New International VersionNow 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 TranslationThe 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 VersionNow 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 BibleNow the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 VersionNow 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 BibleNow 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 1995Now 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 1977Now 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 BibleNow 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 BibleNow 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 BibleHis 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 BibleHis 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 VersionNow 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 VersionJudas had told them ahead of time, "Arrest the man I greet with a kiss. Tie him up tight and lead him away."
English Revised VersionNow 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® TranslationNow, 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 TranslationThe 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 VersionNow the betrayer personally had given them a signal, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him, and lead him safely away."
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 BibleNow 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 TranslationAnd 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 TestamentNow 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." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”
World English BibleNow 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 Versionand 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 BibleAnd 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 TranslationAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 VersionNow 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 BibleHis 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 VersionNow 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 BibleAnd 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 EnglishAnd 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 TestamentAnd 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 TestamentAnd 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 TestamentNow 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 Testamentnow 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 TestamentNow 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 TestamentNow 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 Jesus43While 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. 44Nowthebetrayerhad arrangeda signalwith them:“The OneI kissisthe man;arrestHimandlead Him awaysecurely.”45Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.…
Cross References Matthew 26:48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”
Luke 22:47-48While 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 18:2-3Now 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 41:9Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
2 Samuel 15:12While 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 11:12-13Then 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 13:21-27After 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 26:14-16Then 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 22:3-6Then 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 12:4-6But 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 55:12-14For 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 27:6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Matthew 27:3-5When 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 6:70-71Jesus 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 yeare: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroyyou, 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 Faithfulare the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemyare 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 methat he dealeth very subtilly… Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they castthem into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Jump to Previous ArrangedBetrayedBetrayerBetrayingDeliveredDeliveringFalse.GuardHoldKissLeadSafelySeizeSignSignalTokenWhomeverWhomsoeverJump to Next ArrangedBetrayedBetrayerBetrayingDeliveredDeliveringFalse.GuardHoldKissLeadSafelySeizeSignSignalTokenWhomeverWhomsoeverMark 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 had arranged a signal with them:Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, is the betrayer. His actions fulfill the prophecy found in Psalm 41:9, where a close friend turns against the psalmist. The arrangement of a signal indicates premeditation and a calculated betrayal. In the cultural context of the time, signals were often used in covert operations to ensure the correct person was identified, especially in a crowded or dark setting like the Garden of Gethsemane at night. “The One I kiss is the man;
A kiss was a common greeting in Jewish culture, symbolizing respect and affection. Judas's use of a kiss as a signal for betrayal is particularly heinous, as it perverts a gesture of friendship into one of treachery. This act highlights the depth of Judas's betrayal, as he uses an intimate gesture to identify Jesus to His enemies. The kiss also serves as a stark contrast to the love and loyalty expected among Jesus's followers. arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”
The instruction to arrest Jesus and lead Him away securely suggests that Judas and the authorities anticipated resistance or an attempt by Jesus's followers to prevent His capture. This reflects the tension and volatility of the situation, as Jesus was a well-known figure with a significant following. The phrase underscores the authorities' desire to ensure Jesus's capture without incident, highlighting their fear of public unrest or a potential uprising. This moment sets in motion the fulfillment of Jesus's own predictions about His suffering and death, as seen inMark 8:31 andMark 10:33-34. Persons / Places / Events 1. Judas IscariotOne of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. His actions fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about betrayal. 2. Jesus ChristThe central figure of Christianity, who was betrayed by Judas, leading to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. 3. The Chief Priests and ScribesReligious leaders who sought to arrest Jesus and were complicit in His betrayal and eventual crucifixion. 4. The Garden of GethsemaneThe place where Jesus was praying with His disciples when Judas arrived with the crowd to arrest Him. 5. The CrowdA group of soldiers and officials sent by the chief priests to arrest Jesus, led by Judas. Teaching Points The Nature of BetrayalBetrayal often comes from those closest to us. Judas, a disciple, used a sign of affection—a kiss—to betray Jesus. This teaches us to be discerning in our relationships and to seek wisdom in trusting others. Fulfillment of ProphecyJudas's actions were a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the reliability of Scripture. This encourages believers to trust in God's plan and His Word. The Cost of SinJudas's betrayal for thirty pieces of silver highlights the danger of valuing material wealth over spiritual truth. Believers are reminded to prioritize their relationship with Christ over worldly gains. Security in ChristDespite the betrayal and arrest, Jesus remained in control, fulfilling His mission. This assures believers that even in times of trial, Christ is sovereign and His purposes will prevail. Repentance and ForgivenessJudas's account contrasts with Peter's denial and subsequent repentance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the forgiveness available through Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:44?
2.How does Judas' betrayal in Mark 14:44 challenge our understanding of loyalty?
3.What can we learn about human nature from Judas' actions in Mark 14:44?
4.How does Mark 14:44 connect with Old Testament prophecies about betrayal?
5.In what ways can we guard against betrayal in our own spiritual lives?
6.How should Mark 14:44 influence our response to personal betrayal by others?
7.Why did Judas choose a kiss to betray Jesus in Mark 14:44?
8.What does Judas' betrayal reveal about human nature and sin?
9.How does Mark 14:44 challenge the concept of loyalty among Jesus' followers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.How can I cope with the pain of betrayal?
12.What does secretive action between hands signify?
13.What does "betrayed with a kiss" mean?
14.What events occurred during Jesus' final hours?What Does Mark 14:44 Mean Now the betrayerJudas Iscariot steps onto center stage as “the betrayer.” •John 13:2 notes that “the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas…to betray Him,” highlighting the spiritual battle behind the scene. •Psalm 41:9 foretold, “Even my close friend…has lifted up his heel against me,” underscoring fulfilled prophecy. • The label reminds us that betrayal comes from someone who walked with Jesus, a sober warning about hardened hearts despite proximity to truth.
had arranged a signal with themPlanning, secrecy, and agreement mark Judas’s deal with the chief priests and temple guard (Luke 22:3-6). • He doesn’t improvise; he “arranged,” showing premeditation for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). • The authorities feared the crowds (Mark 14:2), so a private signal in the night lets them strike while most are sleeping.
“The One I kiss is the manThe kiss, normally a warm greeting (Romans 16:16), becomes a weapon. •Proverbs 27:6 observes, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Judas personifies that proverb. • Jesus receives a sign of affection that hides treachery—yet He knowingly allows it (John 18:4-5), emphasizing His voluntary submission.
arrest HimThe temple guard will seize the sinless Son of God. •Isaiah 53:7 predicted, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter,” and Jesus offers no resistance (Matthew 26:50-54). •John 10:18 reminds us that no one takes His life from Him; He lays it down of His own accord. The arrest advances divine redemption, not Judas’s agenda alone.
and lead Him away securelyJudas insists on tight custody, fearing Jesus might slip through their grasp as before (John 7:30; 8:59; 10:39). • He assumes earthly force can control heavenly power, yet Jesus could summon “more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53). • The phrase exposes Judas’s blindness: the true security plan is God’s, ensuring the cross and resurrection happen right on schedule (Acts 2:23).
summaryMark 14:44 paints a chilling portrait of calculated betrayal: Judas, driven by greed and satanic influence, arranges a covert signal—a kiss of false affection—to ensure Jesus is arrested without public uproar. Yet every detail fulfills Scripture and fits God’s sovereign plan for redemption. The verse warns against a heart that can walk with Christ yet turn against Him, while also assuring believers that even treachery cannot derail the Father’s purposes. (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 Nowδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theὁ(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.betrayerπαραδιδοὺς(paradidous)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3860:From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.had arrangedΔεδώκει(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 signalσύσσημον(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 OneὋν(Hon)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.I kissφιλήσω(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.isἐστιν(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.arrestκρατήσατε(kratēsate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2902:From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.Himαὐτὸν(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.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.lead [Him] awayἀπάγετε(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.
Links Mark 14:44 NIVMark 14:44 NLTMark 14:44 ESVMark 14:44 NASBMark 14:44 KJV
Mark 14:44 BibleApps.comMark 14:44 Biblia ParalelaMark 14:44 Chinese BibleMark 14:44 French BibleMark 14:44 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Mark 14:44 Now he who betrayed him had given (Mar Mk Mr) |
