King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:4 Mean?

Matthew 10:4 in the King James Version says “Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Matthew 10:4 · KJV


Context

2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

5

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The list concludes ominously: 'Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him' (Σιμων ο Κανανιτης και Ιουδας Ισκαριωτης ο και παραδους αυτον). 'Canaanite' likely means Zealot (Luke 6:15), identifying Simon with the revolutionary movement seeking Rome's overthrow. The Twelve included both tax collector (Matthew, collaborator with Rome) and Zealot (Simon, Rome's enemy)—Jesus reconciles enemies in one community. Judas's identification as 'who also betrayed him' casts shadow over the list. Matthew writes after the betrayal, knowing how the story ends. That Jesus chose His own betrayer demonstrates either divine sovereignty (knowing and using even evil for redemption) or profound trust (giving Judas genuine opportunity despite foreknowledge). Judas's inclusion warns that proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zealots were Jewish revolutionaries advocating violent overthrow of Roman occupation. They assassinated collaborators and Roman officials. Simon's presence among the Twelve, alongside Matthew the tax collector, created potential conflict. Jesus' kingdom transcended political divisions. Judas Iscariot ('man from Kerioth') may have been the only Judean among Galilean disciples. His betrayal fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-14) while remaining his moral responsibility. Early church wrestled with how Jesus' sovereign plan included human evil without eliminating human accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' inclusion of both Matthew and Simon demonstrate the gospel's power to reconcile enemies?
  2. What does Judas's betrayal despite three years with Jesus teach about the necessity of genuine heart change?
  3. How do we reconcile divine sovereignty and human responsibility in Judas's betrayal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Σίμων1 of 10

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

2 of 10

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κανανίτης,3 of 10

the Canaanite

G2581

zealous; cananites, an epithet

καὶ4 of 10

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰούδας5 of 10

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

Ἰσκαριώτης6 of 10

Iscariot

G2469

inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor

7 of 10

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καὶ8 of 10

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραδοὺς9 of 10

betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτόν10 of 10

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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