Luke 22:48
What does Luke 22:48 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:48 means
Jesus confronts Judas: “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” He exposes the irony and wickedness—using a token of affection to deliver the Messiah to enemies. The title “Son of man” reminds us of His divine authority and the scandal of rejecting Him. This question is both rebuke and last appeal, naming the sin for what it is. Jesus does not resist arrest by force; He meets treachery with truthful words. The verse highlights the contrast between outward signs and inward reality, and between human schemes and the dignity of the suffering Servant. It also shows Jesus’ composure; He governs the moment with holy clarity even as He surrenders to the path determined by God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Jesus said to him, Judas, will you be false to the Son of man with a kiss?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus said to him, `Judas, with a kiss the Son of Man dost thou deliver up?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus said to him, Judas, deliverest thou up the Son of man with a kiss?
Context
After Judas approaches with a kiss, Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the act. The disciples, reacting to the crisis, then ask if they should strike with the sword, and one of them impulsively does so, cutting off the high priest’s servant’s right ear. Jesus immediately stops the violence, heals the servant, and challenges the authorities about their method of arrest. The scene displays Jesus’ nonviolent submission coupled with miraculous compassion amid wrongful seizure.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:44
Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
- Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
- 2 Samuel 20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, Is it well with thee, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
- Psalms 55:21
His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.
- Matthew 26:48
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him.
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