Matthew 26:50

"Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him."

Key Reflection

In first-century Jewish culture, a kiss was a common greeting, but it carried significant meaning. The disciple who kissed Jesus, identified here as Judas, did so using the formal title "Rabbi," signifying respect and reverence. However, this act of seeming deference was a calculated betrayal, revealing Judas's treacherous intentions to the original audience familiar with the ritual and its implications.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 50. And Jesus said unto him, Friend. It seems strange to us that Jesus should give the endeared name friend to a man that he knew was his enemy, and that was about to betray him. It should be remarked, however, that this is the fault of our language, not of the original. In the Greek there are two words which our translators have rendered friend: one implying affection and regard, the other not. One is properly rendered friend, the other expresses more nearly what we mean by companion.

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