Matthew 26:16
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 8
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τότε
that time
G5119
τότε
that time
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
3 of 8
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐζήτει
he sought
G2212
ἐζήτει
he sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
4 of 8
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Historical Context
Judas's 'opportunity' came Thursday night when Jesus retreated to Gethsemane with the eleven. Away from the crowds the Sanhedrin feared (v. 5), Judas could lead the temple guard to arrest Jesus without public riot. God's sovereignty overruled the leaders' plan to avoid the feast—Jesus died as the Passover Lamb.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty work through human sin without violating human responsibility or excusing evil choices?
- What 'opportunities' might you be seeking that betray Christ—pursuing your agenda while maintaining religious appearance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him—The Greek ezetei eukairian (ἐζήτει εὐκαιρίαν) means 'he kept seeking a favorable occasion.' The imperfect tense indicates continuous action—Judas was constantly watching for the right moment. Eukairia (εὐκαιρία) means 'good opportunity' or 'opportune time,' revealing calculated betrayal, not impulsive sin.
The word paradoi (παραδοῖ), 'to betray/hand over,' appears throughout this chapter, linking Judas's act to God's sovereign plan (v. 2). What Judas intends for evil, God ordains for redemption. Satan entered Judas (Luke 22:3), yet Judas remains culpable—divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in Scripture's mystery. The betrayer becomes God's unwitting instrument accomplishing salvation.