King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:47 Mean?

Matthew 26:47 in the King James Version says “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 26:47 · KJV


Context

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.

49

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came (Καὶ ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος ἰδοὺ Ἰούδας εἷς τῶν δώδεκα ἦλθεν)—The phrase ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος ('while He was still speaking') shows immediate fulfillment—Jesus announced the betrayer's arrival (v. 46), and Judas appeared. The designation εἷς τῶν δώδεκα ('one of the twelve') emphasizes betrayal's heinousness—not an outsider but an intimate companion. John 13:18 quotes Psalm 41:9: 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' Judas's treachery from within the apostolic circle wounds deepest.

And with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people (καὶ μετ' αὐτοῦ ὄχλος πολὺς μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ πρεσβυτέρων τοῦ λαοῦ)—The ὄχλος πολύς ('great crowd') armed with μάχαιρα (swords) and ξύλον (clubs, staves) came from religious authorities, not Romans (they appear later). The excessive force suggests they expected resistance—ironic, since Jesus submitted voluntarily. The religious establishment's violence exposes their hypocrisy—they killed while claiming to serve God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John 18:3 adds that the group included a Roman cohort (σπεῖρα, 600 soldiers) and temple police. The chief priests and elders sent this force, showing they orchestrated the arrest. Arresting Jesus at night in a secluded location avoided daytime crowds who might riot (26:5). The Passover moon provided light. Judas's leadership of the arresting party fulfilled Jesus's predictions (26:21-25, 45-46). The 'swords and clubs' imagery recalls Jesus's later rebuke (26:55): 'Have you come out as against a robber?'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does betrayal by an insider (Judas, 'one of the twelve') hurt more deeply than opposition from obvious enemies?
  2. What does the excessive force at Jesus's arrest reveal about the relationship between institutional religion and violence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἔτι2 of 26

while

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

αὐτοῦ3 of 26

he

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

λαλοῦντος4 of 26

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἰδού,5 of 26

lo

G2400

used as imperative lo!

Ἰούδας6 of 26

Judas

G2455

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

εἷς7 of 26

one

G1520

one

τῶν8 of 26
G3588

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

δώδεκα9 of 26

of the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ἦλθεν10 of 26

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ11 of 26

And

G2532

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

μετὰ12 of 26

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ13 of 26

he

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

ὄχλος14 of 26

multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολὺς15 of 26

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μετὰ16 of 26

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

μαχαιρῶν17 of 26

swords

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

καὶ18 of 26

And

G2532

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

ξύλων19 of 26

staves

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

ἀπὸ20 of 26

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν21 of 26
G3588

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

ἀρχιερέων22 of 26

the chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ23 of 26

And

G2532

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

πρεσβυτέρων24 of 26

elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

τοῦ25 of 26
G3588

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

λαοῦ26 of 26

of the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)


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 26:47 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 26:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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