New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:24

The Last Supper

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Matthew 26:24 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:24, in plain English

Jesus says He will go as Scripture has written, but warns that it would be better for the betrayer if he had never been born.

Why it's here

This is one of the heaviest statements Jesus ever makes. God's plan will move forward, but the person who betrays Jesus carries a burden beyond imagining.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with both acceptance of His destiny and sorrow for the one who will betray Him.

Where it sits in the story

There is both resolve and grief in these words. Jesus accepts what is coming, but He does not pretend the betrayal is anything less than catastrophic for Judas.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus affirms that His death fulfills Scripture (kathos gegraptai) while pronouncing woe (ouai) upon the betrayer, holding divine sovereignty and human responsibility in tension.

Language and setting

This verse encapsulates a central theological paradox: the crucifixion is both divinely ordained and humanly culpable. 'It would be better for him if he had not been born' is a Semitic expression for ultimate disaster.

Voice

Jesus speaks with prophetic authority, declaring both the necessity and the tragedy of the betrayal.

Significance

Jesus does not soften the truth: what is about to happen must happen, but the one who makes it happen bears a devastating responsibility.

In context

Matthew 26:22–26

22They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”

23Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me.

24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”

Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.

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