Mat 26:47-56 | NETfull | STEP | While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:47-56

Betrayal and Arrest

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, ^{▼▼ Grk “behold, Judas.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).} one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 (Now the betrayer ^{▼▼ Grk “the one who betrays him.”} had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. ^{▼▼ Grk “The one I kiss is he.”} Arrest him!”) ^{▼▼ This remark is parenthetical within the narrative and has thus been placed in parentheses.} 49 Immediately ^{▼▼ Here καί (kai) has not been translated.} he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. ^{▼▼ Judas’ act of betrayal when he kissed Jesus is especially sinister when it is realized that it was common in the culture of the times for a disciple to kiss his master when greeting him.} 50 Jesus ^{▼▼ Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and took hold ^{▼▼ Grk “and put their hands on Jesus.”} of Jesus and arrested him. 51 But ^{▼▼ Grk “And behold one.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).} one of those with Jesus grabbed ^{▼▼ Grk “extending his hand, drew out his sword, and struck.” Because rapid motion is implied in the circumstances, the translation “grabbed” was used.} his sword, drew it out, and struck the high priest’s slave, ^{▼▼ See the note on the word “slave” in 8:9.} cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place! ^{▼▼ The translation “put your sword back in its place” for this phrase is given in L&N 85.52.} For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions ^{▼▼ A legion was a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers, so twelve legions would be 72,000.} of angels right now? 54 How then would the scriptures that say it must happen this way be fulfilled?” 55 At that moment Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? ^{▼▼ Or “a revolutionary.” This term can refer to one who stirs up rebellion: BDAG 594 s.v. λῃστής 2 has “revolutionary, insurrectionist, guerrilla” citing evidence from Josephus (J. W. 2.13.2-3 [2.253–254]). However, this usage generally postdates Jesus’ time. It does refer to a figure of violence. Luke uses the same term for the highwaymen who attack the traveler in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30).} Day after day I sat teaching in the temple courts, yet ^{▼▼ Grk “and” (καί, kai), a conjunction that is elastic enough to be used to indicate a contrast, as here.} you did not arrest me. 56 But this has happened so that ^{▼▼ Grk “But so that”; the verb “has happened” is implied.} the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.