God's will when faced with betrayal or adversity in our own lives?**
* **What temptations or pressures in our lives might lead us to compromise our loyalty to Christ, and how can we guard against them?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judas betray Jesus, and what was his motivation?**

Answer: Judas's motivations are complex and have been debated by scholars for centuries. While [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus") states he agreed to betray Jesus for "thirty pieces of silver," suggesting a financial motive, other passages hint at deeper issues. [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's Hypocrisy") reveals he was a thief and stole from the common purse. It's also possible he was disillusioned with Jesus's messianic vision, perhaps expecting a political liberator who would overthrow Roman rule, rather than a suffering servant. When Jesus did not conform to these expectations, Judas may have sought to force His hand or simply abandoned Him for personal gain. Ultimately, his heart was hardened, and he became an instrument of Satan, as indicated in [Luke 22:3](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3 - Satan Enters Judas").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:47, while detailing the apex of human treachery, profoundly points to Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly submitted to this betrayal and arrest, not as a victim, but as the sovereign Lord fulfilling the Father's will. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing Himself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Led Like a Lamb to the Slaughter"). His calm demeanor amidst the chaos, in stark contrast to the armed multitude, underscores His divine control and purposeful sacrifice. This moment, orchestrated by human malice, was precisely the pathway to His atoning death on the cross, where He would conquer sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, the betrayal and arrest, far from being a defeat, were integral steps in Jesus' mission to secure eternal salvation for all who believe, demonstrating His ultimate love and obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")).

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

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

¶ 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

¶ 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

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