Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 26:16

"And from that time he sought opportunity to deliver him [unto them.]" — Matthew 26:16 (ASV)

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 that it would not be 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 Savior.

To betray him. The word means to deliver someone into the hands of an enemy by treachery or breach of trust, doing so 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 simply means to deliver up, or to hand over. He sought opportunity how he might deliver him up to them, according to the contract.