27b. Und als er noch redete | Matthäus-Passion Unraveled

Interpretation

The famous Judas kiss. This is one of the most dramatic moments in the entire gospel story. Judas uses a sign of love and respect (the kiss) as a weapon of betrayal.

Jesus' response is remarkable: he calls Judas 'my friend' (Mein Freund). No condemnation, no anger, only a question. This shows Jesus' humanity and forgiveness, even in the moment of his arrest. The music here is brief and matter-of-fact, without much emotion in the Evangelist's part.

The Arrest

Und als er noch redete

Recitative

•Evangelist, Jesus, Judas

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No. 27bpart_31

Evangelist

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying: "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast." And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said:

Judas

Hail, Master!

Evangelist

And kissed him. And Jesus said unto him:

Jesus

Friend, wherefore art thou come?

Evangelist

Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

German

English

Evangelist

Und als er noch redete, siehe, da kam Judas, der Zwölfen einer, und mit ihm eine große Schar mit Schwertern und mit Stangen, von den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten des Volks. Und der Verräter hatte ihnen ein Zeichen gegeben, und gesagt: "Welchen ich küssen werde, der ist's, den greifet!" Und alsbald trat er zu Jesum, und sprach:

Evangelist

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying: "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast." And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said:

Judas

Gegrüßet seist du, Rabbi!

Judas

Hail, Master!

Evangelist

Und küssete ihn. Jesus aber sprach zu ihm:

Evangelist

And kissed him. And Jesus said unto him:

Jesus

Mein Freund, warum bist du kommen?

Jesus

Friend, wherefore art thou come?

Evangelist

Da traten sie hinzu, und legten die Hände an Jesum, und griffen ihn.

Evangelist

Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Modern adaptation

While Jesus was still talking, Judas arrived with a large group of armed men. The betrayer had arranged: 'The one I kiss, that's him.' He walked up to Jesus, said 'Greetings, Rabbi' and kissed him. Jesus asked: 'Friend, why are you here?' Then they seized him.

Chapters

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St Matthew Passion