Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:48

"Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him." — Matthew 26:48 (ASV)

The need for pointing out the right man was especially acute, not only because it was dark, but because, in a time long before photography, the faces of even great celebrities would not be widely known. To identify Jesus, Judas chose the kiss, thereby turning it into a symbol of betrayal.

“Friend” is an open-hearted but not intimate greeting. The next words are either an imperative (as NIV), in which case Jesus has regained his poise and sovereignty, or a question (NIV note), which administers a rebuke steeped in the irony of professed ignorance that knows very well why Judas has come.