Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the stark contrast between Judas's actions and the disciples' potential—he's "one of the twelve," a group chosen for closeness to Jesus, yet he actively seeks to betray him. This detail emphasizes how deeply betrayal can cut, especially when it comes from within the closest circle.
Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks a pivotal turning point, occurring immediately after Jesus is anointed and then rebuked his disciples for criticizing the perceived waste of the expensive oil. While the rebuke humbled the other disciples, it hardened Judas, who, motivated by greed, goes to the chief priests to arrange Jesus' betrayal. The narrative then shifts to Jesus preparing for the Passover meal with his disciples, unaware of the plot now set in motion by one of their own.
What makes Judas's betrayal so shocking isn't just that it happened, but who did it. This verse hits hard with a simple phrase.
Mark 14:10 opens with a stark declaration: "Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve." This isn't just a detail; it's the emotional core of the betrayal.
The Circle of Trust
Jesus chose twelve men to be his closest companions, his inner circle. They shared his life, learned his teachings, and witnessed his miracles firsthand. To be "one of the twelve" meant deep intimacy, access, and a unique calling.
A Profound Loss
When the text highlights that Judas was one of them, it underscores the profound sense of loss and the depth of the betrayal. It wasn't an outsider, a casual observer, or an enemy who handed Jesus over. It was someone who had walked with him, eaten with him, and been entrusted with his mission. This reveals how betrayal can wound most deeply when it comes from those closest to us.
This verse doesn't describe Judas being forced or tricked. It clearly states he went to the chief priests with a plan.
The action in Mark 14:10 is deliberate. "Judas Iscariot... went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them." This wasn't a spontaneous act of fear or a moment of weakness. It was a conscious decision and an initiative taken by Judas himself.
Ask a follow-up
The Active Choice
Commentaries point out that Judas actively sought out the religious leaders. He wasn't summoned; he went. This suggests a premeditated plan driven by his own motives, which the surrounding context suggests were rooted in greed and perhaps resentment.
A Bargain Struck
This verse sets the stage for the transaction that follows. By going to the chief priests, Judas signaled his willingness to collaborate and bargain for Jesus's capture. It highlights his role as an agent in his own right, not merely a pawn, in this dark moment.
Understand the original words
Ioudas Iskariōtēs · Greek/Hebrew Proper Noun
A specific disciple of Jesus among the Twelve who famously acted as the betrayer. His name identifies him as being from Kerioth, and his act represents the ultimate betrayal of Christ's trust and mission.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The religious leaders in Jerusalem, primarily the Sadducees, who held authority in the Temple and were responsible for the trial and legal proceedings that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of surrendering, delivering, or turning over someone to an enemy or authority, often implies treachery and breach of trust. In the New Testament, it is the mechanism by which Jesus is handed over to be executed.
Judas's decision to betray Jesus wasn't sudden but appears to have been cemented by a specific incident—the anointing at Bethany—which immediately preceded his negotiation with the chief priests. This highlights how personal affronts or perceived injustices can tragically escalate into profound betrayals.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
During this period, Jesus traveled, taught, healed, and gathered disciples, including the twelve apostles. His growing popularity and claims challenged the religious and political authorities.
c. AD 30, shortly before Passover— this verse
Anointing at Bethany
Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot objects to the 'waste,' but Jesus defends Mary, stating she has prepared Him for burial. This event seems to be the catalyst for Judas's decision.
c. AD 30, shortly before Passover
Judas Negotiates Betrayal
Fueled by anger or greed, Judas seeks out the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30, Passover Week
The Last Supper
Jesus and his disciples gather to eat the Passover meal. Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts his impending betrayal and denial.
c. AD 30, Passover Night
Jesus' Arrest
Judas leads a contingent of temple guards and soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane, identifying Jesus with a kiss.
This passage provides a fuller account of Judas's specific bargain with the chief priests, detailing the thirty pieces of silver he received, which sheds light on his motivation in Mark's concise account.
Luke 22:3-6Luke emphasizes the direct influence of Satan on Judas, highlighting the spiritual dimension behind the betrayal that Mark's narrative assumes.
John 13:2This verse immediately precedes Jesus's act of washing the disciples' feet, and it notes that the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus, showing the ongoing nature of the plan.
Zechariah 11:12-13This Old Testament passage prophesies the betrayal of a shepherd for thirty pieces of silver, directly foreshadowing the transaction involving Judas and underscoring the prophetic significance of the event.
ellicottMark 14:10: "And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them."
(10, 11) And Judas Iscariot. —See Notes on Matthew 26:14-15 .
calvinMark 14:10-17: "And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them."
- Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 15. And said to them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they appointed to him thirty pieces of silver. 16. And from that time he sought an opportunity to betray him. 17. Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, Where dost thou wish us…
The verse highlights the stark contrast between Judas's actions and the disciples' potential—he's "one of the twelve," a group chosen for closeness to Jesus, yet he actively seeks to betray him. This detail emphasizes how deeply betrayal can cut, especially when it comes from within the closest circle.
This verse marks a pivotal turning point, occurring immediately after Jesus is anointed and then rebuked his disciples for criticizing the perceived waste of the expensive oil. While the rebuke humbled the other disciples, it hardened Judas, who, motivated by greed, goes to the chief priests to arrange Jesus' betrayal. The narrative then shifts to Jesus preparing for the Passover meal with his disciples, unaware of the plot now set in motion by one of their own.
This verse marks a pivotal turning point, occurring immediately after Jesus is anointed and then rebuked his disciples for criticizing the perceived waste of the expensive oil. While the rebuke humbled the other disciples, it hardened Judas, who, motivated by greed, goes to the chief priests to arrange Jesus' betrayal. The narrative then shifts to Jesus preparing for the Passover meal with his disciples, unaware of the plot now set in motion by one of their own.
"Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them." — The verse highlights the stark contrast between Judas's actions and the disciples' potential—he's "one of the twelve," a group chosen for closeness to Jesus, yet he actively seeks to betray him. This…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026