Matthew 26:16

16 He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over.

Matthew 26:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
] Luke adds, "in the absence of the multitude", ( Luke 22:6 ) ; in the most private manner, when he was alone, and in some solitary place, that no tumult might arise, and that there might be no danger of a rescue: for so he, and the chief priests, had consulted, and settled it, as what would be most prudent and advisable; and therefore, from that time forward, being prompted on by Satan, and the lucre of the money he was to receive, he narrowly watched, and diligently observed, the best and most fitting season to perform his enterprise, and quickly offered.

Matthew 26:16 In-Context

14 That is when one of the Twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the cabal of high priests
15 and said, "What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They settled on thirty silver pieces.
16 He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over.
17 On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare your Passover meal?"
18 He said, "Enter the city. Go up to a certain man and say, 'The Teacher says, My time is near. I and my disciples plan to celebrate the Passover meal at your house.'"
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.