Why Are You Here?
Why Are You Here?
Jesus said to him, `Friend, why are you here?' (Matt. 26:50)
These are the words spoken by Jesus to Judas on receiving the traitor's kiss from him in Gethsemane, as rendered in the RSV text. Almost certainly they are a mistranslation. The alternative rendering given in the margin or footnote is better: `do that for which you have come'. Similarly the NEB text gives the rendering: `Friend, do what you are here to do'; the NIV text says, `Friend, do what you came for.'
The Greek word translated `friend' is used by Matthew alone of the New Testament writers; it might be translated `companion', `comrade' or `mate'. Judas is the only person whom Jesus addresses thus. The same vocative is used in two parables: by the owner of the vineyard to the workman who protested at the lavishness with which the last-hired men were paid (Matt. 20:13; see p. 197) and by the king who gave a marriage feast for his son to the man who came without a wedding garment (Matt. 22:12; see p. 206). On Jesus's lips it was particularly appropriate as a term of address to a man who, an hour or two before, had sat at table with him and `dipped his hand in the dish' with him (Matt. 26:23).
The rest of the sentence might be translated literally `that for which you are here'. It seems to be an adjectival clause; the principal clause would then be an imperative like `Do'. The clause has turned up as an inscription on a few goblets of the New Testament period, suitable for use at drinking parties, where the principal verb supplied is `Be of good cheer' or `Enjoy yourself'.' The complete inscription means `Enjoy yourself; that's what you're here for.' Matthew uses the clause in a much more solemn, and indeed tragic, setting; but his meaning is illuminated by the inscription. Jesus says in effect to Judas, `You know what you are here for; get on with it!'
One further suggestion is that the clause might be an exclamation, as though Jesus said, `Friend, what a thing you are here for!' But it is best to take it as an adjectival clause, and to render the words, `Friend, do what you have come to do.'