Matthew 26:49
What does Matthew 26:49 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:49 means
Judas immediately approaches Jesus, greets him with 'Hail, Rabbi,' and kisses him. This action is a bitter parody of respect: Judas publicly acts as if honoring Jesus while delivering him to enemies. The use of 'Rabbi' and kiss heightens the irony—Judas's outward show conceals treachery. The moment is vividly tragic: the very signs of affection become tokens of betrayal. Jesus receives the greeting yet knows its true purpose, emphasizing his foreknowledge and composure in the face of deception.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And straight away he came to Jesus and said, Master! and gave him a kiss.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and immediately, having come to Jesus, he said, `Hail, Rabbi,' and kissed him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi. And he kissed him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And immediately coming up to Jesus he said, Hail, Rabbi, and covered him with kisses.
Context
This verse follows Judas’ sign-giving and records the actual identification moment. It climaxes the betrayal plot introduced earlier and leads directly to Jesus' arrest. For readers, the scene provides a poignant contrast between apparent affection and actual treason, deepening the sense of personal betrayal.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:25
And Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, Is it I, Rabbi? He saith unto him, Thou hast said.
- Mark 15:18
and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:26
Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
- John 19:3
and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands.
- Genesis 27:26
And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
- Matthew 27:29
And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
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