And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

MARK 14:45KJV
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Mark 14:45 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:45 mean?

Mark 14:45 describes Judas approaching Jesus, greeting him warmly as “Master, master,” and giving him a kiss. This act was the prearranged signal Judas used to identify Jesus to those who had come to arrest him.

In this scene, Judas is acting as a guide for the group sent by the chief priests and elders to capture Jesus. The greeting and kiss, which would normally show respect and affection, are used here as a sign of betrayal. The verse highlights the contrast between Judas’s outward show of loyalty and his actual intention to hand Jesus over to his enemies.

The Greek behind Mark 14:45

  • “Master” (ῥαββί, rhabbi): This word means “teacher” or “master” and was a respectful title for someone with authority, especially in religious matters. Judas’s use of this title adds to the sense of irony and betrayal.
  • “Kissed” (κατεφίλησεν, katephilesen): The Greek verb here is more intense than a simple greeting kiss; it often suggests repeated or fervent kissing. This emphasizes the outward display of affection, making the act of betrayal even more striking.

Why Mark 14:45 matters

  • Mark 14:45 shows how betrayal can be disguised as friendship or respect, making the moment especially poignant and memorable.
  • The verse connects directly to Jesus’s earlier prediction that one of his disciples would betray him, showing the fulfillment of his words.
  • The details in this verse help readers understand the emotional weight of the arrest scene and the personal nature of Judas’s betrayal.

Where else these words appear

“kissed” Greek G2705 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
  • Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

“Master” Greek G4461 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • John 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
  • 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.

“goeth” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.