King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:46 Mean?

Matthew 26:46 in the King James Version says “Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.”

Matthew 26:46 · KJV

Context

44

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me (ἐγείρεσθε, ἄγωμεν· ἰδοὺ ἤγγικεν ὁ παραδιδούς με)—The imperative ἐγείρω ('rise, wake up') commands action. The hortatory subjunctive ἄγωμεν ('let us go') shows Jesus initiating movement—He doesn't flee or hide but advances toward His betrayer. The perfect ἤγγικεν ('has drawn near') shows Judas's arrival. The participle ὁ παραδιδούς ('the one betraying') identifies Judas by his treacherous act. Jesus's calm, authoritative response contrasts with disciples' confusion—He alone maintains composure because He alone fully trusts the Father's plan.

The command 'let us be going' shows Jesus meeting suffering head-on, not passively awaiting it. He orchestrated the arrest's location (Judas knew the place, 26:47) and now walks toward His captors. This voluntary submission fulfills His earlier teaching: 'No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord' (John 10:18). Christ's sovereignty over His suffering makes His sacrifice truly voluntary, thus truly expiatory. Compelled victims cannot atone; willing substitutes can.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The transition from prayer to action marks the end of Jesus's preparation. He prayed until fully resolved, then moved decisively toward the cross. The command 'let us go' toward the betrayer reverses human instinct (flee danger). This demonstrates Jesus's control—He wasn't victim of circumstances but sovereign over His passion. Ancient readers would recognize the irony: typically one flees approaching enemies; Jesus walks toward His. This fulfills Isaiah 50:6-7—the Servant sets His face like flint toward suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's active movement toward His betrayer challenge passive resignation to inevitable suffering?
  2. What does Christ's voluntary submission teach about the nature of His atonement—victim or willing substitute?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἐγείρεσθε1 of 7

“Rise”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἄγωμεν·2 of 7

“let us be going”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ἰδού,3 of 7

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἤγγικεν4 of 7

“he is at hand”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

ὁ5 of 7
G3588

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

παραδιδούς6 of 7

“that doth betray”

G3860

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

με7 of 7

“me”

G3165

me

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 26:46 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 26:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:48Luke 12:50Acts 21:13John 14:31Luke 9:51Luke 22:15

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