While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that Judas, "one of the twelve," was leading the crowd. This detail highlights the profound betrayal not just by an individual, but by someone deeply integrated into Jesus' inner circle, making the approach with a kiss all the more devastating. It underscores that Jesus' arrest was orchestrated by one he considered a friend, not solely by external enemies.
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after his arrest has been initiated by Judas. A large crowd, armed with weapons, has arrived to seize him, and Judas, one of Jesus' own twelve disciples, identifies him with a kiss. This marks the dramatic moment when Jesus, knowing all that was about to happen, willingly surrendered himself into the hands of his enemies, beginning the final hours of his earthly life.
Why the elaborate show of force for one man? This wasn't just a spontaneous mob; it was a carefully planned operation.
Notice how Luke doesn't just say a crowd came, but that 'a multitude' arrived. This wasn't a small group trying to sneak Jesus away. The presence of soldiers and weapons, as mentioned in other Gospels, highlights the need to control a potentially sympathetic crowd. Jesus was popular, and an open arrest in daylight could have sparked a riot. This planned nighttime raid, led by an insider, was designed to isolate Jesus and prevent any public outcry or rescue.
A kiss is usually a sign of affection. Here, it's a weapon. How could Judas twist such a gesture into a tool of betrayal?
Judas's kiss wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. The commentaries suggest it was a pre-arranged signal to identify Jesus in the dark. He 'drew near to Jesus to kiss him' – a deliberate act of intimacy turned sinister. This wasn't just a betrayal; it was a strategic move. By using a sign of friendship, Judas hoped to ensure the arrest went smoothly without confusion, even if it meant deceiving Jesus himself. It highlights a chilling capability to mask malice with affection.
When the moment of arrest arrived, Jesus didn't resist. Why did He allow this to happen, especially at the hands of a friend?
The text emphasizes that Jesus was 'still speaking' when the crowd arrived. This implies He was not caught unaware or trying to flee. Despite having devoted followers and knowing Judas's intent, Jesus didn't call for help or escape. The broader context of His mission shows He was willingly walking towards His crucifixion. This moment in Gethsemane wasn't an unexpected capture; it was the purposeful surrender of Himself for a greater purpose. He allowed the betrayal, the kiss, and the arrest because it was part of God's plan for salvation.
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c. AD 30— this verse
Arrest of Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, leads a crowd to the Garden of Gethsemane and identifies Jesus to the arresting authorities with a kiss.
c. AD 30
Jesus before the High Priests
Jesus is taken to the high priests Annas and Caiaphas for questioning, facing false accusations and mockery.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denial
While Jesus is being interrogated, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times in the courtyard of the high priest's palace.
c. AD 30
Jesus before Pilate
The Jewish leaders bring Jesus to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, accusing him of sedition.
c. AD 30
Jesus sent to Herod
Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, who also questions Jesus but finds no fault.
c. AD 30
Jesus before Pilate again
Jesus is returned to Pilate, who attempts to release him but ultimately succumbs to the crowd's demand for crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is scourged, mocked, and crucified between two criminals at Golgotha.
This passage describes the same betrayal event, emphasizing Judas's use of a kiss as a prearranged signal for the arrest, mirroring the account in Luke.
John 18:2-3John's Gospel also recounts the arrival of the crowd with Judas, highlighting the torches and lanterns used in the dark, underscoring the stealthy nature of the apprehension.
Psalm 41:9This Old Testament passage eerily foreshadows the betrayal by a close companion ('even the one I trusted, who shared my bread') and resonates with the deep personal wound inflicted by Judas's actions.
Acts 1:16This later account in Acts refers back to Judas's role in betraying Jesus, solidifying his identity as 'one of the twelve' who acted as a guide for Jesus's captors.
barnesLuke 22:47: "And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him."
See this explained in Matthew 26:48-56 .
expositorsLuke 22:47: "And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him."
Chapter 25THE PASSION. Luke 22:47-71 - Luke 23:1-56 WHILE Jesus kept His sad watch in Gethsemane, treading the winepress alone, His enemies kept theirs in the city. The step of Judas, as he passed out into the night, went verberating within the house of the high priest, and onwards into the palace of Pilate himself, awaking a thousand…
The text emphasizes that Judas, "one of the twelve," was leading the crowd. This detail highlights the profound betrayal not just by an individual, but by someone deeply integrated into Jesus' inner circle, making the approach with a kiss all the more devastating. It underscores that Jesus' arrest was orchestrated by one he considered a friend, not solely by external enemies.
Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after his arrest has been initiated by Judas. A large crowd, armed with weapons, has arrived to seize him, and Judas, one of Jesus' own twelve disciples, identifies him with a kiss. This marks the dramatic moment when Jesus, knowing all that was about to happen, willingly surrendered himself into the hands of his enemies, beginning the final hours of his earthly life.
Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after his arrest has been initiated by Judas. A large crowd, armed with weapons, has arrived to seize him, and Judas, one of Jesus' own twelve disciples, identifies him with a kiss. This marks the dramatic moment when Jesus, knowing all that was about to happen, willingly surrendered himself into the hands of his enemies, beginning the final hours of his earthly life.
"While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him," — The text emphasizes that Judas, "one of the twelve," was leading the crowd. This detail highlights the profound betrayal not just by an individual, but by someone deeply integrated into Jesus' inne…
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Last reviewed October 2026