Bible Strands
Mark 14:44
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Judas, identified as the betrayer, gives a prearranged signal to an armed crowd sent by the chief priests, scribes, and elders to identify Jesus for arrest. This instruction occurs immediately after Jesus finishes speaking and directly precedes Judas approaching Him with a kiss.
The words — The Greek παραδιδοὺς (paradidous) literally means "delivering up" or "handing over," while σύσσημον (sussēmon) translates directly to "a sign" or "signal." These terms frame the event as a calculated transfer of custody rather than a spontaneous confrontation.
The thread — The mechanism of a prearranged identification signal appears in Matthew 26:48, while the use of a kiss as a deceptive gesture aligns with the warning in Proverbs 27:6. The function of a visible mark triggering a specific action parallels the blood as a protective sign in Exodus 12:13.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to observe how a conventional gesture of respect is explicitly repurposed as a tactical marker for arrest. It demands recognition of the precise moment when relational trust is converted into a mechanism for delivering someone into custody.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
Cross-references
- Matthew 26:48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”
- Proverbs 27:6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
- Exodus 12:13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
- Psalms 55:20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
- Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
- 1 Samuel 23:22 Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.
- 2 Samuel 20:9 “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.
- Philippians 1:28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:17 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
- Acts 16:23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.