Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:48

What does Matthew 26:48 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:48 means

Judas gives them a sign: the one he kisses is Jesus, and they should seize him. He chooses a kiss—a gesture of friendship—to mark Jesus, turning a symbol of affection into a token of betrayal. The awkwardness and treachery of using intimacy as a sign underscore the moral perversity of the act. The verse indicates prearranged arrangements and Judas’ duplicity in weaponizing a sign of loyalty for betrayal, deepening the ethical horror of his choice and highlighting Jesus’ vulnerability in the moment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the false one had given them a sign saying, The one to whom I give a kiss, that is he: take him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he who did deliver him up did give them a sign, saying, `Whomsoever I will kiss, it is he: lay hold on him;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he. Hold him fast.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now he that delivered him up had given them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, he it is: seize him.

Context

This verse follows the crowd’s arrival and gives the method of identification. It contrasts the earlier anointing and the many gestures of honor with an intimate betrayal. For readers, the verse underscores the cruelty of Judas’ act and prepares for the actual kiss and Jesus’ arrest.

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.

v.48This passage

v.49And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 3:27

    And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 55:20

    He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

  • Psalms 28:3

    Draw me not away with the wicked, And with the workers of iniquity; That speak peace with their neighbors, But mischief is in their hearts.

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