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.
Original Language Analysis
δεδώκει
had given
G1325
δεδώκει
had given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
1 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραδιδοὺς
he that betrayed
G3860
παραδιδοὺς
he that betrayed
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
4 of 18
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὃν
Whomsoever
G3739
Ὃν
Whomsoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
φιλήσω
I shall kiss
G5368
φιλήσω
I shall kiss
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
11 of 18
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κρατήσατε
take
G2902
κρατήσατε
take
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
14 of 18
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The kiss greeting (Hebrew נְשִׁיקָה, neshiqah; Greek φίλημα, philēma) expressed respect and affection in ancient Near Eastern culture. Rabbis were customarily greeted thus by disciples. Judas's perversion of this sacred gesture parallels Joab's kiss-and-murder of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:9-10). First-century readers would recognize the cultural horror of betrayal hidden in affection's guise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's use of the kiss warn against religious gestures divorced from genuine heart-loyalty to Christ?
- What does Judas's careful planning ("token," "securely") teach about how sin progresses from initial compromise to calculated evil?
- In what ways might you be tempted to display external devotion ("kissing Jesus") while betraying Him through compromise or disobedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he that betrayed him had given them a token (σύσσημον, syssēmon)—a prearranged signal, military term suggesting coordination. Saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he—the kiss (φιλήσω, philēsō) was the customary disciple-to-rabbi greeting, making Judas's betrayal use of it especially heinous. He weaponizes affection's gesture for arrest's purpose.
Take him, and lead him away safely (ἀσφαλῶς, asphalōs, "securely")—Judas ensures effective capture, perhaps fearing supernatural escape or crowd rescue. The adverb suggests both "safely" (protecting the guards) and "securely" (preventing escape). Judas's thoroughness in betrayal—identifying, securing, ensuring capture—reveals how completely he'd turned from discipleship to treachery. Yet even this betrayal serves God's redemptive purpose, fulfilling Psalm 41:9: "Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."