Matthew 26:25

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Matthew 26:25 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the Last Supper narrative, where Jesus has just announced that one of the Twelve will betray Him (Matthew 26:21-24). The disciples, distressed, ask one by one, “Lord, is it I?” Judas, who has already agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), joins in and asks, “Master, is it I?”

Meaning

Judas’s question reveals his hypocrisy: he knows his own intentions, yet he feigns innocence. Jesus’ reply, “Thou hast said,” is a solemn affirmation—an idiomatic way of saying, “You have said it; you are the man.” This confirms Judas’s guilt without publicly naming him to the others, yet it is a clear and direct answer to Judas’s question. The Greek text uses the present participle for “betraying,” indicating Judas’s ongoing action, not merely a future event.

Biblical connections

This exchange highlights human responsibility and divine sovereignty: Judas freely chose betrayal, yet God’s purpose is still accomplished. Jesus’ omniscience is evident—nothing is hidden from Him, and He sees the intentions of every heart.

Application

Judas’s question invites self-examination. Believers are urged to inspect their motives and seek repentance when sinful tendencies are recognized. The verse underscores the seriousness of betraying the Son of Man, as Jesus had just pronounced a woe on the betrayer (Matthew 26:24). It also reveals Jesus’ patience and truthfulness in the face of treachery, showing that He went to the cross in full knowledge of the betrayal.

Reflection

Jesus was not taken by surprise. His sovereign knowledge and control over the unfolding events bring comfort, assuring believers that even in betrayal and suffering, God’s purposes prevail.