Matthew 26:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And from that time he was watching for a chance to give him into their hands.
Webster's Revision
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
World English Bible
From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.
Clarke's Matthew 26:16 Bible Commentary
He sought opportunity - Ευκαιριαν, a convenient or fit opportunity. Men seldom leave a crime imperfect: when once sin is conceived, it meets, in general, with few obstacles, till it brings forth death. How deceitful, how deeply damning, is the love of money! Well might a heathen exclaim, while contemplating the grave of a person who was murdered for the sake of his wealth: -
- Quid non mortalia pectora cogis Auri Sacra Fames?
Virg. Aen. iii.56
"O! cursed lust of gold! what wilt thou not compel the human heart to perpetrate?"
Judas is deservedly considered as one of the most infamous of men, his conduct base beyond description, and his motives vile. But how many, since his time, have walked in the same way! How many, for the sake of worldly wealth, have renounced the religion of their Lord and Master, and sold Jesus, and their interest in heaven, for a short-lived portion of secular good! From John 12:6, we learn that Judas, who was treasurer to our Lord and his disciples, (for he carried the bag), was a thief, and frequently purloined a portion of what was given for the support of this holy family. Being disappointed of the prey he hoped to have from the sale of the precious ointment, Matthew 26:9, he sold his Master to make up the sum. A thorough Jew!
Barnes's Matthew 26:16 Bible Commentary
Sought opportunity to betray him - Luke adds, "in the absence of the multitude." This was the chief difficulty - to deliver him into the hands of the priests so as not to have it known by the people, or so as not to excite tumult.
The "opportunity" which he sought, therefore, was one in which the multitude would not see him, or could not rescue the Saviour.
To betray him - The word "betray" commonly means to deliver into the hands of an enemy by treachery or breach of trust; to do it while friendship or faithfulness is "professed." All this took place in the case of Judas. But the word in the original does not necessarily imply this. It means simply to "deliver up," or to give into their hands. He sought opportunity "how he might deliver him up to them," agreeably to the contract.