Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we often focus on Judas's betrayal, Matthew highlights that he was "one of the twelve" – not an outsider, but someone fully integrated into Jesus' inner circle. This stark contrast between his position and his actions emphasizes the profound depth of the tragedy and the shocking ease with which someone so close could turn their back.
Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from a private rebuke from Jesus concerning Mary's anointing, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, now sets out to betray his Master. Driven by greed and possibly other resentments, he goes directly to the chief priests, initiating a secret bargain for Jesus' arrest. This decision marks the beginning of the end, occurring just before Jesus prepares to share the Passover meal with his disciples, a meal charged with profound significance in light of the impending events.
How does someone who walked with Jesus daily become the one who betrays Him?
Matthew 26:14 introduces Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, as the one who initiates the betrayal. This isn't a sudden impulse; it's the culmination of inner turmoil and external influence. Commentaries suggest Satan's direct influence, as noted by Luke, fueled by Judas's own 'ruling passion' – avarice. The sting of Jesus's rebuke regarding the expensive ointment (mentioned in John's Gospel) likely intensified these feelings, creating a potent mix of shame, anger, and greed.
This highlights a terrifying spiritual reality: even those closest to Jesus can be overcome by darkness if their hearts aren't surrendered to God. It's a stark reminder that proximity to holiness doesn't guarantee inner transformation. The desire for personal gain and resentment can easily eclipse spiritual devotion.
What was Judas's motivation, and how much was Jesus truly 'worth'?
The text reveals that Judas didn't just go to the chief priests; he negotiated a price. He asked, 'What will you give me?' and was offered thirty pieces of silver. This sum, as commentators point out, was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). It's a tragically small amount for the Son of God, highlighting the utter contempt the religious leaders had for Jesus and Judas's distorted values.
This wasn't merely about financial gain, though that was a significant driver. It was also about a warped sense of opportunity and perhaps even a misguided attempt to force Jesus's hand into revealing His power in a way Judas expected. However, the overwhelming consensus is that avarice, fueled by a hardening heart, was the primary catalyst. The thirty pieces of silver became a symbol of his profound spiritual bankruptcy.
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Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
The leaders of the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem, consisting of high-ranking priests, including the high priest. They were responsible for the administration of the Temple and held significant political and religious authority.
Judas's betrayal wasn't an isolated act but occurred within a charged atmosphere of religious and political tension, intensified by Jesus' recent public acclaim and the authorities' determination to silence him.
c. AD 30, likely the days leading up to Passover— this verse
Judas Iscariot negotiates betrayal
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve closest followers, meets with the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This event marks the beginning of the final sequence of events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
c. AD 30, the week of Passover
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds as a king. This event increased the anxiety of the religious leaders and likely fueled Judas's desire for a swift, profitable resolution.
c. AD 30, the days before Passover
Plot to arrest Jesus intensifies
Following Jesus' raising of Lazarus and his triumphant entry, the chief priests and Pharisees hold a council and decide Jesus must be put to death, increasing their efforts to find a way to arrest him secretly.
c. AD 30, the evening before Passover
The Last Supper
Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples, during which he predicts his betrayal by one of them and institutes the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30, the night after the Last Supper
Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, soldiers and temple guards find Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and arrest him.
This passage directly foretells the price of betrayal, which is thirty pieces of silver, the exact amount Judas received, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy in his actions.
Luke 22:3Luke explicitly states that 'Satan entered into Judas,' providing a spiritual dimension to Judas's decision to betray Jesus, complementing Matthew's account of his action.
John 12:4-6John's Gospel reveals Judas's covetousness regarding the anointing oil, showing his long-standing issue with money that likely fueled his treacherous bargain with the chief priests.
1 Samuel 18:14This verse speaks of Saul's suspicion and fear of David, illustrating how those in power (like the chief priests) might seek to eliminate a perceived threat, mirroring their motivation to get rid of Jesus.
barnesMatthew 26:14: "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,"
Then one of the twelve ... - Luke says that Satan entered into Judas. That is, Satan tempted (instigated) him to do it. Probably he tempted Judas by appealing to his avarice, his ruling passion, and by suggesting that now was a favorable opportunity to make money rapidly by selling his Lord. Judas Iscariot - See the notes at Matthew 10:4. Unto the chief priests - The high priest, and those who had been…
calvinMatthew 26:14-20: "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,"
- 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 to prepare fo…
While we often focus on Judas's betrayal, Matthew highlights that he was "one of the twelve" – not an outsider, but someone fully integrated into Jesus' inner circle. This stark contrast between his position and his actions emphasizes the profound depth of the tragedy and the shocking ease with which someone so close could turn their back.
Fresh from a private rebuke from Jesus concerning Mary's anointing, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, now sets out to betray his Master. Driven by greed and possibly other resentments, he goes directly to the chief priests, initiating a secret bargain for Jesus' arrest. This decision marks the beginning of the end, occurring just before Jesus prepares to share the Passover meal with his disciples, a meal charged with profound significance in light of the impending events.
Fresh from a private rebuke from Jesus concerning Mary's anointing, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, now sets out to betray his Master. Driven by greed and possibly other resentments, he goes directly to the chief priests, initiating a secret bargain for Jesus' arrest. This decision marks the beginning of the end, occurring just before Jesus prepares to share the Passover meal with his disciples, a meal charged with profound significance in light of the impending events.
"Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests" — While we often focus on Judas's betrayal, Matthew highlights that he was "one of the twelve" – not an outsider, but someone fully integrated into Jesus' inner circle. This stark contrast between his…
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Last reviewed October 2026