ContradictionsReading order 458Bible context 2 min read
Did Judas identify Jesus with a kiss?
The arrest accounts give identification to Judas' kiss in Matthew and Mark, but to Jesus' own declaration in John.
- Textual conflict
- Weak contradiction
- The supplied passages do not establish incompatible claims. Different events, meanings, or conditions may account for the difference.
- Importance
- Major
- A major event or claim with wider implications.
Jesus' self-identification in John does not explicitly deny Judas' kiss narrated in the other arrest accounts.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Judas uses or approaches for a kiss at the arrest
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Matthew 26:47-49
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Matthew 26
And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 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. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him