King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:48 Mean?

Matthew 26:48 in the King James Version says “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:48 · KJV

Context

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.

50

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast (ὁ δὲ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς σημεῖον λέγων, Ὃν ἂν φιλήσω αὐτός ἐστιν· κρατήσατε αὐτόν)—The participle παραδιδούς ('the one betraying') identifies Judas by his deed. He gave a σημεῖον (sign, signal) to identify Jesus—ironic, since σημεῖον usually means miraculous sign, but this 'sign' is treachery. The kiss (φιλέω, phileō, kiss of affection/friendship) as betrayal signal perverts intimacy into weapon. The imperative κρατέω ('seize, hold fast') shows Judas leading the operation.

The kiss-betrayal is supremely ironic: greeting of honor becomes mark of death; gesture of love becomes signal for arrest; sign of fellowship identifies the victim. Judas weaponized intimacy. This fulfills Jesus's prophecy (26:25) and demonstrates hell's depravity—sin corrupts even sacred gestures. Peter later wrote, 'Greet one another with a kiss of love' (1 Peter 5:14)—reclaiming what Judas perverted. Christian affection must be genuine, not manipulative.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Kissing was customary Near Eastern greeting between friends, family, and disciples toward teachers (rabbis). The kiss signaled respect and affection. In darkness (despite full moon), the arresting party needed positive identification—Jesus wasn't famous enough for instant recognition by all present. Judas's intimate knowledge (frequent kisses as greeting) made his betrayal more heinous. The 'hold him fast' suggests they feared He might escape supernaturally (they knew of His miracles), showing even His enemies recognized His power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judas's weaponizing of intimacy warn against using religious gestures (prayer, fellowship, worship) for manipulative purposes?
  2. In what ways do you kiss Christ with your lips while betraying Him with your life (Matthew 15:8)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

παραδιδοὺς3 of 15

“he that betrayed”

G3860

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

αὐτόν4 of 15

“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

ἔδωκεν5 of 15

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτόν6 of 15

“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

σημεῖον7 of 15

“a sign”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

λέγων,8 of 15

“saying”

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

Ὃν9 of 15

“Whomsoever”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν10 of 15
G302

whatsoever

φιλήσω11 of 15

“I shall kiss”

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

αὐτόν12 of 15

“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

ἐστιν13 of 15

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

κρατήσατε14 of 15

“fast”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν15 of 15

“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

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 26:48 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 26:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:272 Samuel 20:9-10Psalms 55:20-21Mark 14:44Psalms 28:3

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