The approaching betrayal
Matthew 26:1–16FocusAnointing and the plot
Connection to the wholeThe plot, anointing, and Judas' agreement place devotion and betrayal side by side as Jesus' death approaches.
interpretation Matthew 26:25
KJVThen Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Read it in context
The Last Supper and Betrayal
Start reading at Matthew 26:1 (Matthew 26:1 to Matthew 26:30).
The verse belongs to the narrative of the Last Supper, specifically the prediction of betrayal. The recommended start is the beginning of the chapter, which details the plot against Jesus and sets the stage for the Passion week events.
- 26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
- 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
- 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
- 26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
- 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
- 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
- 26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
- 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
- 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
- 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
- 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
- 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
- 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
- 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
- 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
- 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
- 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
- 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
- 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
- 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
- 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
- 26:23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
- 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
- 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
- 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
- 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
- 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
- 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 26:1–26:75): Jesus and His disciples share the final supper and go to Gethsemane; Judas, the arresting party, the high priest, council members, and Peter appear in the arrest and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is Judas Iscariot, who had already agreed to betray Jesus, asking Jesus if he was the betrayer, to which Jesus confirms his guilt. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty, as He knows the identity of His betrayer even before the act, and allows the events to unfold according to His will. interpretation
- What is the literary style? The literary style is Gospel narrative, specifically a dialogue within the historical account of the Last Supper. interpretation
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written between approximately A.D. 50 and 70. book background
- When does the event take place? The event takes place during the Passover meal, known as the Last Supper, on the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, shortly before Jesus' crucifixion, around A.D. 30. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened in a house in the city (Jerusalem) where Jesus and His disciples were observing the Passover. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Matthew, was located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote the Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Last Supper and Betrayal (Matthew 26:17 to Matthew 26:30). Start reading at Matthew 26:1. The verse belongs to the narrative of the Last Supper, specifically the prediction of betrayal. The recommended start is the beginning of the chapter, which details the plot against Jesus and sets the stage for the Passion week events.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a pivotal moment within the Last Supper narrative, directly following Jesus' prediction that one of His disciples would betray Him. It confirms Judas's identity as the betrayer and sets the immediate stage for Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus' response, 'Thou hast said,' demonstrates His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events, including His betrayal. He willingly proceeds towards the cross, fulfilling prophecy, even knowing the treachery of one of His closest followers. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a solemn warning against hypocrisy and hidden sin, reminding us that Jesus knows the true intentions of every heart. It calls believers to self-examination and genuine faithfulness, rather than outward profession without inward commitment. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 26:17, Matthew 26:18, Matthew 26:20, Matthew 26:21, Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:64, Matthew 27:11, John 18:37
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The meal and the bread and cup
Parallel accounts
Paul recounts the institution of the supper in teaching the church; this is a later apostolic retelling, not another Gospel narrative.
Related passages
- Judas 2 Kgs 5:25 Prov 30:20
- Thou Matt 26:64 Matt 27:11 John 18:37
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 26
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusCovenant and coming failure
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets His approaching death at the supper and warns the disciples about their coming desertion.
interpretation Gethsemane and arrest
Matthew 26:36–56FocusSubmission and abandonment
Connection to the wholePrayer in the garden leads to arrest, showing Jesus' obedience amid His disciples' weakness and flight.
interpretation Trial and denial
Matthew 26:57–75FocusConfession and fear
Connection to the wholeJesus' testimony before the council contrasts with Peter's denials outside, exposing the difference between His faithfulness and human failure.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.