Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

MATTHEW 26:48KJV
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Matthew 26:48 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:48 mean?

Matthew 26:48 describes how Judas, the disciple who would betray Jesus, arranged a signal with the group sent to arrest Jesus: he would identify Jesus to them by greeting him with a kiss, so they would know exactly whom to seize and hold securely. This verse shows the specific method Judas used to betray Jesus to the authorities.

In this scene, Judas is speaking to the group of armed men sent by the chief priests and elders. He tells them that the person he kisses will be Jesus, and they should arrest him firmly. The verse highlights the premeditated nature of Judas’s betrayal and sets up the moment when Jesus is handed over to be arrested.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:48

  • The word for "betrayed" is παρέδωκεν (paredōken), which means to hand over or deliver up. This word often carries the sense of turning someone over to authorities, emphasizing Judas’s active role in Jesus’s arrest.
  • The word for "kiss" is φιλήσω (philēsō), from the verb meaning to show affection or greet with a kiss. In this context, the kiss is not a sign of friendship but a signal for betrayal, making the act especially striking.
  • The phrase "hold him fast" uses the Greek word κρατήσατε (kratēsate), which means to seize or grasp firmly. This suggests Judas expected resistance or wanted to make sure Jesus was securely captured.

Why Matthew 26:48 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus was not a public criminal but needed to be specifically identified to the arresting party, showing the secrecy and planning involved in his arrest.
  • The use of a kiss, a gesture of friendship, as a signal for betrayal, adds a layer of irony and emotional weight to the story, highlighting the depth of Judas’s treachery.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the events that immediately follow, where Jesus is arrested and the disciples scatter, fulfilling Jesus’s earlier predictions.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“hold” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“sign” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

“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.