Matthew 26:49

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

And {G2532} forthwith {G2112} he came {G4334} to Jesus {G2424}, and said {G2036}, Hail {G5463}, master {G4461}; and {G2532} kissed {G2705} him {G846}.

He went straight up to Yeshua, said, "Shalom, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

Commentary

Matthew 26:49 records the chilling moment of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It describes the precise act of identification that led to Jesus' arrest, using a seemingly affectionate gesture as a sign of ultimate treachery.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense prayer and struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He submitted to His Father's will. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. Judas had previously arranged with them to identify Jesus with a specific sign, as recorded in Matthew 26:48. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' passion.

Key Themes

  • Betrayal: The central theme is the profound act of betrayal by Judas, one of Jesus' closest followers. It underscores the depth of human depravity and the pain of being betrayed by a trusted associate.
  • Hypocrisy: Judas' greeting, "Hail, master," combined with a kiss, is a supreme act of hypocrisy. He uses a gesture of respect and affection to carry out a malicious plot.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event aligns with Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and betrayal, such as Psalm 41:9, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
  • Jesus' Foreknowledge: Jesus was fully aware of Judas' intentions, as He had already spoken of His impending betrayal (e.g., Matthew 26:21, John 13:21).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Hail, master" translates the Greek chaire, rabbi (χαῖρε, ῥαββί). Chaire was a common Greek greeting, akin to "rejoice" or "greetings." Rabbi was a Hebrew title meaning "my great one" or "my teacher," denoting respect. The combination here is chilling, as it's a polite, even reverent, address used in the act of handing Jesus over to His enemies.

The act of kissing (Greek philēma, φίλημα) was a customary sign of greeting, affection, and respect in ancient Near Eastern culture. However, Judas uses this intimate and trusting gesture as the prearranged signal to identify Jesus to the armed crowd, transforming a symbol of love into an instrument of deceit and death. This "kiss of Judas" has become a timeless idiom for an act of betrayal disguised as friendship.

Practical Application

This poignant scene serves as a stark reminder of the reality of betrayal, even from within trusted circles. It highlights the deceptive nature of sin, which can hide behind outward displays of piety or affection. For believers, it underscores the importance of discernment, vigilance, and understanding that true loyalty is demonstrated not by words or gestures alone, but by actions and a sincere heart (John 14:15). It also reminds us that even in the face of such profound treachery, God's sovereign plan of redemption was unfolding.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:25 (3 votes)

    Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:26 (3 votes)

    Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

  • 2 Samuel 20:9 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 7:45 (2 votes)

    Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

  • John 19:3 (2 votes)

    And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

  • Genesis 27:26 (2 votes)

    And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

  • Mark 15:18 (2 votes)

    And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!