Mateo 26:49

49 En seguida Judas se acercó a Jesús y lo saludó.—¡Rabí! —le dijo, y lo besó.

Mateo 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.

Mateo 26:49 In-Context

47 Todavía estaba hablando Jesús cuando llegó Judas, uno de los doce. Lo acompañaba una gran turba armada con espadas y palos, enviada por los jefes de los sacerdotes y los ancianos del pueblo.

48 El traidor les había dado esta contraseña: «Al que le dé un beso, ese es; arréstenlo».

49 En seguida Judas se acercó a Jesús y lo saludó.—¡Rabí! —le dijo, y lo besó.

50 —Amigo —le replicó Jesús—, ¿a qué vienes?Entonces los hombres se acercaron y prendieron a Jesús.

51 En eso, uno de los que estaban con él extendió la mano, sacó la espada e hirió al siervo del sumo sacerdote, cortándole una oreja.