Matthew 26:22
What does Matthew 26:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:22 means
The disciples become deeply sorrowful and each asks Jesus if he is the betrayer. Their sorrow reveals both loyalty and fear—each one wonders if he could be capable of such treachery. The question 'Is it I, Lord?' shows humility and concern about personal faithfulness. This scene exposes their vulnerability and the communal shock of betrayal from within. The repeated questioning also emphasizes the emotional weight of Jesus’ announcement and the disciples’ desire for clarity and reassurance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they were very said, and said to him, one by one, Is it I, Lord?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And being grieved exceedingly, they began to say to him, each of them, `Is it I, Sir?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they being very much troubled began every one to say: Is it I, Lord?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being exceedingly grieved they began to say to him, each of them, Is it I, Lord?
Context
This verse immediately follows Jesus’ prediction of betrayal and shows the disciples’ reaction. It vividly presents the human response to Jesus’ startling revelation and sets the stage for Jesus’ identification of the betrayer. For readers, the exchange highlights the disciples’ imperfect faith even as they show deep attachment and distress at the thought of failing Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:23
And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
- John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- John 13:22
The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
- Mark 14:19
They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 26
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 26.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covenant
God’s covenant is a sacred agreement between Him and His people, demonstrating His unchanging faithfulness and redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About Regret
Regret is a painful emotion, but God's Word shows us how to navigate it with hope and find forgiveness and renewal.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.