“He Became a Traitor”: The Syntax of Naming and Becoming in Luke 6:16

Ἰούδαν Ἰακώβου καὶ Ἰούδαν Ἰσκαριώτην, ὃς καὶ ἐγένετο προδότης. (Luke 6:16)

Two Judases, One Destiny

This verse closes Luke’s listing of the Twelve apostles by presenting two men with the same name: Ἰούδας. Yet one carries a quiet lineage, and the other, a thunderclap of betrayal. The Greek grammar subtly separates identity from destiny by combining genitives of relation and an aorist verb of becoming—framing one man’s tragic transition.

Dissecting the Syntax and Identity

Greek Expression Grammatical Function Interpretive Note
Ἰούδαν Ἰακώβου Accusative of proper name + genitive of relationship “Judas [son or brother] of James”—likely distinguishing him from the other Judas
καὶ Ἰούδαν Ἰσκαριώτην Coordinated accusative noun + adjectival qualifier “And Judas Iscariot”—possibly from ‘ish Qeriyot (“man of Kerioth”)
ὃς καὶ ἐγένετο προδότης Relative pronoun + aorist middle verb + predicate noun “Who also became a traitor”—a sobering clause indicating change in moral character

Grammatical and Theological Observations

  • Use of Genitive: The phrase Ἰακώβου identifies familial connection—common in Semitic naming, and here used to disambiguate the lesser-known Judas.
  • Adjectival Identity: The form Ἰσκαριώτην functions adjectivally, distinguishing Judas of Kerioth from the rest. This location marker ironically becomes infamous through association.
  • Aorist of Becoming: ἐγένετο (he became) is key. Judas was not introduced as a traitor but shown to become one. Luke uses this to underscore development, not fate.
  • Stylistic Contrast: The gentle coordination of names is broken by the final clause—an abrupt moral verdict, turning the list into a literary dagger.

The Name That Shifted

Luke 6:16 is not merely administrative—it’s prophetic. The grammar marks a shift: one Judas remains known by family; the other, by betrayal. Through participial balance, genitive detail, and a deliberate use of the aorist ἐγένετο, Luke frames Judas Iscariot not as doomed, but as one who changed. The traitor was not born—but became.

About Greek Insights

Applying Biblical Truth through Greek Understanding. Learning Greek for New Testament exegesis is essential for uncovering the depth and precision of the biblical text. The original Greek language of the New Testament carries nuances, grammatical structures, and wordplays that are often lost or flattened in translation. By engaging directly with the Greek, interpreters gain access to richer theological insights, more accurate contextual understanding, and a clearer grasp of the author’s intent. This linguistic foundation empowers students and teachers of Scripture to apply biblical truth with greater fidelity and depth, bridging the ancient text with contemporary life. In this way, Greek is not merely an academic tool but a vital means of faithfully discerning and communicating the message of the New Testament.
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