Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 48
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραδιδοὺς
he that betrayed
G3860
παραδιδοὺς
he that betrayed
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
3 of 15
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
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
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
7 of 15
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 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
Ὃν
Whomsoever
G3739
Ὃν
Whomsoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
φιλήσω
I shall kiss
G5368
φιλήσω
I shall kiss
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
11 of 15
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
Historical Context
Kissing was customary Near Eastern greeting between friends, family, and disciples toward teachers (rabbis). The kiss signaled respect and affection. In darkness (despite full moon), the arresting party needed positive identification—Jesus wasn't famous enough for instant recognition by all present. Judas's intimate knowledge (frequent kisses as greeting) made his betrayal more heinous. The 'hold him fast' suggests they feared He might escape supernaturally (they knew of His miracles), showing even His enemies recognized His power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's weaponizing of intimacy warn against using religious gestures (prayer, fellowship, worship) for manipulative purposes?
- In what ways do you kiss Christ with your lips while betraying Him with your life (Matthew 15:8)?
Analysis & Commentary
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast (ὁ δὲ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς σημεῖον λέγων, Ὃν ἂν φιλήσω αὐτός ἐστιν· κρατήσατε αὐτόν)—The participle παραδιδούς ('the one betraying') identifies Judas by his deed. He gave a σημεῖον (sign, signal) to identify Jesus—ironic, since σημεῖον usually means miraculous sign, but this 'sign' is treachery. The kiss (φιλέω, phileō, kiss of affection/friendship) as betrayal signal perverts intimacy into weapon. The imperative κρατέω ('seize, hold fast') shows Judas leading the operation.
The kiss-betrayal is supremely ironic: greeting of honor becomes mark of death; gesture of love becomes signal for arrest; sign of fellowship identifies the victim. Judas weaponized intimacy. This fulfills Jesus's prophecy (26:25) and demonstrates hell's depravity—sin corrupts even sacred gestures. Peter later wrote, 'Greet one another with a kiss of love' (1 Peter 5:14)—reclaiming what Judas perverted. Christian affection must be genuine, not manipulative.