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.

LUKE 22:47KJV
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Luke 22:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:47 mean?

Luke 22:47 describes the moment when Judas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, leads a crowd to where Jesus is and approaches Jesus to greet him with a kiss. This verse marks the beginning of the betrayal that leads to Jesus’ arrest.

The setting is the Garden of Gethsemane at night. Jesus is speaking to his disciples when a group arrives, led by Judas. Judas, identified as “one of the twelve,” steps ahead of the crowd and comes close to Jesus, intending to kiss him—a common greeting, but in this case, a sign to identify Jesus to those who came to arrest him.

The Greek behind Luke 22:47

  • Ἰούδας (Ioudas): This is the Greek form of "Judas." The verse emphasizes that Judas is “one of the twelve,” highlighting the shock of betrayal by someone from Jesus’ closest group.
  • προῆλθεν (proēlthen): Translated as “went before them,” this word shows Judas taking the lead, not just physically but also in the act of betrayal.
  • φιλῆσαι (philēsai): This verb means “to kiss.” In this context, it is not just a greeting but a prearranged signal to identify Jesus to the arresting crowd.

Why Luke 22:47 matters

  • The verse highlights the personal nature of Jesus’ betrayal, showing that it came from within his own circle of trusted followers.
  • By mentioning the kiss, Luke sets up the contrast between an act of affection and the reality of betrayal, deepening the emotional impact of the scene.
  • This verse connects directly to the unfolding events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, marking a turning point in the narrative where Jesus’ path to the cross begins in earnest.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G4281 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
  • Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
  • Acts 20:5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.

“kiss” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“Judas” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

“near” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.