Matthew 26 14

Matthew 26:14 kjv

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:14 nkjv

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

Matthew 26:14 niv

Then one of the Twelve?the one called Judas Iscariot?went to the chief priests

Matthew 26:14 esv

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

Matthew 26:14 nlt

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 14 Meaning

Matthew 26:14 reveals a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative: Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve chosen apostles, proactively approached the chief priests with the intention to betray Jesus. This act signifies the initiation of the planned arrest and crucifixion of the Messiah, moving from clandestine conspiracy among the religious leaders to an active scheme involving an insider.

Matthew 26 14 Context

Matthew 26:14 takes place within the highly compressed final days of Jesus's earthly ministry, leading up to His crucifixion. It follows immediately after the anointing of Jesus at Bethany (Mt 26:6-13), an act of profound devotion that Jesus interpreted as preparation for His burial. Interestingly, John's Gospel specifically mentions Judas Iscariot's mercenary objection to this "waste" (Jn 12:4-6). This verse also occurs just after the chief priests and elders had secretly convened to find a way to arrest Jesus "by trickery and kill him" (Mt 26:3-5), being careful not to do so during the Passover festival crowds. Judas's initiative thus provides the perfect means for their nefarious plan, offering them an insider's access and avoiding public confrontation. The stage is set for the culmination of events long prophesied and divinely orchestrated.

Matthew 26 14 Word analysis

• Then (Tote - tote): A temporal adverb indicating sequence. It links this decisive action directly to the preceding events, particularly the conspiracy of the Sanhedrin and, perhaps, Judas's growing dissatisfaction after the anointing at Bethany. It highlights a precise moment of initiative.
• one of the twelve (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα - heis tōn dōdeka): Emphasizes Judas's identity as a member of Jesus's innermost circle of disciples. This designation underscores the profound betrayal from within, making his treachery more poignant and significant. He was chosen, invested in, and privy to teachings and miracles not revealed to others.
• whose name was Judas Iscariot (ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰούδας Ἰσκαριώτης - ho legomenos Ioudas Iscariōtēs): Specifies the betrayer to distinguish him from other disciples named Judas (e.g., Judas son of James, or Thaddeus). "Iscariot" likely refers to his geographical origin, a man from Kerioth (a town in Judea), making him the only Judean among the predominantly Galilean disciples. Alternatively, some theories suggest it might be derived from sicarii (dagger-men), implying a zealot background, though less strongly supported for this specific context.
• went (ἀπελθών - apelthōn): An active participle indicating a purposeful, deliberate movement away from Jesus and the other disciples. It's not a chance encounter but a determined, willed act to initiate contact with Jesus's adversaries.
• unto the chief priests (πρὸς τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς - pros tous archiereis): Identifies the direct recipients of Judas's offer. The "chief priests" represent the highest echelons of the Jewish religious leadership (Sadducees, high-priestly families, ex-high priests). This group was primarily responsible for managing the Temple and was at the forefront of the Sanhedrin's decision to condemn Jesus. Judas consciously sought out those actively seeking to eliminate Jesus.

Matthew 26 14 Bonus section

• The timing of Judas's departure immediately after Jesus's commendation of Mary's costly anointing at Bethany (which Judas, according to John 12:4-6, decried as wasteful) suggests a possible catalyst for his immediate action. His mercenary spirit was perhaps further agitated by Jesus's lack of concern for the monetary value, aligning him more with the self-serving chief priests than with Jesus's kingdom.
• Judas's proactive "going" to the chief priests suggests not just a casual offering, but a calculated and perhaps pre-meditated decision, potentially seeking to leverage his unique access to Jesus for personal gain. This action is the ultimate manifestation of the dark forces at play against the light of Christ.

Matthew 26 14 Commentary

Matthew 26:14 is a chilling and critical verse, marking the direct initiation of Jesus's betrayal. It moves from general conspiracy to concrete action. The focus is squarely on Judas Iscariot, highlighted first by his privileged position "one of the twelve," making his treachery particularly heinous. This was not a betrayal by an enemy from without, but by an intimate companion who had witnessed Jesus's power, listened to His teachings, and partaken in His mission. Judas's active seeking out of the "chief priests"—the very authority that desired Jesus's demise—underscores his deliberate and malicious intent. This single verse lays the groundwork for the most profound act of human treachery in history, setting in motion the chain of events leading to the Passover arrest, trial, and crucifixion of the Son of God. It shows the calculated choice of an individual driven by unknown (or as revealed in other accounts, greed and Satanic influence) motives to betray divine love.