THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 26 - Verse 49

Verse 49. Hail, Master. The word translated hail, here means, to rejoice, to have joy; and also to have cause of joy. It thus expresses the joy which one friend has when he meets another, especially after an absence. It was used by the Jews and Greeks as a mode of salutation among friends. It would here seem to express the joy of Judas at finding his Master, and again being with him.

Master. In the original, Rabbi. See Barnes "Mt 23:7".

Kissed him. Gave him the common salutation of friends, when meeting after absence. This mode of salutation was more common among eastern nations than with us.

{t} "kissed him" 2 Sa 3:27; 20:9; Ps 28:3