Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

MATTHEW 26:46KJV
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Matthew 26:46 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:46 mean?

Matthew 26:46 records Jesus telling his disciples to get up and go with him, because the person who will betray him is arriving. Jesus is preparing his followers for the immediate arrival of Judas, who will hand him over to those seeking his arrest.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking to his closest disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after he has finished praying in deep distress. He urges them to rise and move with him, signaling that the time for prayer and waiting is over, and the events leading to his arrest are beginning right now.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:46

  • "Rise" (ἐγείρω, egeirō): This word often means "to get up" or "to awaken." Here, it shows Jesus calling his disciples out of their drowsiness and into action at a critical moment.
  • "Behold" (ἰδού, idou): This is a word used to draw attention, like saying "Look!" or "See!" Jesus uses it to make the disciples aware that something important is happening right before their eyes.
  • "At hand" (ἤγγικεν, ēngiken): This phrase means "has drawn near" or "is very close." Jesus is emphasizing that the betrayer is not just coming soon—he is arriving right now.
  • "Betray" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): This word means "to hand over" or "to deliver up." It highlights the act of Judas turning Jesus over to the authorities, not just a simple act of betrayal but a formal handing over.

Why Matthew 26:46 matters

  • Matthew 26:46 clarifies that Jesus is not caught off guard by his betrayal; he knows exactly what is about to happen and faces it directly.
  • The verse marks a turning point from prayer and anticipation to action, showing Jesus’ readiness and resolve in the face of suffering.
  • This moment connects the private struggle of Jesus in Gethsemane with the public events of his arrest, helping readers see the flow of the narrative and the fulfillment of what Jesus had predicted earlier.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

“going” Greek G71 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
  • Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

“betray” 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.

“Rise” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;