Matthew 26:25
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
3 of 15
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
He said
G3004
λέγει
He said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Matthew 26:64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.Matthew 27:11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Historical Context
Judas had already contracted with the Sanhedrin for 30 silver shekels (the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32) two days earlier (Matthew 26:14-16). His question at the table was likely asked after the others', maintaining his deception. The title 'Rabbi' was common for respected teachers, but disciples who truly believed Jesus was Messiah called Him 'Lord.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's use of 'Rabbi' instead of 'Lord' reveal the state of his heart toward Christ?
- What does Jesus's patient engagement with Judas even while knowing his betrayal teach about God's long-suffering?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Judas, which betrayed him (ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν, apokritheis de Ioudas ho paradidous auton)—Matthew's editorial addition 'which betrayed him' underscores the horror: Judas asks while already having made arrangements with the chief priests (v. 14-16). His question is pure hypocrisy, perhaps maintaining his cover before the other disciples.
Judas alone calls Jesus Master (Ῥαββί, Rabbi), not 'Lord' (κύριε, kyrie) as the others do (v. 22)—revealing his unbelieving heart. Jesus's response Thou hast said (Σὺ εἶπας, Sy eipas) is an affirmation: 'You have spoken correctly.' Even here, Christ offers Judas opportunity to withdraw from his plan.