Matthew 26 16

Matthew 26:16 kjv

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 26:16 nkjv

So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Matthew 26:16 niv

From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Matthew 26:16 esv

And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 26:16 nlt

From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 16 Meaning

Matthew 26:16 reveals Judas Iscariot's deliberate and sustained intent to betray Jesus. After deciding to sell Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, this verse highlights his active and continuous search for the most favorable time to deliver Jesus into their hands. It underscores his determination and malice in actively pursuing the opportune moment to fulfill his treacherous deed, serving as a pivotal transition to the events leading to Christ's crucifixion.

Matthew 26 16 Context

Matthew 26:16 is positioned immediately after the account of Judas negotiating the betrayal of Jesus with the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. This follows the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, an act of sacrificial love and foresight, which Judas and others criticized as wasteful, indicating his misaligned values rooted in greed (Jn 12:6). Historically, Passover week was a time of immense spiritual and political tension in Jerusalem. The religious authorities sought to arrest Jesus but feared inciting a riot during the crowded festival (Matt 26:5). Thus, Judas's offer to deliver Jesus at an "opportune moment" was perfectly timed for their malicious designs, providing a way to arrest Him without public disturbance. This verse underscores the transition from general plotting by enemies to specific, coordinated action facilitated by one of Jesus's own disciples.

Matthew 26 16 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this action directly to the previous verses, showing the immediate consequence of Judas's agreement to betray Jesus. It highlights the direct causal link: the moment Judas accepted the thirty pieces of silver, his focus shifted.
• from that moment (ἀπὸ τότε - apo tote): A temporal phrase emphasizing immediacy and a fixed starting point. It suggests a turning point for Judas, solidifying his resolve and indicating the start of a focused effort. From then on, his mental and practical energy was dedicated to this treacherous goal.
• he sought (ἐζήτει - ezetei): Imperfect tense of zēteō. This is significant as it indicates a continuous or repeated action, an active and persistent search, rather than a single, passive waiting. Judas was not merely receptive to an opportunity but was actively scrutinizing circumstances, calculating, and looking for the perfect scenario. It conveys his deliberate intention and methodical approach.
• opportunity (εὐκαιρίαν - eukairian): From eukairos, meaning a "good time," "convenient season," or "favorable opportunity." This is not just any time (chronos) but a precise, fitting, and advantageous moment (kairos). Judas was searching for a strategic moment to apprehend Jesus when He would be isolated from His protective followers or crowds, thereby minimizing resistance and public outcry for the chief priests.
• to betray him (ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ - hina auton paradō):
  • to betray/hand over (παραδῷ - paradō): This is a key verb (paradidomi). While commonly translated as "betray," its root meaning is "to hand over" or "deliver." In the New Testament, this term is profoundly significant. It is used repeatedly for Jesus being "handed over" to authorities, to His death, or to His enemies by the Jewish leaders, by Pontius Pilate, by divine counsel, and here, by Judas. This specific usage highlights Judas's pivotal role in "delivering" Jesus into the hands of those who would condemn Him, aligning his malicious act with the broader, divine purpose of Christ's submission and ultimate sacrifice.
  • him (αὐτὸν - auton): The direct object, referring to Jesus, underscoring that the entire purpose of Judas's seeking was directed specifically towards the delivery of his Master.

Matthew 26 16 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of Matthew 26:16 with the prior verses (anointing for burial, Matt 26:6-13) and following passages (Last Supper, betrayal kiss) accentuates a dramatic spiritual conflict: love and self-sacrifice versus covetousness and betrayal. Judas's active search for the kairos for betrayal stands in sharp contrast to Jesus's quiet acknowledgement that "His hour" (referring to His suffering and glorification) was coming and that He Himself would be "delivered up" according to God's set timing and purpose (Jn 12:23-27, Matt 26:45). Judas's focused effort to hand Jesus over by stealth highlights his desire for personal gain over divine will, providing the precise moment the Sanhedrin needed to effect their plan without public disturbance, an ironic alignment of sinful intent with redemptive divine providence.

Matthew 26 16 Commentary

Matthew 26:16 paints a stark picture of deliberate evil. Judas, having settled on the price for Jesus, didn't merely wait for a chance; he actively "sought opportunity." The imperfect tense of "sought" underlines a determined, continuous effort, showing his calculated treachery. He desired an "opportune time" (eukairia), a moment ripe for clandestine capture, away from the protective crowds and any potential disruption. This pursuit underscores his conscious choice to facilitate evil. His action, though seemingly his own free will driven by avarice (Jn 12:6), simultaneously fulfilled divine prophecy, showcasing God's intricate sovereignty over even the most wicked human actions (Acts 2:23). Judas's journey, from being a chosen disciple to a determined betrayer, serves as a solemn warning against the deceptive power of greed and an unrepentant heart (1 Tim 6:10).