Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:50

What does Matthew 26:50 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:50 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:50 means

Jesus addresses Judas as 'Friend' and tells him to do what he came for; then the arresting party seizes Jesus. Jesus’ address is strikingly calm and shows mercy or measured recognition, not anger. 'Friend' may be ironical or compassionate—either way, Jesus meets betrayal with dignity. His words 'do that for which thou art come' acknowledge the act’s reality and his submission to the unfolding plan. The verse ends with the physical arrest—his capture marks the start of his public suffering and the disciples’ flight.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to him, Friend, do that for which you have come. Then they came and put hands on Jesus, and took him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus said to him, `Comrade, for what art thou present?' Then having come near, they laid hands on Jesus, and took hold on him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and held him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said to him, [My] friend, for what purpose art thou come? Then coming up they laid hands upon Jesus and seized him.

Context

This verse follows the kiss and is the immediate turning point: the arrest. Jesus’ composed words frame the event theologically: it is both betrayal and fulfillment. The scene begins the legal and physical humiliation that will follow, and readers should note Jesus’ self-possession and the disciples’ impending abandonment.

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

v.50This passage

v.51And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 22:12

    and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

  • 2 Samuel 16:17

    And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

  • Matthew 20:13

    But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling?

  • Psalms 41:9

    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Psalms 55:13

    But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

  • Luke 22:48

    But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

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