Matthew 26:48

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Now {G1161} he that betrayed {G3860} him {G846} gave {G1325} them {G846} a sign {G4592}, saying {G3004}, Whomsoever {G3739}{G302} I shall kiss {G5368}, that same {G846} is {G2076} he {G846}: hold {G2902} him {G846} fast {G2902}.

The betrayer had arranged to give them a signal: "The man I kiss is the one you want -- grab him!"

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him.

Matthew 26:48 recounts the pre-arranged signal given by Judas Iscariot to identify Jesus to the temple guards and soldiers who had come to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. This verse underscores the shocking treachery and the calculated nature of the betrayal that led to Jesus's crucifixion.

Context

This verse is set in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly after Jesus has concluded His fervent prayer to His Father and has rejoined His disciples. Having partaken in the Last Supper and foretold His betrayal, Jesus was now awaiting His captors. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people (Matthew 26:47). To ensure there was no mistake in identifying Jesus among His disciples, Judas had provided a specific, intimate sign: a kiss.

Key Themes

  • The Ultimate Betrayal: This verse highlights the profound treachery of Judas, who used a common gesture of affection and respect—a kiss—as the signal for Jesus's arrest. It represents one of the most infamous acts of betrayal in history, coming from one of Jesus's closest associates.
  • Calculated Deception: The act was not spontaneous but a pre-meditated 'sign,' indicating Judas's deliberate and cold-hearted intention to hand Jesus over. It reveals the depths of human deceit and the perversion of a sacred gesture.
  • Hypocrisy: The use of a kiss, traditionally an expression of love or greeting, for such a nefarious purpose dramatically illustrates hypocrisy. It serves as a stark warning about outward appearances masking malicious intent.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: While Judas acted out of his own corrupt will, his actions ultimately served to fulfill God's prophetic plan for Jesus's sacrifice and the redemption of humanity (Acts 2:23).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "kiss" is philema (φίλημα), which typically denotes a friendly kiss or a greeting. Its application here by Judas is particularly jarring, as it transforms a symbol of fellowship into an instrument of betrayal. The phrase "hold him fast" comes from the Greek verb krateo (κρατέω), meaning "to seize," "to grasp firmly," or "to take possession of." This command underscores the determination of the arresting party to secure Jesus and prevent any escape, highlighting the gravity of the moment.

Related Scriptures

  • The prophecy of betrayal by a close friend is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, famously in Psalm 41:9.
  • The immediate action following this sign is detailed in Matthew 26:49, where Judas approaches Jesus with the kiss, and Matthew 26:50, which describes the arrest itself.
  • Other Gospel accounts corroborate this event, offering slightly different perspectives, such as Mark 14:44 and Luke 22:47.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:48 serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the pain of betrayal. It prompts believers to be vigilant against hypocrisy, both in themselves and in others, recognizing that outward displays of piety can sometimes conceal sinister intentions. The passage also reassures us that even in the face of profound human evil, God's sovereign plan unfolds, working all things for His ultimate purposes of redemption and glory (Romans 8:28). It calls us to reflect on the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment required to follow Christ, even when faced with treachery.

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.

  • Psalms 55:20

    He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

  • Psalms 55:21

    [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

  • 2 Samuel 20:9

    And Joab said to Amasa, [Art] thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

  • 2 Samuel 20:10

    But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

  • Mark 14:44

    And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.

  • Psalms 28:3

    Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

  • 2 Samuel 3:27

    And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

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