Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 26:49

"And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him." — Matthew 26:49 (ASV)

Hail, Master. The word translated hail here means to rejoice, to have joy, and also to have cause of joy. It thus expresses the joy that one friend has when he meets another, especially after an absence. It was used by the Jews and Greeks as a mode of salutation among friends. It would seem here to express the joy of Judas at finding his Master and again being with him.

Master. In the original, Rabbi. See the notes on Matthew 23:7.

Kissed him. Gave him the common salutation of friends when meeting after absence. This mode of salutation was more common among eastern nations than with us.