New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:25

The Last Supper

Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Matthew 26:25 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:25, in plain English

Judas asks the same question as everyone else — surely not I, Rabbi? — and Jesus answers: you have said it yourself.

Why it's here

Notice that Judas calls Jesus 'Rabbi' (Teacher) while the other disciples called Him 'Lord.' Even his words reveal the distance growing in his heart.

Who's speaking

Judas speaks to Jesus, and Jesus gives a quiet but unmistakable answer.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus does not shout or accuse. He simply reflects the truth back at Judas: you already know the answer.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Judas addresses Jesus as 'Rabbi' (rather than 'Lord' as the others used), and Jesus responds with the ambiguous 'you have said so' (sy eipas), a characteristic Matthean affirmation.

Language and setting

The shift from kyrios (Lord) to rabbi (teacher) in Judas' address is significant — it may signal Judas' failure to recognize Jesus' divine authority, reducing Him to a mere teacher.

Voice

Judas speaks to Jesus, and Jesus responds with a phrase that both confirms and distances.

Significance

The subtle difference in address — Rabbi instead of Lord — reveals Judas' inner estrangement even as he sits at the same table.

In context

Matthew 26:23–27

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.”

27Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

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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