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Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Verse Takeaways
1
A "Friend" in Name Only
Commentators explain that the Greek word Jesus uses for "Friend" is not a term of warm affection, but one closer to "companion" or "fellow." It was often used to address someone in a neutral or even confrontational way. Jesus isn't being naive; He is using a word that precisely highlights the tragic nature of being betrayed by a trusted associate.
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Matthew
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
And Jesus said to him, Friend. It seems strange to us that Jesus should give the endeared name friend to a man whom he knew was h…
Do that for which thou art come (εφ' ο παρε). Moffatt and Goodspeed take it: "Do your errand." There has been a deal of trouble ov…
19th Century
Anglican
Friend, why have you come? The word for “friend” used here is the same as in Matthew 20:13 and Matthew 22:12. The terms “comrade” or the o…
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Baptist
The meek and lowly Jesus spoke not as any mere man might have done under such circumstances. He did not address Judas as, “Wretch!” or, “Miscreant!…
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 fac…
16th Century
Protestant
Friend, for what purpose do you come? Luke expresses it more fully: Judas, do you betray the Son of man with a kiss? except that …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And Jesus said to him, friend. Not in an ironical and sarcastic way, but because he pretended to be his friend, by saluti…
No enemies are to be abhorred as much as those professed disciples who betray Christ with a kiss. God has no need of our services, much less of our…
13th Century
Catholic
Here, the events preparatory to the Passion were related, namely, the institution of the Sacrament and Christ’s prayer. Here, however, the Evangeli…
