King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:25 Mean?

Matthew 26:25 in the King James Version says “Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Matthew 26:25 · KJV


Context

23

And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

24

The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

25

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

26

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. blessed it: many Greek copies have gave thanks

27

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Judas, which betrayed him (ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν, apokritheis de Ioudas ho paradidous auton)—Matthew's editorial addition 'which betrayed him' underscores the horror: Judas asks while already having made arrangements with the chief priests (v. 14-16). His question is pure hypocrisy, perhaps maintaining his cover before the other disciples.

Judas alone calls Jesus Master (Ῥαββί, Rabbi), not 'Lord' (κύριε, kyrie) as the others do (v. 22)—revealing his unbelieving heart. Jesus's response Thou hast said (Σὺ εἶπας, Sy eipas) is an affirmation: 'You have spoken correctly.' Even here, Christ offers Judas opportunity to withdraw from his plan.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judas had already contracted with the Sanhedrin for 30 silver shekels (the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32) two days earlier (Matthew 26:14-16). His question at the table was likely asked after the others', maintaining his deception. The title 'Rabbi' was common for respected teachers, but disciples who truly believed Jesus was Messiah called Him 'Lord.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judas's use of 'Rabbi' instead of 'Lord' reveal the state of his heart toward Christ?
  2. What does Jesus's patient engagement with Judas even while knowing his betrayal teach about God's long-suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 15

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 15

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰούδας3 of 15

Judas

G2455

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

4 of 15

which

G3588

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

παραδιδοὺς5 of 15

betrayed

G3860

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

αὐτῷ6 of 15

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

εἶπας7 of 15

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Μήτι8 of 15

it

G3385

whether at all

ἐγώ9 of 15

I

G1473

i, me

εἰμι10 of 15

is

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ῥαββί11 of 15

Master

G4461

my master, i.e rabbi, as an official title of honor

λέγει12 of 15

He said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ13 of 15

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

Σὺ14 of 15

Thou

G4771

thou

εἶπας15 of 15

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)


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 26:25 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 26:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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