Mark 14:45
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
as soon as he was come
G2064
ἐλθὼν
as soon as he was come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 11
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
προσελθὼν
he goeth
G4334
προσελθὼν
he goeth
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
4 of 11
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
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
λέγει
and saith
G3004
λέγει
and saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
The title "Rabbi" (literally "my great one") reflected rabbinic authority in first-century Judaism. Judas's use of it—the same title Peter used in confession (Mark 9:5)—shows how identical words can mask opposite hearts. Ancient readers would recognize the kiss's cultural weight, making Judas's act even more shocking than modern readers might grasp.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Judas's fervent greeting ("Master, master") combined with betrayal teach about the danger of religious language divorced from obedient love?
- How does Jesus' willing reception of the betrayal-kiss demonstrate the voluntary nature of His atoning sacrifice?
- In what areas might you be "kissing Jesus" with religious words or activities while betraying Him through secret sin or disobedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him—Judas wastes no time, moving εὐθύς (euthys, "immediately") to execute betrayal. And saith, Master, master; and kissed him (ῥαββί, rhabbi...κατεφίλησεν, katephilēsen)—the doubled address and intensive verb (κατα-φιλέω, "kiss repeatedly, kiss tenderly") suggest either feigned affection or Judas's inner conflict. The intensive form implies extended kissing, perhaps overcompensating for guilty conscience.
This moment crystallizes hypocrisy's nature: religious words ("Rabbi, Rabbi") combined with betrayal's deed. Judas speaks truth (Jesus is indeed Teacher) while doing evil (handing Him to death). Jesus receives the kiss without resistance, allowing Himself to be identified for arrest. Silent in this verse, Christ's response awaits fuller revelation—in Luke 22:48 He asks, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" The question exposes the gesture's horror while offering final opportunity for repentance.