Matthew 26:46

What does Matthew 26:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:46 means

Jesus urges them to rise and go because the one who betrays him is arriving. He summons action and forewarns that the traitor is at hand. The command underscores urgency: the moment of confrontation has come. By telling them to 'let us be going,' Jesus both accepts his role and leads the way into suffering. The verse heightens tension—the betrayer is imminent—and shows Jesus’ composure as he meets betrayal deliberately, not as a helpless victim but as one fulfilling divine purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Up, let us be going: see, he who gives me up is near.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Rise, let us go; lo, he hath come nigh who is delivering me up.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Rise: let us go. Behold he is at hand that will betray me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Arise, let us go; behold, he that delivers me up has drawn nigh.

Context

This verse immediately follows the announcement of imminent betrayal and ushers in the arrest scene. It transitions the narrative from prayer in Gethsemane to the entrance of Judas and the arresting party. For readers, it prepares attention to the unfolding drama: betrayal, arrest, and the disciples’ flight.

v.45Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

v.46This passage

v.47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 12:50

    But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

  • John 14:31

    but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

  • Acts 21:13

    Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 9:51

    And it came to pass, when the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

  • Luke 22:15

    And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

  • 1 Samuel 17:48

    And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

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