Mark 14:44
New International Version
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”

New Living Translation
The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.”

English Standard Version
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the one delivering Him up had given to them a sign, saying: "Whomever I shall kiss is He; seize Him and lead Him away securely."

King James Bible
And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

New King James Version
Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”

New American Standard Bible
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.”

NASB 1995
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”

NASB 1977
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him, and lead Him away under guard.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”

Amplified Bible
Now the betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away safely [under guard].”

Christian Standard Bible
His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His betrayer had given them a signal. “The One I kiss,” he said, “He’s the One; arrest Him and take Him away under guard.”

American Standard Version
Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Contemporary English Version
Judas had told them ahead of time, "Arrest the man I greet with a kiss. Tie him up tight and lead him away."

English Revised Version
Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, the traitor had given them a signal. He said, "The one I kiss is the man you want. Arrest him, and guard him closely as you take him away."

Good News Translation
The traitor had given the crowd a signal: "The man I kiss is the one you want. Arrest him and take him away under guard."

International Standard Version
Now the betrayer personally had given them a signal, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him, and lead him safely away."

Majority Standard Bible
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”

NET Bible
(Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.")

New Heart English Bible
Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he that betrayed him, had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Weymouth New Testament
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The one I kiss," he said, "is the man: lay hold of him, and take him safely away."

World English Bible
Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he who is delivering Him up had given a token to them, saying, “Whomsoever I will kiss, it is He, lay hold on Him, and lead Him away safely,”

Berean Literal Bible
And the one delivering Him up had given to them a sign, saying: "Whomever I shall kiss is He; seize Him and lead Him away securely."

Young's Literal Translation
and he who is delivering him up had given a token to them, saying, 'Whomsoever I shall kiss, he it is, lay hold on him, and lead him away safely,'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he delivering him up gave them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, this is he; seize him, and lead away safely.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that betrayed him, had given them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; lay hold on him, and lead him away carefully.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying: “He whom I shall kiss, it is he. Take hold of him, and lead him away cautiously.”

New American Bible
His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the traitor who was to do the delivering gave them a sign, and he said, He whom I kiss, it is he; seize him carefully, and take him away.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the traitor who betrayed him had given them a sign and he said, “He whom I shall kiss is the one; seize him securely and bring him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he that delivered him up had given them a sign, saying: The one that I shall kiss, is he; take him, and lead him away securely.

Godbey New Testament
And the one having betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, The one whom I shall kiss, is He: seize Him and lead Him away securely.

Haweis New Testament
Now he that betrayed him, had given them a countersign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, seize him, and lead him off safely.

Mace New Testament
now he that betrayed him, had given them this signal, you will see me salute one with a kiss, that's he: seize him, and don't let him escape.

Weymouth New Testament
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The one I kiss," he said, "is the man: lay hold of him, and take him safely away."

Worrell New Testament
Now he that was betraying Him gave them a signal, saying, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, This is He, take Him, and lead Him away securely."

Worsley New Testament
(Now the traitor had given them a sign, saying, The man, whom I shall kiss, is He; lay hold of Him and lead Him away safely:)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Betrayal of Jesus
43While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. 44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” 45Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.…

Cross References
Matthew 26:48
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:2-3
Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

Zechariah 11:12-13
Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

John 13:21-27
After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. / One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. ...

Acts 1:16-20
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. / He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” / (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. ...

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...

John 12:4-6
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, / “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” / Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

a token.

Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Joshua 2:12
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

Philippians 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Whomsoever.

2 Samuel 20:9,10
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him…

Psalm 55:20,21
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant…

Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

and lead.

1 Samuel 23:22,23
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly…

Acts 16:23
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

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Mark 14
1. A conspiracy against Jesus.
3. Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman.
10. Judas sells his Master for money.
12. Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;
22. after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;
26. declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial.
43. Judas betrays him with a kiss.
46. Jesus is apprehended in the garden;
53. falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;
65. shamefully abused by them;
66. and thrice denied by Peter.














Now the betrayer
The term "betrayer" refers to Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The Greek word used here is "παραδιδούς" (paradidous), which means "one who hands over" or "delivers up." This word choice emphasizes the gravity of Judas's actions, as he is not merely betraying a friend but delivering the Son of God into the hands of His enemies. Historically, Judas's betrayal is one of the most infamous acts of treachery, highlighting the theme of human frailty and the fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold in Psalm 41:9.

had arranged a signal with them
The phrase indicates a premeditated plan. The Greek word "συνέθετο" (sunetheto) implies a deliberate agreement or arrangement. This reflects the calculated nature of Judas's betrayal, contrasting with the innocence and purity of Jesus. The "signal" was necessary due to the darkness of the night and the need to identify Jesus among His disciples. This act of betrayal was not spontaneous but carefully orchestrated, underscoring the depth of Judas's betrayal.

The one I kiss
In the cultural and historical context of the time, a kiss was a common greeting among friends and a sign of respect and affection. The Greek word "φιλήσω" (phileso) is derived from "phileo," meaning to love or have affection for. Judas's use of a kiss as a signal for betrayal is particularly poignant and ironic, as it turns an act of love into one of treachery. This highlights the theme of hypocrisy and the perversion of what is good for evil purposes.

is the man
This phrase identifies Jesus as the target of the betrayal. The Greek "ἐστιν" (estin) simply means "is," but its use here is declarative and definitive. It underscores the certainty and finality of Judas's actions. Jesus, referred to as "the man," emphasizes His humanity, which He took on to fulfill His mission of salvation. This moment marks the beginning of His Passion, where He willingly submits to suffering for the redemption of mankind.

arrest Him
The command to "arrest" Jesus is a directive to the soldiers and officials present. The Greek word "κρατήσατε" (kratēsate) means to seize or take hold of. This action signifies the physical apprehension of Jesus, who, despite His divine power, allows Himself to be taken. This submission is a fulfillment of His mission and a demonstration of His obedience to the Father's will, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:7.

and lead Him away securely
The phrase "lead Him away securely" indicates the intent to ensure Jesus is taken without resistance or escape. The Greek "ἀπάγετε ἀσφαλῶς" (apagete asphalōs) suggests a cautious and guarded approach. This reflects the authorities' fear of Jesus's influence and the potential for unrest among His followers. Historically, this moment is pivotal, as it sets in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, where Jesus's sacrificial love and redemptive purpose are fully revealed.

(44) Take him.--Better, seize.

Verse 44. - Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsosver I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely. Why was Judas so anxious that Christ should be secured? Perhaps because he feared a rescue, or because he feared lest our Lord should hide himself by an exercise of his miraculous power; and so Judas might lose the thirty pieces of silver.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

betrayer
παραδιδοὺς (paradidous)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

had arranged
Δεδώκει (Dedōkei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

a signal
σύσσημον (syssēmon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4953: A signal agreed upon. Neuter of a compound of sun and the base of semaino; a sign in common, i.e. Preconcerted signal.

with them:
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“The One
Ὃν (Hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I kiss
φιλήσω (philēsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5368: From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the man];
αὐτός (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

arrest
κρατήσατε (kratēsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2902: From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.

Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

lead [Him] away
ἀπάγετε (apagete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 520: To lead, carry, take away; met: To be led astray, seduced. From apo and ago; to take off.

securely.”
ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 806: Safely, securely, assuredly, certainly. Adverb from asphales; securely.


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