Matthew 26:49

49 And forth wt all he came to Iesus and sayde: hayle master and kyssed him.

Matthew 26:49 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 26:49

And forthwith he came to Jesus
As soon as ever he appeared, before the rest could come up; for, he went before them, as Luke says, and that not only as, their guide to direct them to the person they wanted, but he separated himself from them, that it might not be thought that he came with them, or belonged to them:

and said, hail, master; and kissed him.
Just as Joab asked Amasa of his health, and took him by the beard to kiss him, and smote him under the fifth rib, ( 2 Samuel 20:9 ) . The salutation he gave him was wishing him all health, prosperity, and happiness. The Syriac version renders it, "peace, Rabbi"; and the Persic, "peace be upon thee, Rabbi"; which was the very form of salutation the disciples of the wise men gave to their Rabbins.

``Says ^F14 Aba bar Hona, in the name of R. Jochanan, in what form is the salutation of a disciple to his master? (ybr) (Kyle Mwlv) , "peace be upon thee, Rabbi".''

In ( Mark 14:45 ) , the word "Rabbi" is repeated, this being usual in the salutation of the Jewish doctors; and the rather used by Judas under a pretence of doing him the greater honour, and of showing the highest respect, and strongest affection for him. So this deceitful wretch still addresses him as his master, though he was now serving his most implacable enemies; and wishes him all peace and joy, when he was going to deliver him into the hands of those that sought his life; and to cover all, kissed him, as a token of his friendship and the sincerity of it. It is rightly observed by Dr. Lightfoot, that it was usual for masters to kiss their disciples, particularly their heads; but then not for disciples to kiss their masters: of the former there are many instances in the Jewish writings, but not of the latter: yet, I can hardly think that this was done out of open contempt and derision; but under a pretence of respect and love; and even as being concerned for his present case, and as condoling him under the circumstances he was now likely to be in, through an armed hand, which was just upon him; and which he, by this artifice, would have suggested he had no concern with.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 T. Hieros. Shebuot. fol. 34. 1.

Matthew 26:49 In-Context

47 Whyll he yet spake: lo Iudas one of ye xii. came and wt him a greate multitude wt sweardes and staves sent from the chefe prestes and elders of the people.

48 And he that betrayed him had geven the a token sayinge: whosoever I kysse yt same is he ley hondes on him.

49 And forth wt all he came to Iesus and sayde: hayle master and kyssed him.

50 And Iesus sayde vnto him: frende wherfore arte thou come? Then came they and layed hondes on Iesus and toke him.

51 And beholde one of them which were with Iesus stretched oute his honde and drue his swearde and stroke a servaunt of the hye preste and smote of his eare.