Matthew 26:47
New International Version
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

New Living Translation
And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people.

English Standard Version
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Literal Bible
And as He is still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, came, and with him great a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

New American Standard Bible
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

NASB 1995
While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

NASB 1977
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up, accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Legacy Standard Bible
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up, and with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Amplified Bible
As Jesus was still speaking, Judas [Iscariot], one of the twelve [disciples], came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, [who came as representatives] from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Christian Standard Bible
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob with swords and clubs was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people.

American Standard 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.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus was still speaking, when Judas the betrayer came up. He was one of the twelve disciples, and a large mob armed with swords and clubs was with him. They had been sent by the chief priests and the nation's leaders.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Just then, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, arrived. A large crowd carrying swords and clubs was with him. They were from the chief priests and leaders of the people.

Good News Translation
Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders.

International Standard Version
Just then, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. A large crowd armed with swords and clubs was with him. They were from the high priests and elders of the people.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

New Heart English Bible
While he was still speaking, look, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Webster's Bible Translation
And while he was yet speaking, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staffs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Weymouth New Testament
He had scarcely finished speaking when Judas came--one of the Twelve--accompanied by a great crowd of men armed with swords and bludgeons, sent by the High Priests and Elders of the People.

World English Bible
While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And while He is yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve came, and with him a great multitude, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Berean Literal Bible
And as He is still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, came, and with him great a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Young's Literal Translation
And while he is yet speaking, lo, Judas, one of the twelve did come, and with him a great multitude, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great crowd, with swords, and sticks, from the chief priests, and the more ancient of the people.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As he yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, sent from the leaders of the priests and the elders of the people.

New American Bible
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

New Revised Standard Version
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
While he was speaking, behold, Judas the traitor, one of the twelve, came and with him a large crowd with swords and staves, from the high priests and the elders of the people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
While he was speaking, behold, Yehuda the traitor, one of the twelve, came and a great crowd with him, with swords and clubs from the presence of the Chief Priests and the Elders of the people.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And while he was yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Godbey New Testament
And He still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Haweis New Testament
And while he was yet speaking, behold, 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.

Mace New Testament
And before he had done speaking, Judas one of the twelve appear'd, with a numerous retinue, arm'd with swords and staves, being sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

Weymouth New Testament
He had scarcely finished speaking when Judas came--one of the Twelve--accompanied by a great crowd of men armed with swords and bludgeons, sent by the High Priests and Elders of the People.

Worrell New Testament
And, while He is yet speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a large multitude, with swords and clubs, from the high priests and elders of the people.

Worsley New Testament
And while He was yet speaking, behold, Judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great number, with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Betrayal of Jesus
46Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!” 47While 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. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”…

Cross References
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 18:3
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Zechariah 11:12-13
Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

John 13:21-30
After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. / One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. ...

Acts 1:16-20
“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. / He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” / (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. ...

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

John 18:2
Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.

Matthew 10:4
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Matthew 20:18
“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death

Matthew 21:46
Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.

Matthew 27:3-10
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. ...

Mark 3:19
and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

And while he yet spoke, see, 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.

lo.

Matthew 26:55
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Mark 14:43
And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Luke 22:47,48
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him…

Jump to Previous
Accompanied Armed Arrived Authority Band Bludgeons Chief Clubs Crowd Elders Finished Great Judas Large Multitude Priest Priests Scarcely Speaking Staffs Staves Sticks Swords Talking Twelve
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Accompanied Armed Arrived Authority Band Bludgeons Chief Clubs Crowd Elders Finished Great Judas Large Multitude Priest Priests Scarcely Speaking Staffs Staves Sticks Swords Talking Twelve
Matthew 26
1. Jesus foretells his own death.
3. The rulers conspire against him.
6. The woman anoints his feet.
14. Judas bargains to betray him.
17. Jesus eats the Passover;
26. institutes his holy supper;
30. foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;
36. prays in the garden;
47. and being betrayed by a kiss,
57. is carried to Caiaphas,
69. and denied by Peter.














While He was still speaking
This phrase sets the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is in the midst of addressing His disciples. The immediacy of the moment is captured here, emphasizing the urgency and the unfolding of divine prophecy. The Greek word for "speaking" (λαλέω, laleó) suggests a continuous action, indicating that Jesus' teachings and warnings were ongoing, even as the betrayal was imminent. This highlights the tension between divine foreknowledge and human action.

Judas, one of the Twelve
Judas Iscariot is identified here not just by name but by his position among the disciples, underscoring the gravity of his betrayal. The phrase "one of the Twelve" serves as a poignant reminder of the intimacy and trust that Judas shared with Jesus and the other disciples. Historically, Judas' betrayal is one of the most infamous acts in Christian theology, symbolizing the ultimate breach of trust. The Greek name "Judas" (Ἰούδας, Ioudas) is derived from Judah, meaning "praise," which contrasts starkly with his actions.

arrived
The arrival of Judas marks the beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. The Greek word used here (ἔρχομαι, erchomai) implies coming with a purpose or mission. Judas' arrival is not random but is part of a premeditated plan orchestrated by the religious leaders. This moment is pivotal in the Passion narrative, as it sets into motion the events leading to the crucifixion.

With him was a large crowd
The presence of a "large crowd" indicates the seriousness with which the religious authorities approached the arrest of Jesus. This crowd, likely composed of temple guards and possibly Roman soldiers, reflects the perceived threat Jesus posed to the established religious order. The Greek word for "crowd" (ὄχλος, ochlos) often denotes a multitude, suggesting that the authorities wanted to ensure there was no resistance.

armed with swords and clubs
The mention of "swords and clubs" highlights the violent intent and readiness for confrontation. Swords were typically used by Roman soldiers, while clubs were more common among Jewish temple guards. This combination of weaponry underscores the collaboration between Roman and Jewish authorities in the arrest of Jesus. The Greek word for "sword" (μάχαιρα, machaira) can refer to a large knife or short sword, indicating preparedness for combat.

sent from the chief priests and elders of the people
This phrase identifies the instigators of the arrest, the religious leaders who felt threatened by Jesus' teachings and influence. The "chief priests and elders" were part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. Their involvement signifies the official stance of the Jewish leadership against Jesus. The Greek term for "sent" (ἀποστέλλω, apostelló) is the root of the word "apostle," ironically contrasting the mission of the disciples with the mission of those sent to arrest Jesus. This highlights the tragic irony of the situation, where those who should have recognized the Messiah instead sought to eliminate Him.

(47) A great multitude with swords and staves.--St. John's account (John 18:3) is fuller. The multitude included (1) the band (not "a band," as in the Authorised version), i.e., the cohort (the same word as in Acts 10:1) of Roman soldiers sent by Pilate to prevent a tumult. These probably were armed with swords; (2) the officers of the chief-priests, probably the Levites or Nethinim, who were the guards of the Temple, armed with "staves" or "clubs." He adds, also, what lay in the nature of the case, that they were provided with "lanterns and torches" as well as weapons. It was now near the hour of dawn, but they must have left the city while there was at best only moonlight to guide them. They bent their steps to Gethsemane, as that was known to Judas as one at least of our Lord's chosen resorts (John 18:2), in which, we may well believe, He had spent some hours of each of the four preceding nights.

Verses 47-56. - Betrayal and apprehension of Jesus. (Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11.) Verse 47 - Judas, one of the twelve. So called by all the synoptists, as if to enhance his guilt - one of Christ's own familiar friends, who had eaten bread with him. Came. St. Luke tells us that he led the way to Gethsemane. He well knew the place as a favourite resort of Christ (John 18:2); he knew, too, that Jesus was alone there with his apostles, and he had gone with confidence to inform the authorities where they could find him, and to demand a force sufficient to make the arrest. A great multitude. Consisting of some of the Levitical guard, Roman soldiers, Sanhedrists, and elders. The soldiers carried swords, the fanatical herd bore staves, to overcome any opposition which, after the demonstration at the triumphal entry, might be naturally expected. St. John adds that they brought with them lanterns and torches in order to search the recesses of the grove, should Christ have hidden himself there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
While
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[Jesus]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was still speaking,
λαλοῦντος (lalountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

Judas,
Ἰούδας (Ioudas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2455: Of Hebrew origin; Judas, the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region.

one
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Twelve,
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

arrived,
ἦλθεν (ēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

accompanied by
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

a large
πολὺς (polys)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

crowd
ὄχλος (ochlos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

[armed] with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

swords
μαχαιρῶν (machairōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3162: A sword. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of mache; a knife, i.e. Dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

clubs,
ξύλων (xylōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3586: From another form of the base of xestes; timber; by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance.

[sent] from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests
ἀρχιερέων (archiereōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

elders
πρεσβυτέρων (presbyterōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people.
λαοῦ (laou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.


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