Matthew 26:49
New International Version
Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

New Living Translation
So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

English Standard Version
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

Berean Standard Bible
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And having come up to Jesus immediately, he said, "Greetings, Rabbi," and kissed Him.

King James Bible
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

New King James Version
Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

New American Standard Bible
And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

NASB 1995
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

NASB 1977
And immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Amplified Bible
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings (rejoice), Rabbi!” And he kissed Him [in a deliberate act of betrayal].

Christian Standard Bible
So immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi! ” and kissed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

American Standard Version
And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

Contemporary English Version
Judas walked right up to Jesus and said, "Hello, teacher." Then Judas kissed him.

English Revised Version
And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Judas quickly stepped up to Jesus and said, "Hello, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

Good News Translation
Judas went straight to Jesus and said, "Peace be with you, Teacher," and kissed him.

International Standard Version
So Judas immediately went up to Jesus and said, "Hello, Rabbi!" and kissed him tenderly.

Majority Standard Bible
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

NET Bible
Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi," and kissed him.

New Heart English Bible
Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Greetings, Rabbi." and kissed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail Master; and kissed him.

Weymouth New Testament
So he went straight to Jesus and said, "Peace to you, Rabbi!" And he kissed Him eagerly.

World English Bible
Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and immediately, having come to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed Him;

Berean Literal Bible
And having come up to Jesus immediately, he said, "Greetings, Rabbi," and kissed Him.

Young's Literal Translation
and immediately, having come to Jesus, he said, 'Hail, Rabbi,' and kissed him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And quickly having come to Jesus, he said, Hail, Rabbi! and kissed him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi. And he kissed him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And quickly drawing close to Jesus, he said, “Hail, Master.” And he kissed him.

New American Bible
Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him.

New Revised Standard Version
At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And immediately he came up to Jesus and said, Peace, Master; and he kissed him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And at once, he called Yeshua, and he said, “Shalom, Rabbi”, and he kissed him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And immediately he came to Jesus, and said: Hail, Rabbi! and kissed him.

Godbey New Testament
And immediately coming forward to Jesus, he said, Hail, Master; and kissed Him copiously.

Haweis New Testament
And immediately approaching to Jesus, he said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Mace New Testament
and immediately advancing to Jesus, he said, master, I salute you, and kissed him.

Weymouth New Testament
So he went straight to Jesus and said, "Peace to you, Rabbi!" And he kissed Him eagerly.

Worrell New Testament
And immediately coming to Jesus, he said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

Worsley New Testament
and going directly up to Jesus, he said, Hail master, and kissed Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Betrayal of Jesus
48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” 49 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.…

Cross References
Mark 14:45
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:3-5
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. / Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” / “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.

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

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.

John 13:21-27
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. ...

Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

2 Samuel 15:5-6
Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. / Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

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. ...

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:21-25
And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ...

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

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

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.

Matthew 27:3-5
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.


Treasury of Scripture

And immediately he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Hail.

Matthew 27:29,30
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! …

Mark 15:18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

John 19:3
And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

kissed him.

Genesis 27:26
And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

2 Samuel 20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

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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.














Going directly to Jesus
This phrase highlights the immediacy and determination in Judas Iscariot's actions. The Greek word used here for "going" is "proselthōn," which implies an intentional approach. Judas's direct approach to Jesus signifies the culmination of his betrayal. Historically, this moment is laden with irony, as Judas, one of the twelve disciples, chooses to betray Jesus with a gesture of closeness. This act fulfills the prophecy and sets in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, demonstrating the sovereignty of God even in human treachery.

he said
The act of speaking here is significant. The Greek word "eipen" is used, which is a simple past tense verb indicating a completed action. Judas's words are not just casual conversation; they are a deliberate part of his betrayal. In the context of the narrative, Judas's speech is a tool of deception, contrasting with the truth and life that Jesus represents. This moment serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with them.

Greetings, Rabbi!
The term "Greetings" is translated from the Greek word "chaire," which is a common greeting meaning "rejoice" or "be glad." However, in this context, it is laden with hypocrisy. Judas uses a term of joy and respect while committing an act of betrayal. The title "Rabbi" means "teacher" and is a term of respect and honor. Judas's use of this title is ironic and underscores the depth of his betrayal, as he acknowledges Jesus's authority while simultaneously rejecting it. This highlights the theme of false discipleship and the danger of outward appearances without inward faith.

and kissed Him
The act of kissing, translated from the Greek "katephileisen," is a customary greeting in Jewish culture, symbolizing respect and affection. However, Judas's kiss is a perversion of this symbol, turning an act of love into one of betrayal. This kiss is infamous in history as the "kiss of Judas," representing ultimate treachery. Theologically, this moment underscores the theme of betrayal by those closest to us and serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus's foreknowledge and willingness to endure suffering for humanity's redemption. The kiss, meant to identify Jesus to the arresting soldiers, becomes a powerful symbol of the contrast between human sinfulness and divine love.

(49) Hail, master.--Better, Rabbi, both St. Matthew and St. Mark (Mark 14:45) giving the Hebrew word. The Greek word for "hail" is somewhat more familiar than the English has come to be for us. It was, we may believe, the disciples' usual greeting.

Verse 49. - Forthwith. The blood money was to become due on the accomplishment of the betrayal; so Judas, now that the opportunity had arrived, lost no time in completing his part of the bargain. Kissed him (κατεφίλησεν, a strong word, kissed him eagerly, or, kissed him much). Judas was more than usually demonstrative in his salutation. "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords" (Psalm 55:21). So Joab treated Amasa before he murdered him (2 Samuel 20:9, 10). What infinite patience for the Lord to submit to this hypocritical caress! It is a type of the wonderful goodness and long suffering of God towards sinners, how he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Going
προσελθὼν (proselthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

directly
εὐθέως (eutheōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

to Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

he said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Greetings,
Χαῖρε (Chaire)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

Rabbi,”
ῥαββί (rhabbi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4461: Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.

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

kissed
κατεφίλησεν (katephilēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2705: To kiss affectionately. From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.


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Matthew 26:48
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