Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

MATTHEW 26:25KJV
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Matthew 26:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:25 mean?

Matthew 26:25 describes Judas, the disciple who would betray Jesus, directly asking Jesus if he is the betrayer, calling him "Master." Jesus responds to Judas by saying, "Thou hast said," which is a way of confirming Judas's own words without making a direct accusation.

In this scene, Jesus is at the Last Supper with his disciples, having just said that one of them will betray him. Judas, who has already arranged to betray Jesus, asks if he is the one, and Jesus gives an indirect but clear answer. The exchange highlights Judas's duplicity and Jesus's awareness of what is about to happen.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:25

  • "Master" (ῥαββί, rhabbi): This word means "teacher" or "master" and shows that Judas addresses Jesus with respect, even as he is about to betray him. The use of this title adds to the tension of the moment.
  • "Thou hast said" (σὺ εἶπας, su eipas): This Greek phrase is often understood as an indirect affirmation, similar to saying, "You have said it yourself." It allows Jesus to confirm Judas's statement without making a blunt accusation in front of everyone.

Why Matthew 26:25 matters

  • Matthew 26:25 clarifies that Judas openly asks Jesus about the betrayal, showing that Jesus is fully aware of Judas's intentions, and Judas knows that Jesus knows.
  • The way Jesus answers, "Thou hast said," is significant because it confirms the truth without a public confrontation, fitting the tone of the Last Supper and the unfolding events.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting the stage for Judas's actions and showing that Jesus's betrayal was not a surprise to him, but something he faced knowingly.

Where else these words appear

“it” Greek G3385 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

“Master” Greek G4461 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
  • 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.

“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 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
  • 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.

“betrayed” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.