Matthew 26:49
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθὼν
he came
G4334
προσελθὼν
he came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
3 of 11
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χαῖρε
Hail
G5463
Χαῖρε
Hail
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
7 of 11
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
Historical Context
The intensive κατεφίλησεν suggests Judas kissed Jesus multiple times or fervently—possibly over-acting to convince the arresting party or to quiet his conscience. The term 'Rabbi' was honorific title for teachers, showing apparent respect. Some suggest Judas was giving Jesus one last chance to establish an earthly kingdom by forcing confrontation. More likely, he simply loved money (John 12:6) and resented Jesus's path toward suffering rather than earthly glory. The thirty pieces of silver (26:15) was blood money that bought eternal infamy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judas's fervent kiss while betraying warn against mistaking emotional religious experiences for genuine devotion?
- In what areas of your life do you call Jesus 'Master' with your mouth while serving other gods with your heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him (καὶ εὐθέως προσελθὼν τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἶπεν, Χαῖρε, ῥαββί, καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν)—The adverb εὐθέως (immediately, straightway) shows no hesitation—Judas executed his treachery without pause. The greeting χαῖρε (hail, rejoice) and title ῥαββί (rabbi, my teacher) sound respectful, but the context exposes them as mockery. The verb καταφιλέω (kataphileō, intensive form of φιλέω) means 'to kiss fervently, to kiss repeatedly'—Judas's kiss was effusive, perhaps to ensure unmistakable identification or to mask his guilt with excessive display.
The contrast is stark: Judas called Jesus 'Rabbi' while engineering His death; kissed Him warmly while selling Him to murderers. This is ultimate hypocrisy—religious language and gestures masking betrayal. Jesus's response (v. 50) addresses him as 'friend' (ἑταῖρε), exposing the sham. Judas represents all who profess Christ while serving mammon (6:24), who cry 'Lord, Lord' while practicing lawlessness (7:21-23). External piety without internal loyalty damns.