Discovery BoxMatthew 26:47-54 
Context26:47 While he was still speaking, Judas, 1 one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 26:48 (Now the betrayer 2 had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. 3 Arrest him!”) 4 26:49 Immediately 5 he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. 6 26:50 Jesus 7 said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and took hold 8 of Jesus and arrested him. 26:51 But 9 one of those with Jesus grabbed 10 his sword, drew it out, and struck the high priest’s slave, 11 cutting off his ear. 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place! 12 For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword. 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions 13 of angels right now? 26:54 How then would the scriptures that say it must happen this way be fulfilled?”
1 tn Grk “behold, Judas.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
2 tn Grk “the one who betrays him.”
3 tn Grk “The one I kiss is he.”
4 sn This remark is parenthetical within the narrative and has thus been placed in parentheses.
5 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
6 sn Judas’ act of betrayal when he kissed Jesus is especially sinister when it is realized that it was common in the culture of the times for a disciple to kiss his master when greeting him.
7 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
8 tn Grk “and put their hands on Jesus.”
9 tn Grk “And behold one.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
10 tn Grk “extending his hand, drew out his sword, and struck.” Because rapid motion is implied in the circumstances, the translation “grabbed” was used.
11 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 8:9.
12 tn The translation “put your sword back in its place” for this phrase is given in L&N 85.52.
13 sn A legion was a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers, so twelve legions would be 72,000.
