Matthew 26:48

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:48 records the chilling pre-arranged signal given by Judas Iscariot to the temple guards and soldiers, enabling them to identify and arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. This verse unveils the shocking depth of Judas's treachery, as he weaponized a common gesture of affection—a kiss—into the definitive mark of betrayal, setting in motion the events leading to Jesus's crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, immediately following Jesus's intense prayer in Gethsemane where He wrestled with the Father's will concerning His impending suffering ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus's Prayer in Gethsemane")). Having rejoined His sleeping disciples, Jesus's words "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 of Betrayal")) directly precede the arrival of Judas. Matthew 26:47 details Judas's arrival with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. Verse 48 then provides the specific, pre-arranged signal, which is immediately followed by Judas's execution of the kiss in [Matthew 26:49](/matthew/26-49 "Matthew 26:49 - Judas Kisses Jesus"), leading to Jesus's arrest in [Matthew 26:50](/matthew/26-50 "Matthew 26:50 - Jesus's Arrest"). This sequence highlights the deliberate and calculated nature of the betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss was a common greeting among friends, family, and disciples, signifying respect, affection, or loyalty. It was a gesture of intimacy and trust. For Judas to use such a sacred and personal sign to identify Jesus for arrest was a profound perversion of cultural norms and a deep violation of trust. The "large crowd with swords and clubs" likely consisted of temple guards (levitical police under the authority of the chief priests) and possibly Roman soldiers or a mob incited by the religious leaders. The secrecy and the need for a "sign" indicate that Jesus was not widely known by sight to all members of the arresting party, or that they wished to avoid any public disturbance by clearly identifying Him without ambiguity.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:48 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **betrayal**, not just as a general act, but as a deeply personal and calculated one from within Jesus's inner circle, echoing Old Testament prophecies like [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). This verse also underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** juxtaposed with **human agency**; while Judas acts out of his own corrupt will and greed ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus")), his actions ultimately serve to fulfill God's predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity through Christ's sacrifice ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Jesus's Crucifixion")). Furthermore, the use of a kiss for such a nefarious purpose highlights the theme of **hypocrisy** and the deceptive nature of outward appearances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** (G3860) From `παρά` (para, "alongside") and `δίδωμι` (didomi, "to give"). This verb means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it carries the sinister connotation of "handing over" or "delivering up" someone to an enemy, often implying treachery or an act of betrayal. It is the same verb used elsewhere to describe Jesus being "delivered over" to the authorities, emphasizing the active role of Judas in this act.
* **sign (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** (G4592) Derived from a presumed root meaning "to signify," `sēmeîon` refers to "an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally." Here, it denotes a pre-arranged signal or mark of identification. The fact that Judas "gave them a sign" underscores the premeditated and deliberate nature of his act, transforming what would normally be a spontaneous greeting into a calculated instrument of deception.
* **kiss (Greek, _philéō'_):** (G5368) While `philéō` can mean "to be a friend to" or "to have affection for" (denoting personal attachment), it specifically means "to kiss" in this context, as a mark of tenderness. It differs from `agapáō` (to love, embracing judgment and deliberate will). The choice of `philéō` here emphasizes the personal, intimate nature of the gesture, making its perversion by Judas all the more shocking and contemptible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign":** This opening clause immediately identifies the perpetrator as "he that betrayed him," Judas Iscariot, emphasizing his role as the one who handed Jesus over. The act of "giving a sign" highlights the premeditated and calculated nature of the betrayal, indicating that this was not a spontaneous act but a pre-arranged plan to ensure Jesus's identification and capture.
* **"saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he":** This is the precise instruction Judas relayed to the arresting party. The kiss, a universal symbol of affection, greeting, or respect, is perversely designated as the identifier. This command reveals Judas's intimate knowledge of Jesus's appearance and habits, as well as the depth of his deception in using a gesture of love as a tool for betrayal.
* **"hold him fast":** This imperative command from Judas to the arresting party underscores the determination to secure Jesus. The phrase implies a firm grasp, ensuring that Jesus would not escape. It reveals the intent of the captors to prevent any resistance or flight, highlighting the gravity and finality of the moment of arrest.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:48 is rich with **Irony**, as the most intimate gesture of affection, a kiss, is transformed into the ultimate sign of betrayal. This **dramatic irony** is palpable, as the reader is aware of the sinister purpose behind Judas's seemingly innocuous act. The kiss also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the perversion of love and trust, and the profound depths of human depravity when motivated by greed or malice. There is also a stark **Contrast** between the outward appearance of friendship and the inward intent of treachery, serving as a powerful warning against hypocrisy. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this specific signal sets in motion the immediate events of Jesus's Passion, leading directly to His trial and crucifixion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound theological truth that even the darkest acts of human sin and betrayal are ultimately woven into God's sovereign plan for redemption. Judas's calculated treachery, while a grievous act of personal responsibility and evil, unwittingly served to fulfill ancient prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah. The betrayal highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality that even those closest to Christ can fall away. Yet, in this moment of profound human failure, God's unwavering purpose is revealed, demonstrating His ability to bring about His perfect will even through the most wicked intentions, ultimately leading to the atoning sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Jesus's Crucifixion")
* [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Fulfillment of Scripture Regarding Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:48 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of betrayal and the insidious nature of sin, even within the closest circles. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any hidden motives or areas where we might be tempted to compromise our loyalty to Christ for personal gain or comfort. The perversion of a kiss, a symbol of love, into a tool of treachery, should prompt us to consider the authenticity of our own expressions of faith and affection. Are our outward displays of devotion matched by genuine inward commitment? This passage also offers a profound lesson in God's sovereignty; even in the face of the most heinous acts, His divine plan unfolds, demonstrating that no human evil can thwart His ultimate purposes. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It calls us to remain vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in our allegiance to Jesus, recognizing the spiritual warfare that seeks to undermine faith through deception and betrayal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's use of a kiss for betrayal challenge my understanding of outward expressions of faith versus genuine commitment?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "betray" Christ through my actions, words, or priorities?**
* **How does the knowledge that God's sovereign plan unfolded even through Judas's evil act provide comfort or challenge to my faith?**
* **What lessons can I draw from this passage about discerning true loyalty versus deceptive appearances in relationships, both within and outside the church?**

### FAQ

**Why did Judas use a kiss to identify Jesus?**

Answer: Judas used a kiss because it was a common and intimate form of greeting among friends, disciples, and teachers in that culture. This made it a discreet yet unmistakable signal to the arresting party, who might not have known Jesus by sight, especially in the darkness of the Garden of Gethsemane. The choice of a kiss also amplified the treachery, transforming a gesture of affection into an act of betrayal, making it all the more shocking and poignant. It underscored the depth of Judas's deceit and the perversion of a sacred bond.

**Was Judas's betrayal part of God's plan, or was it solely his own choice?**

Answer: The Bible presents both aspects as true without diminishing either. Judas's betrayal was undeniably his own wicked choice, motivated by greed ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus")) and a hardened heart. However, his actions also fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of Thirty Pieces of Silver")). The New Testament affirms that Jesus was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Jesus's Crucifixion")). This demonstrates God's profound sovereignty, where He can orchestrate even the sinful choices of individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes, without coercing their will or excusing their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:48, with its stark depiction of Judas's betrayal, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's willing submission to the Father's plan for redemption. The kiss of betrayal, an act of ultimate human depravity, directly initiates the Passion of Christ, which culminates in His atoning death on the cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was "led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Led to Slaughter")), not as a helpless victim, but as the sovereign Son of God who willingly laid down His life ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). This betrayal, foretold centuries earlier ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")), was a necessary step in God's divine drama to reconcile humanity to Himself. Through this act of treachery, Jesus was delivered up to suffer and die, bearing the sins of the world, so that all who believe in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love"), [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "Jesus Bore Our Sins")). Thus, the kiss of betrayal, a symbol of ultimate human evil, paradoxically became the catalyst for God's ultimate act of love and salvation.

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

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.