Matthew 26:48 - Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”
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What does "Matthew 26:48" mean?
This verse, Matthew 26:48, describes the treacherous act of Judas Iscariot identifying Jesus to the armed crowd who came to arrest him. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now he who betrayed him...": This refers to Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's own disciples, who had secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests and elders for money (thirty pieces of silver).
"...gave them a sign...": Judas knew that the arresting party might not recognize Jesus amidst his other disciples, or they might want to avoid a chaotic arrest. To ensure they seized the correct person without error or resistance, he devised a prearranged signal.
"...saying, 'Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.'": This is the crux of the betrayal. The sign was a kiss. In that culture (and even now in some cultures), a kiss was a common greeting and a sign of affection or respect. By choosing a kiss, Judas cloaked his betrayal in an act of intimacy and seeming friendship.
"Seize him": This was the instruction to the arresting party. The kiss was the signal to immediately take Jesus into custody.
In essence, the verse depicts Judas using a false display of affection to identify Jesus to his enemies, leading to Jesus's arrest. It highlights the depth of Judas's betrayal and the calculated nature of his actions. It's a stark contrast between outward appearance and inner treachery. The kiss, a symbol of love and loyalty, is twisted into a tool of betrayal.
Matthew 26:48 - Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”
What does "Matthew 26:48" mean?
This verse, Matthew 26:48, describes the treacherous act of Judas Iscariot identifying Jesus to the armed crowd who came to arrest him. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now he who betrayed him...": This refers to Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's own disciples, who had secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests and elders for money (thirty pieces of silver).
"...gave them a sign...": Judas knew that the arresting party might not recognize Jesus amidst his other disciples, or they might want to avoid a chaotic arrest. To ensure they seized the correct person without error or resistance, he devised a prearranged signal.
"...saying, 'Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.'": This is the crux of the betrayal. The sign was a kiss. In that culture (and even now in some cultures), a kiss was a common greeting and a sign of affection or respect. By choosing a kiss, Judas cloaked his betrayal in an act of intimacy and seeming friendship.
"Seize him": This was the instruction to the arresting party. The kiss was the signal to immediately take Jesus into custody.
In essence, the verse depicts Judas using a false display of affection to identify Jesus to his enemies, leading to Jesus's arrest. It highlights the depth of Judas's betrayal and the calculated nature of his actions. It's a stark contrast between outward appearance and inner treachery. The kiss, a symbol of love and loyalty, is twisted into a tool of betrayal.