Bible Strands
Matthew 26:49
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Judas approaches Jesus directly at the moment of arrest to execute a prearranged identification signal. He addresses Jesus as "Rabbi" while performing a kiss to mark Him for the surrounding guards.
The words — The Greek εὐθέως (eutheōs) translates literally to "immediately," highlighting the swift fulfillment of the betrayal plan. χαῖρε (chaire) means "Greetings," establishing the deceptive salutation that precedes the physical restraint.
The thread — The verse directly fulfills the signal arrangement in Matthew 26:48 and contrasts with the communal greeting commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:26. It parallels the deceptive kiss in Genesis 27:26, where a familiar gesture facilitates a stolen blessing.
Why it lands — The text records how a title of respect and a gesture of peace can be deployed to enable violence against divine authority. It requires readers to distinguish between outward religious forms and the actual alignment of the heart.
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 forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Cross-references
- Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
- Genesis 27:26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come near and kiss me, my son.”
- 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?
- 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.
- Proverbs 27:6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
- Matthew 27:29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
- Mark 14:45 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
- Mark 15:18 And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
- Luke 7:45 You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.