Matthew 26:14
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 12
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
πορευθεὶς
went
G4198
πορευθεὶς
went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
2 of 12
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόμενος
called
G3004
λεγόμενος
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
8 of 12
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 #:
9 of 12
inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Matthew 10:4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.Acts 1:16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.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.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,John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;John 13:30He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Historical Context
Judas's betrayal likely occurred on Wednesday evening after the Bethany anointing. Matthew's 'Then' (Greek tote, τότε) suggests the anointing triggered his decision. Perhaps watching 300 denarii 'wasted' on Jesus while he embezzled the ministry funds (John 12:6) crystallized his greed and disillusionment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's betrayal from within 'the twelve' warn against presuming that proximity to Jesus guarantees genuine conversion?
- What does Judas's contrast with Mary teach about the difference between religious profession and heartfelt devotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests—The devastating phrase heis ton dodeka (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα), 'one of the twelve,' emphasizes Judas's betrayal from within Jesus's inner circle. 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth,' identifying him as the only non-Galilean apostle. He enjoyed Christ's intimate fellowship, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles—yet sold Him for silver.
The word eporeuthe (ἐπορεύθη) means 'he went'—Judas actively sought out the chief priests, taking initiative in betrayal. This wasn't circumstantial weakness but calculated treachery. His response to Mary's worship was to commodify Christ: if she won't sell the ointment, he'll sell the Master.