Bible Strands
Matthew 26:47
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus has just instructed his disciples to rise and depart, declaring his betrayer is near. Judas arrives with an armed crowd dispatched by the chief priests and elders while Jesus is still speaking.
The words — ἔτι (eti) translates literally as "yet" or "still," and λαλοῦντος (lalountos) is the genitive participle "of speaking." Their combination marks the precise moment the arrest party interrupts Jesus' final instructions.
The thread — The arrival of Judas and the armed group connects to Matthew 26:14, Matthew 26:55, and Acts 1:16. These passages document the prior arrangements and scriptural fulfillment surrounding the betrayal.
Why it lands — The text records the arrest occurring mid-sentence, not after a conclusion. It requires the reader to accept the interruption as the actual historical sequence rather than a delayed confrontation.
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 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.
Cross-references
- Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.
- Acts 1:16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
- Matthew 26:14 Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
- Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.
- Luke 22:47 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.
- John 18:1 After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.