Bible Strands
Matthew 26:50
“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Judas immediately after the betrayer identifies Him with a kiss and the arresting mob approaches. He speaks to the man who initiated the seizure at the precise moment of the arrest.
The words — The Greek term ἑταῖρε (hetaire) translates literally as "Friend," paired with ἐφ᾽ ὃ (eph' ho) meaning "for what." Jesus issues this address while commanding the arrest to proceed without delay.
The thread — Matthew 20:13 and 22:12 use the same address during confrontations where authority is challenged, while 2 Samuel 16:17 applies it to exposed disloyalty. In each supplied instance, the term introduces a moment of judgment or broken relationship.
Why it lands — The text records Jesus commanding the completion of the arrest while the address frames the act as a perversion of relationship. A reader must acknowledge that the fulfillment of the arrest proceeds regardless of the betrayer's claimed allegiance.
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 Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Cross-references
- Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius?
- Matthew 22:12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.
- 2 Samuel 16:17 “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”
- Psalms 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
- Psalms 55:13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.
- Luke 22:48 But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”