Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:16

What does Matthew 26:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:16 means

From that time Judas seeks an opportunity to betray Jesus. Having agreed to hand him over, Judas looks for a practicable moment—one that likely avoids public disturbance and secures Jesus privately. The phrase indicates persistent intent and calculated watchfulness rather than impulsive sin. Judas’ seeking opportunities heightens the sense of impending doom and shows how ready he is to coordinate with the authorities. This ongoing search explains why the betrayal occurs under cover of darkness in Gethsemane.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And from that time he was watching for a chance to give him into their hands.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and from that time he was seeking a convenient season to deliver him up.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And from that time he sought a good opportunity that he might deliver him up.

Context

This verse completes the betrayal setup begun in verses 14–15, showing Judas’ continued plotting. It connects the earlier leaders’ caution about not acting during the feast to Judas’ search for a suitable moment. For readers, it clarifies why the arrest happens privately at night and frames Judas as an active agent in fulfilling Jesus’ prediction about being delivered up.

v.15and said, What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they weighed unto him thirty pieces of silver.

v.16This passage

v.17Now on the firstdayof unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Where wilt thou that we make ready for thee to eat the passover?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 22:6

    And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

  • Mark 14:11

    And they, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him unto them.

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