Matthew Chapter 10 · Verse 4
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
who
G3588
ὁ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
5 of 10
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
Ἰσκαριώτης
Iscariot
G2469
Ἰσκαριώτης
Iscariot
Strong's:
G2469
Word #:
6 of 10
inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor
ὁ
who
G3588
ὁ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 26:14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,Mark 14:43And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.Matthew 26:47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;John 6:71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.Mark 14:10And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.Matthew 27:3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,Luke 22:3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.Luke 22:47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
Historical Context
Zealots were Jewish revolutionaries advocating violent overthrow of Roman occupation. They assassinated collaborators and Roman officials. Simon's presence among the Twelve, alongside Matthew the tax collector, created potential conflict. Jesus' kingdom transcended political divisions. Judas Iscariot ('man from Kerioth') may have been the only Judean among Galilean disciples. His betrayal fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-14) while remaining his moral responsibility. Early church wrestled with how Jesus' sovereign plan included human evil without eliminating human accountability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' inclusion of both Matthew and Simon demonstrate the gospel's power to reconcile enemies?
- What does Judas's betrayal despite three years with Jesus teach about the necessity of genuine heart change?
- How do we reconcile divine sovereignty and human responsibility in Judas's betrayal?
Analysis & Commentary
The list concludes ominously: 'Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him' (Σιμων ο Κανανιτης και Ιουδας Ισκαριωτης ο και παραδους αυτον). 'Canaanite' likely means Zealot (Luke 6:15), identifying Simon with the revolutionary movement seeking Rome's overthrow. The Twelve included both tax collector (Matthew, collaborator with Rome) and Zealot (Simon, Rome's enemy)—Jesus reconciles enemies in one community. Judas's identification as 'who also betrayed him' casts shadow over the list. Matthew writes after the betrayal, knowing how the story ends. That Jesus chose His own betrayer demonstrates either divine sovereignty (knowing and using even evil for redemption) or profound trust (giving Judas genuine opportunity despite foreknowledge). Judas's inclusion warns that proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee salvation.