Matthew 26:14-16
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The verse subtly highlights that Judas, "one of the twelve," acted alone. This choice of wording emphasizes the deep betrayal not just of Jesus, but of the intimate fellowship of the disciples, as he separated himself from the group to negotiate with their enemies.
Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before the Passover feast, one of Jesus' own disciples, Judas Iscariot, secretly went to the chief priests. Driven by greed and perhaps resentment over Jesus' recent rebuke, Judas offered to betray Jesus to them for a price, marking the beginning of his infamous bargain. This betrayal sets the stage for Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, which would occur during the very feast he was about to celebrate with his disciples.
Imagine being part of Jesus's inner circle, witnessing miracles, hearing His teachings firsthand. Then, one of you betrays Him. This verse hits hard because it's not an outsider, but 'one of the twelve.'
The Weight of 'One of the Twelve'
This phrase isn't just a detail; it's the crushing reality of betrayal from within. Judas wasn't a stranger; he shared meals, heard parables, and was entrusted with a place among Jesus's closest companions.
Thirty pieces of silver. This wasn't a massive fortune, but a slave's price. What could drive a follower to betray his Master for so little?
The Price of Betrayal
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The text clearly states Judas went to the chief priests and struck a bargain. The 'thirty pieces of silver' is a stark detail that speaks volumes.
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.
paradidomi · Greek Verb
The act of turning someone over to authorities, often involving betrayal. In a theological context, it points to Christ's voluntary submission to the divine plan to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
argyrion · Greek Noun
A standard monetary unit, specifically referring to silver coins (often associated with the price of a slave in the Old Testament). In this context, it represents the corrupt price paid for the betrayal of Jesus.
paradō · Greek Verb
The act of violating a trust, handing over, or delivering someone to their enemies. In the context of Jesus, it refers to Judas’s premeditated betrayal.
Judas' betrayal wasn't an impulsive act but followed growing opposition from religious leaders and likely a personal sense of grievance or greed, culminating in a calculated agreement just days before Jesus' death.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem with popular acclaim, seen by some as a potential political leader. This event heightened the tension with the religious authorities.
c. AD 30
Plot to Kill Jesus
Following Jesus' raising of Lazarus, the chief priests and Pharisees, fearing his influence, formally plotted to arrest and kill him.
c. AD 30, Wednesday (likely)— this verse
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, secretly meets with the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over to them for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30, Thursday
The Last Supper
Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples, foretelling his betrayal and instituting the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 30, Thursday Night
Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, a detachment of soldiers and temple guards arrests Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30, Friday
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried by the Jewish council and Roman authorities, then crucified outside Jerusalem.
This passage directly states that Satan entered Judas, highlighting the spiritual dimension of his betrayal beyond mere human motivation like greed.
John 13:2John's Gospel provides context for Judas's betrayal, mentioning that the devil had already put it into Judas's heart to betray Jesus, showing a progression of evil influence.
Zechariah 11:12This Old Testament prophecy foretells a shepherd being valued at thirty pieces of silver and cast to the sheep, directly paralleling the price Judas received for betraying Jesus.
Acts 1:16-18Peter recounts Judas's betrayal and subsequent downfall, emphasizing the remorse and tragic end that followed his act, reinforcing the gravity of his decision.
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…
The verse subtly highlights that Judas, "one of the twelve," acted alone. This choice of wording emphasizes the deep betrayal not just of Jesus, but of the intimate fellowship of the disciples, as he separated himself from the group to negotiate with their enemies.
Just before the Passover feast, one of Jesus' own disciples, Judas Iscariot, secretly went to the chief priests. Driven by greed and perhaps resentment over Jesus' recent rebuke, Judas offered to betray Jesus to them for a price, marking the beginning of his infamous bargain. This betrayal sets the stage for Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, which would occur during the very feast he was about to celebrate with his disciples.
Just before the Passover feast, one of Jesus' own disciples, Judas Iscariot, secretly went to the chief priests. Driven by greed and perhaps resentment over Jesus' recent rebuke, Judas offered to betray Jesus to them for a price, marking the beginning of his infamous bargain. This betrayal sets the stage for Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, which would occur during the very feast he was about to celebrate with his disciples.
"Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to be…" — The verse subtly highlights that Judas, "one of the twelve," acted alone. This choice of wording emphasizes the deep betrayal not just of Jesus, but of the intimate fellowship of the disciples, as he…
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Last reviewed October 2026
