Luke 22:48 Meaning and Explanation
“But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
King James Version (KJV)
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What Does Luke 22:48 Mean?
Jesus names the deed before it can hide: 'Judas' - the personal name - 'betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?' The question strips the signal of its disguise. Nothing in the verse is rage; everything in it is piercing.
It is the last recorded word of Jesus to Judas, and it is a question - the form love takes when it makes a final appeal to conscience. God's questions in Scripture ('Where art thou?' Genesis 3:9) are doors held open. Judas does not walk through. The verse warns that sacred gestures can be emptied by the heart behind them, and it witnesses that Christ appeals to the betrayer even in the moment of betrayal.
Luke 22:48 in the Original Language
philema (φίλημα), 'kiss' -- a kiss of greeting; the token of friendship and honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 22:48
What does Luke 22:48 mean?
Jesus confronts Judas: will he betray the Son of man with a kiss?