And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
LUKE 6:16KJVWhat does Luke 6:16 mean?
Luke 6:16 lists two men named Judas among Jesus’ chosen twelve apostles: Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who is identified as the one who would betray Jesus. This verse distinguishes between the two Judases and makes clear which one became the traitor.
In this passage, Luke is recording the names of the twelve apostles as Jesus selects them. The verse highlights that Judas Iscariot is not just another follower but the one who would later betray Jesus, setting him apart from the other Judas. This detail prepares the reader for later events in the Gospel and clarifies the identities of the apostles.
The Greek behind Luke 6:16
- Ἰούδας (Ioudas): This is the Greek form of "Judas," used for both men named in the verse. The repetition shows that more than one disciple shared this common name.
- Ἰσκαριώτης (Iskariōtēs): This word identifies Judas Iscariot, likely referring to his place of origin (possibly Kerioth). It is used to distinguish him from the other Judas.
- προδότης (prodótēs): This Greek word means "traitor" or "betrayer." Luke uses it here to label Judas Iscariot’s role directly, making his future actions clear even at this early point in the story.
Why Luke 6:16 matters
- Luke 6:16 helps readers avoid confusion between the two apostles named Judas by clearly distinguishing Judas Iscariot as the betrayer.
- The verse foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus, signaling to the reader that one of his closest followers would turn against him.
- By naming the apostles, Luke connects this moment to the broader narrative of Jesus’ ministry and the eventual unfolding of the Passion story.