New Testament
Matthew 26:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then one of the 12 disciples, Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests.
Compare translations
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
What Matthew 26:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus' betrayal. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, makes a significant decision to approach the chief priests. This act signifies his willingness to betray Jesus for personal gain. The mention of Judas as one of the twelve highlights the gravity of his betrayal, as he was part of Jesus' inner circle. The chief priests, who were the religious leaders of the time, were seeking a way to arrest Jesus, and Judas' approach to them indicates a conspiracy against Jesus. This moment sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Judas' actions serve as a reminder of the dangers of greed and betrayal, even among those who are close to the truth. It illustrates how one can be part of a community of faith yet choose a path that leads away from it, driven by selfish motives.
How to apply Matthew 26:14 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own loyalties and choices. Are we aligning ourselves with truth and integrity, or are we tempted by personal gain? It serves as a reminder to stay true to our values and the teachings of Jesus, even when faced with difficult decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 26:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 26:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:14 mean?
Matthew 26:14 describes Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, going to the chief priests to betray Jesus. This act signifies a crucial moment in the narrative, highlighting themes of betrayal and the consequences of greed.
Who is Judas Iscariot in Matthew 26:14?
Judas Iscariot is one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. In this verse, he is depicted as the one who decides to betray Jesus, making his actions particularly significant given his close relationship with Jesus.
What themes are present in Matthew 26:14?
Key themes in Matthew 26:14 include betrayal, discipleship, greed, and conspiracy. The verse illustrates the conflict between loyalty to Jesus and the temptation of personal gain.
What can we learn from Matthew 26:14?
Matthew 26:14 encourages reflection on our own loyalties and decisions. It serves as a reminder to prioritize truth and integrity over personal gain, even in challenging situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.