Matthew 26:48

A sign. Gr. semeion. Mark uses the word sussemon, a word common in ancient Greek for a signal agreed upon in advance. At night, and in a large throng, the Jews feared that they might arrest the wrong person, and that He whom they sought to arrest might escape. Perhaps, also, they feared a struggle.

Kiss. A common mode of greeting in ancient times, as in some parts of the world even today (see Luke 7:45; Acts 20:37; 1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14; etc.). It was no doubt particularly appropriate that a disciple should salute his master in this way. See Prov. 27:6.

Hold him fast. This may imply that Judas had no intention of assisting in the actual seizure of Jesus, that with the identifying kiss he considered his part of the bargain discharged and he would not be considered responsible for what might happen after that point. Some have suggested the meaning, “hold him safely,” that is, without injuring him.