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Matthew 26
Lexham English Bible

The Chief Priests and Elders Plot to Kill Jesus

26 And it happened that when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover takes place, and the Son of Man will be handed over[a] in order to be crucified.”

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was named Caiaphas, 4 and plotted in order that they could arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.[b] 5 But they were saying, “Not during the feast, so that there will not be an uproar among the people.”

Jesus’ Anointing at Bethany

6 Now while[c] Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him holding an alabaster flask of very expensive perfumed oil, and poured it[d] out on his head while he[e] was reclining at table. 8 And when[f] the disciples saw it[g] they were indignant, saying, “Why[h] this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor!” 10 But Jesus, knowing this,[i] said to them, “Why do you cause trouble for the woman? For she has done a good deed for me. 11 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me. 12 For when[j] this woman poured this ointment on my body, she did it[k] in order to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Judas Arranges to Betray Jesus

14 Then one of the twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and[l] said, “What are you willing to give me if I in turn deliver him to you?” So they set out for him thirty silver coins. 16 And from that time on, he began seeking a favorable opportunity in order that he could betray him.

Jesus’ Final Passover with the Disciples

17 Now on the first day[m] of the feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came up to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 And he said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am celebrating the Passover with you with my disciples.”’ 19 And the disciples did as Jesus directed them, and they prepared the Passover. 20 And when it[n] was evening, he was reclining at table with the twelve disciples.[o] 21 And while[p] they were eating he said, “Truly I say to you, that one of you will betray me.” 22 And greatly distressed, each one began to say to him, “Surely I am not he, am I,[q] Lord?” 23 And he answered and[r] said, “The one who dips his[s] hand in the bowl with me—this one will betray me. 24 The Son of Man is going just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if that man had not been born.” 25 And Judas, the one who was betraying him, answered and[t] said, “Surely I am not he, am I,[u] Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said it.”[v]

The Lord’s Supper

26 Now while[w] they were eating Jesus took bread and, after[x] giving thanks, he broke it,[y] and giving it[z] to the disciples, he said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” 27 And after[aa] taking the cup and giving thanks he gave it[ab] to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, from now on I will never drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.” 30 And after they[ac] had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me during this night, for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[ad]

32 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 But Peter answered and[ae] said to him, “If they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away!” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that during this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times!” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if it is necessary for me to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the disciples said the same thing.

The Prayer in Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and[af] pray.” 37 And taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be distressed and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 And going forward a little he fell down on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”[ag] 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, were you not able to stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!” 42 Again for the second time he went away and[ah] prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will must be done.” 43 And he came again and[ai] found them sleeping, for they could not keep their eyes open.[aj] 44 And leaving them again, he went away and[ak] prayed for the third time, saying the same thing again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us go! Behold, the one who is betraying me is approaching!”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 And while[al] he was still speaking, behold, Judas—one of the twelve—arrived, and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now the one who was betraying him had given them a sign, saying, “The one whom I kiss—he is the one.[am] Arrest him!” 49 And he came up to Jesus immediately and[an] said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do that[ao] for which you have come.”[ap] Then they came up and[aq] laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

51 And behold, one of those with Jesus extended his[ar] hand and[as] drew his sword, and striking the slave of the high priest, cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place! For all who take up the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call upon my Father, and he would put at my disposal at once more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then would the scriptures be fulfilled that it must happen in this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as against a robber, to arrest me? Every day in the temple courts[at] I sat teaching, and you did not arrest me! 56 But all this has happened in order that the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then the disciples all abandoned him and[au] fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

57 Now those who had arrested Jesus led him[av] away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 But Peter was following him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. And he went inside and[aw] was sitting with the officers to see the outcome. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order that they could put him to death. 60 And they did not find it,[ax] although[ay] many false witnesses came forward. And finally two came forward 61 and[az] said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it[ba] within three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and[bb] said to him, “Do you reply nothing? What are these people testifying against you?” 63 But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath by the living God, that you tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it.[bc] But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power[bd] and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have just now heard the blasphemy! 66 What do you think?” And they answered and[be] said, “He deserves death!”[bf] 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists, and they slapped him,[bg] 68 saying, “Prophesy for us, you Christ! Who is it who hit you?”

Peter Denies Jesus Three Times

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a female slave came up to him and[bh] said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it[bi] in the presence of them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean!” 71 And when he[bj] went out to the gateway, another female slave[bk] saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.” 72 And again he denied it[bl] with an oath, “I do not know the man!” 73 And after a little while those who were standing there came up and[bm] said to Peter, “You really are one of them also, because even your accent reveals who you are.”[bn] 74 Then he began to curse and to swear with an oath, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the statement Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times,” and he went outside and[bo] wept bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:2 Or “will be delivered up”
  2. Matthew 26:4 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  3. Matthew 26:6 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was”)
  4. Matthew 26:7 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  5. Matthew 26:7 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was reclining at table”)
  6. Matthew 26:8 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal
  7. Matthew 26:8 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  8. Matthew 26:8 Literally “for what” reason
  9. Matthew 26:10 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  10. Matthew 26:12 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“poured”) which is understood as temporal
  11. Matthew 26:12 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  12. Matthew 26:15 Here “and” is supplied because the participle in the previous verse (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb
  13. Matthew 26:17 Here the word “day” is not in the Greek text but is implied
  14. Matthew 26:20 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was”)
  15. Matthew 26:20 Some manuscripts omit “disciples”
  16. Matthew 26:21 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“were eating”)
  17. Matthew 26:22 Literally “surely I am not”; the negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by “am I”
  18. Matthew 26:23 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  19. Matthew 26:23 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  20. Matthew 26:25 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  21. Matthew 26:25 Literally “surely I am not”; the negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by “am I”
  22. Matthew 26:25 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  23. Matthew 26:26 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“were eating”)
  24. Matthew 26:26 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“giving thanks”) which is understood as temporal
  25. Matthew 26:26 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  26. Matthew 26:26 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  27. Matthew 26:27 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“taking”) which is understood as temporal
  28. Matthew 26:27 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  29. Matthew 26:30 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had sung the hymn”) which is understood as temporal
  30. Matthew 26:31 A quotation from Zech 13:7
  31. Matthew 26:33 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  32. Matthew 26:36 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb
  33. Matthew 26:39 *Here the verb “will” is an understood repetition of the verb earlier in this verse
  34. Matthew 26:42 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“went away”) has been translated as a finite verb
  35. Matthew 26:43 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came again”) has been translated as a finite verb
  36. Matthew 26:43 Literally “for their eyes were weighed down”
  37. Matthew 26:44 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“went away”) has been translated as a finite verb
  38. Matthew 26:47 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was … speaking”)
  39. Matthew 26:48 *Here the predicate nominative (“the one”) is implied
  40. Matthew 26:49 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  41. Matthew 26:50 The words “do that” are not in the Greek text but are implied
  42. Matthew 26:50 The meaning of this phrase is disputed: (1) some take it as a declarative (as in the translation); (2) others understand it as some form of a question, often with supplied words: (a) “Friend, are you misusing the kiss for that purpose for which you are here?” (b) “Friend, in connection with that for which you have appeared do you kiss me?” (c) “Friend, are you here for this purpose?” (d) “Friend, what are you here for?”; this last option, though often suggested, is doubtful because of lack of evidence for the relative pronoun used as an interrogative in direct questions
  43. Matthew 26:50 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  44. Matthew 26:51 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  45. Matthew 26:51 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“extended”) has been translated as a finite verb
  46. Matthew 26:55 Here “courts” is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
  47. Matthew 26:56 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“abandoned”) has been translated as a finite verb
  48. Matthew 26:57 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  49. Matthew 26:58 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb
  50. Matthew 26:60 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  51. Matthew 26:60 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“came forward”) which is understood as concessive
  52. Matthew 26:61 Here “and” is supplied because the participle in the previous verse (“came forward”) has been translated as a finite verb
  53. Matthew 26:61 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  54. Matthew 26:62 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“stood up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  55. Matthew 26:64 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  56. Matthew 26:64 An indirect way of referring to God
  57. Matthew 26:66 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  58. Matthew 26:66 Literally “he is deserving of death”
  59. Matthew 26:67 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  60. Matthew 26:69 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  61. Matthew 26:70 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  62. Matthew 26:71 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“went out”) which is understood as temporal
  63. Matthew 26:71 The words “female slave” are not in the Greek text but are implied by the feminine singular form
  64. Matthew 26:72 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  65. Matthew 26:73 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  66. Matthew 26:73 Literally “makes you evident”
  67. Matthew 26:75 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb
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Matthew 26
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

VII. The Passion and Resurrection

Chapter 26

The Conspiracy Against Jesus. 1 [a]When Jesus finished all these words,[b] he said to his disciples, 2 (A)“You know that in two days’ time it will be Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” 3 [c]Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 (B)and they consulted together to arrest Jesus by treachery and put him to death. 5 But they said, “Not during the festival,[d] that there may not be a riot among the people.”

The Anointing at Bethany.[e] 6 (C)Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil, and poured it on his head while he was reclining at table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste? 9 It could have been sold for much, and the money given to the poor.” 10 Since Jesus knew this, he said to them, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She has done a good thing for me. 11 (D)The poor you will always have with you; but you will not always have me. 12 [f]In pouring this perfumed oil upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Amen, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be spoken of, in memory of her.”

The Betrayal by Judas. 14 (E)Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[g] went to the chief priests 15 [h](F)and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

Preparations for the Passover. 17 (G)On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[i] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”(H) 18 [j]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

The Betrayer. 20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[k] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [l](I)The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [m]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

The Lord’s Supper. 26 [n](J)While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”[o](K) 27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks,[p] and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, 28 (L)for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 [q]I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” 30 [r]Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Peter’s Denial Foretold. 31 (M)Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken,[s] for it is written:(N)

‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed’;

32 but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” 34 [t](O)Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”(P) 35 Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise.

The Agony in the Garden. 36 [u](Q)Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,[v] and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”(R) 37 (S)He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,[w] and began to feel sorrow and distress. 38 (T)Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death.[x] Remain here and keep watch with me.” 39 (U)He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father,[y] if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.[z] The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 [aa](V)Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” 43 Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. 44 He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. 45 (W)Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. 46 Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus. 47 (X)While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” 49 Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!”[ab] and he kissed him. 50 Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. 51 And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But then how would the scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” 55 [ac]At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. 56 (Y)But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin.[ad] 57 (Z)Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas[ae] the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin[af] kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, 60 (AA)but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two[ag] came forward 61 who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” 62 The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” 63 (AB)But Jesus was silent.[ah] Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 (AC)Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so.[ai] But I tell you:

From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man
    seated at the right hand of the Power’
    and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed![aj] What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” 67 [ak](AD)Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you?”

Peter’s Denial of Jesus. 69 (AE)Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 [al]But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” 71 As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” 72 Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” 73 [am]A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” 74 At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. 75 (AF)Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. 26:1–28:20 The five books with alternating narrative and discourse (Mt 3:1–25:46) that give this gospel its distinctive structure lead up to the climactic events that are the center of Christian belief and the origin of the Christian church, the passion and resurrection of Jesus. In his passion narrative (Mt 26 and 27) Matthew follows his Marcan source closely but with omissions (e.g., Mk 14:51–52) and additions (e.g., Mt 27:3–10, 19). Some of the additions indicate that he utilized traditions that he had received from elsewhere; others are due to his own theological insight (e.g., Mt 26:28 “…for the forgiveness of sins”; Mt 27:52). In his editing Matthew also altered Mark in some minor details. But there is no need to suppose that he knew any passion narrative other than Mark’s.
  2. 26:1–2 When Jesus finished all these words: see note on Mt 7:28–29. “You know…crucified”: Matthew turns Mark’s statement of the time (Mk 14:1) into Jesus’ final prediction of his passion. Passover: see note on Mk 14:1.
  3. 26:3 Caiaphas was high priest from A.D. 18 to 36.
  4. 26:5 Not during the festival: the plan to delay Jesus’ arrest and execution until after the festival was not carried out, for according to the synoptics he was arrested on the night of Nisan 14 and put to death the following day. No reason is given why the plan was changed.
  5. 26:6–13 See notes on Mk 14:3–9 and Jn 12:1–8.
  6. 26:12 To prepare me for burial: cf. Mk 14:8. In accordance with the interpretation of this act as Jesus’ burial anointing, Matthew, more consistent than Mark, changes the purpose of the visit of the women to Jesus’ tomb; they do not go to anoint him (Mk 16:1) but “to see the tomb” (Mt 28:1).
  7. 26:14 Iscariot: see note on Lk 6:16.
  8. 26:15 The motive of avarice is introduced by Judas’s question about the price for betrayal, which is absent in the Marcan source (Mk 14:10–11). Hand him over: the same Greek verb is used to express the saving purpose of God by which Jesus is handed over to death (cf. Mt 17:22; 20:18; 26:2) and the human malice that hands him over. Thirty pieces of silver: the price of the betrayal is found only in Matthew. It is derived from Zec 11:12 where it is the wages paid to the rejected shepherd, a cheap price (Zec 11:13). That amount is also the compensation paid to one whose slave has been gored by an ox (Ex 21:32).
  9. 26:17 The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread: see note on Mk 14:1. Matthew omits Mark’s “when they sacrificed the Passover lamb.”
  10. 26:18 By omitting much of Mk 14:13–15, adding My appointed time draws near, and turning the question into a statement, in your house I shall celebrate the Passover, Matthew has given this passage a solemnity and majesty greater than that of his source.
  11. 26:21 Given Matthew’s interest in the fulfillment of the Old Testament, it is curious that he omits the Marcan designation of Jesus’ betrayer as “one who is eating with me” (Mk 14:18), since that is probably an allusion to Ps 41:10. However, the shocking fact that the betrayer is one who shares table fellowship with Jesus is emphasized in Mt 26:23.
  12. 26:24 It would be better…born: the enormity of the deed is such that it would be better not to exist than to do it.
  13. 26:25 Peculiar to Matthew. You have said so: cf. Mt 26:64; 27:11. This is a half-affirmative. Emphasis is laid on the pronoun and the answer implies that the statement would not have been made if the question had not been asked.
  14. 26:26–29 See note on Mk 14:22–24. The Marcan-Matthean is one of the two major New Testament traditions of the words of Jesus when instituting the Eucharist. The other (and earlier) is the Pauline-Lucan (1 Cor 11:23–25; Lk 22:19–20). Each shows the influence of Christian liturgical usage, but the Marcan-Matthean is more developed in that regard than the Pauline-Lucan. The words over the bread and cup succeed each other without the intervening meal mentioned in 1 Cor 11:25; Lk 22:20; and there is parallelism between the consecratory words (this is my body…this is my blood). Matthew follows Mark closely but with some changes.
  15. 26:26 See note on Mt 14:19. Said the blessing: a prayer blessing God. Take and eat: literally, Take, eat. Eat is an addition to Mark’s “take it” (literally, “take”; Mk 14:22). This is my body: the bread is identified with Jesus himself.
  16. 26:27–28 Gave thanks: see note on Mt 15:36. Gave it to them…all of you: cf. Mk 14:23–24. In the Marcan sequence the disciples drink and then Jesus says the interpretative words. Matthew has changed this into a command to drink followed by those words. My blood: see Lv 17:11 for the concept that the blood is “the seat of life” and that when placed on the altar it “makes atonement.” Which will be shed: the present participle, “being shed” or “going to be shed,” is future in relation to the Last Supper. On behalf of: Greek peri; see note on Mk 14:24. Many: see note on Mt 20:28. For the forgiveness of sins: a Matthean addition. The same phrase occurs in Mk 1:4 in connection with John’s baptism but Matthew avoids it there (Mt 3:11). He places it here probably because he wishes to emphasize that it is the sacrificial death of Jesus that brings forgiveness of sins.
  17. 26:29 Although his death will interrupt the table fellowship he has had with the disciples, Jesus confidently predicts his vindication by God and a new table fellowship with them at the banquet of the kingdom.
  18. 26:30 See note on Mk 14:26.
  19. 26:31 Will have…shaken: literally, “will be scandalized in me”; see note on Mt 24:9–12. I will strike…dispersed: cf. Zec 13:7.
  20. 26:34 Before the cock crows: see note on Mt 14:25. The third watch of the night was called “cockcrow.” Deny me: see note on Mt 16:24.
  21. 26:36–56 Cf. Mk 14:32–52. The account of Jesus in Gethsemane is divided between that of his agony (Mt 26:36–46) and that of his betrayal and arrest (Mt 26:47–56). Jesus’ sorrow and distress (Mt 26:37) in face of death is unrelieved by the presence of his three disciples who, though urged to watch with him (Mt 26:38, 41), fall asleep (Mt 26:40, 43). He prays that if…possible his death may be avoided (Mt 26:39) but that his Father’s will be done (Mt 26:39, 42, 44). Knowing then that his death must take place, he announces to his companions that the hour for his being handed over has come (Mt 26:45). Judas arrives with an armed band provided by the Sanhedrin and greets Jesus with a kiss, the prearranged sign for his identification (Mt 26:47–49). After his arrest, he rebukes a disciple who has attacked the high priest’s servant with a sword (Mt 26:51–54), and chides those who have come out to seize him with swords and clubs as if he were a robber (Mt 26:55–56). In both rebukes Jesus declares that the treatment he is now receiving is the fulfillment of the scriptures (Mt 26:55, 56). The subsequent flight of all the disciples is itself the fulfillment of his own prediction (cf. 31). In this episode, Matthew follows Mark with a few alterations.
  22. 26:36 Gethsemane: the Hebrew name means “oil press” and designates an olive orchard on the western slope of the Mount of Olives; see note on Mt 21:1. The name appears only in Matthew and Mark. The place is called a “garden” in Jn 18:1.
  23. 26:37 Peter and the two sons of Zebedee: cf. Mt 17:1.
  24. 26:38 Cf. Ps 42:6, 12. In the Septuagint (Ps 41:5, 12) the same Greek word for sorrowful is used as here. To death: i.e., “enough to die”; cf. Jon 4:9.
  25. 26:39 My Father: see note on Mk 14:36. Matthew omits the Aramaic ’abbā’ and adds the qualifier my. This cup: see note on Mk 10:38–40.
  26. 26:41 Undergo the test: see note on Mt 6:13. In that verse “the final test” translates the same Greek word as is here translated the test, and these are the only instances of the use of that word in Matthew. It is possible that the passion of Jesus is seen here as an anticipation of the great tribulation that will precede the parousia (see notes on Mt 24:8; 24:21) to which Mt 6:13 refers, and that just as Jesus prays to be delivered from death (Mt 26:39), so he exhorts the disciples to pray that they will not have to undergo the great test that his passion would be for them. Some scholars, however, understand not undergo (literally, “not enter”) the test as meaning not that the disciples may be spared the test but that they may not yield to the temptation of falling away from Jesus because of his passion even though they will have to endure it.
  27. 26:42 Your will be done: cf. Mt 6:10.
  28. 26:49 Rabbi: see note on Mt 23:6–7. Jesus is so addressed twice in Matthew (Mt 26:25), both times by Judas. For the significance of the closely related address “teacher” in Matthew, see note on Mt 8:19.
  29. 26:55 Day after day…arrest me: cf. Mk 14:49. This suggests that Jesus had taught for a relatively long period in Jerusalem, whereas Mt 21:1–11 puts his coming to the city for the first time only a few days before.
  30. 26:57–68 Following Mk 14:53–65 Matthew presents the nighttime appearance of Jesus before the Sanhedrin as a real trial. After many false witnesses bring charges against him that do not suffice for the death sentence (Mt 26:60), two came forward who charge him with claiming to be able to destroy the temple…and within three days to rebuild it (Mt 26:60–61). Jesus makes no answer even when challenged to do so by the high priest, who then orders him to declare under oath…whether he is the Messiah, the Son of God (Mt 26:62–63). Matthew changes Mark’s clear affirmative response (Mk 14:62) to the same one as that given to Judas (Mt 26:25), but follows Mark almost verbatim in Jesus’ predicting that his judges will see him (the Son of Man) seated at the right hand of God and coming on the clouds of heaven (Mt 26:64). The high priest then charges him with blasphemy (Mt 26:65), a charge with which the other members of the Sanhedrin agree by declaring that he deserves to die (Mt 26:66). They then attack him (Mt 26:67) and mockingly demand that he prophesy (Mt 26:68). This account contains elements that are contrary to the judicial procedures prescribed in the Mishnah, the Jewish code of law that dates in written form from ca. A.D. 200, e.g., trial on a feast day, a night session of the court, pronouncement of a verdict of condemnation at the same session at which testimony was received. Consequently, some scholars regard the account entirely as a creation of the early Christians without historical value. However, it is disputable whether the norms found in the Mishnah were in force at the time of Jesus. More to the point is the question whether the Matthean-Marcan night trial derives from a combination of two separate incidents, a nighttime preliminary investigation (cf. Jn 18:13, 19–24) and a formal trial on the following morning (cf. Lk 22:66–71).
  31. 26:57 Caiaphas: see note on Mt 26:3.
  32. 26:59 Sanhedrin: see note on Lk 22:66.
  33. 26:60–61 Two: cf. Dt 19:15. I can destroy…rebuild it: there are significant differences from the Marcan parallel (Mk 14:58). Matthew omits “made with hands” and “not made with hands” and changes Mark’s “will destroy” and “will build another” to can destroy and (can) rebuild. The charge is probably based on Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction; see notes on Mt 23:37–39; 24:2; and Jn 2:19. A similar prediction by Jeremiah was considered as deserving death; cf. Jer 7:1–15; 26:1–8.
  34. 26:63 Silent: possibly an allusion to Is 53:7. I order you…living God: peculiar to Matthew; cf. Mk 14:61.
  35. 26:64 You have said so: see note on Mt 26:25. From now on…heaven: the Son of Man who is to be crucified (cf. Mt 20:19) will be seen in glorious majesty (cf. Ps 110:1) and coming on the clouds of heaven (cf. Dn 7:13). The Power: see note on Mk 14:61–62.
  36. 26:65 Blasphemed: the punishment for blasphemy was death by stoning (see Lv 24:10–16). According to the Mishnah, to be guilty of blasphemy one had to pronounce “the Name itself,” i.e., Yahweh; cf. Sanhedrin 7:4, 5. Those who judge the gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial by the later Mishnah standards point out that Jesus uses the surrogate “the Power,” and hence no Jewish court would have regarded him as guilty of blasphemy; others hold that the Mishnah’s narrow understanding of blasphemy was a later development.
  37. 26:67–68 The physical abuse, apparently done to Jesus by the members of the Sanhedrin themselves, recalls the sufferings of the Isaian Servant of the Lord; cf. Is 50:6. The mocking challenge to prophesy is probably motivated by Jesus’ prediction of his future glory (Mt 26:64).
  38. 26:70 Denied it in front of everyone: see Mt 10:33. Peter’s repentance (Mt 26:75) saves him from the fearful destiny of which Jesus speaks there.
  39. 26:73 Your speech…away: Matthew explicates Mark’s “you too are a Galilean” (Mk 14:70).
Close LSB

Matthew 26
Legacy Standard Bible

The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 [a](A)Now it happened that when Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “(B)You know that after two days (C)the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be (D)delivered over for crucifixion.”

3 (E)Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in (F)the court of the high priest, named (G)Caiaphas; 4 and they (H)plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, (I)lest a riot occur among the people.”

The Costly Perfume

6 (J)Now when Jesus was in (K)Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 7 (L)a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good work to Me. 11 For you always have (M)the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it (N)to prepare Me for burial. 13 Truly I say to you, (O)wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

Judas Looks to Betray Jesus

14 (P)Then one of the twelve, named (Q)Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me [b]to (R)deliver Him to you?” And (S)they weighed out [c]thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to [d]betray [e]Jesus.

The Passover Meal

17 (T)Now on the first day of (U)Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to (V)a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “(W)My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

20 (X)Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 And as they were eating, He said, “(Y)Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 And being deeply grieved, they [f]each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 And He answered and said, “(Z)He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man is going, (AA)just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! (AB)It would have been good [g]for that man if he had not been born.” 25 And (AC)Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Surely not I, (AD)Rabbi?” Jesus *said to him, “(AE)You yourself said it.”

The Lord’s Supper

26 (AF)Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and [h](AG)after a blessing, He broke it. And giving it to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for (AH)this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for (AI)many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30 (AJ)And after singing a hymn, they went out to (AK)the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all [i](AL)fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘(AM)I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be (AN)scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, (AO)I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 But Peter answered and said to Him, “Even though all may [j]fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “(AP)Truly I say to you that (AQ)this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter *said to Him, “(AR)Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 (AS)Then Jesus *came with them to a place called (AT)Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him (AU)Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He *said to them, “(AV)My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and (AW)keep watch with Me.”

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let (AX)this cup pass from Me; (AY)yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not (AZ)keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 (BA)Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; (BB)the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this (BC)cannot pass away unless I drink it, (BD)Your will be done.” 43 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He *came to the disciples and *said to them, “[k]Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, (BE)the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us go; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 (BF)And while He was still speaking, behold, (BG)Judas, one of the twelve, came up, and with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49 And immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, (BH)Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “(BI)Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

51 And behold, (BJ)one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew out his (BK)sword and struck the (BL)slave of the high priest and [l]cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for (BM)all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve [m](BN)legions of (BO)angels? 54 Therefore, how will (BP)the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? (BQ)Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this has taken place in order that (BR)the Scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Jesus Before Caiaphas

57 (BS)Now those who had seized Jesus led Him away to (BT)Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But (BU)Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the (BV)courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the [n](BW)officers to see the outcome.

59 Now the chief priests and the whole (BX)Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 And they did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on (BY)two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘(BZ)I am able to destroy the [o]sanctuary of God and to rebuild it [p]in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What are these men testifying against You?” 63 But (CA)Jesus kept silent. (CB)And the high priest said to Him, “(CC)I put You under oath by (CD)the living God, that You tell us whether You are the [q]Christ, (CE)the Son of God.” 64 Jesus *said to him, “(CF)You yourself said it; nevertheless I tell you, [r]hereafter you will see (CG)the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and (CH)coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 Then the high priest (CI)tore his garments and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered and said, “(CJ)He deserves death!”

67 (CK)Then they (CL)spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others [s]slapped Him, 68 and said, “(CM)Prophesy to us, O [t]Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

Peter’s Denials

69 (CN)Now Peter was sitting outside in the (CO)courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; (CP)for even the way you talk [u]gives you away.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “(CQ)Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and cried bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:1 Lit And
  2. Matthew 26:15 Lit and I will
  3. Matthew 26:15 Silver shekels, approx. 120 days of a laborer’s wages
  4. Matthew 26:16 Or deliver
  5. Matthew 26:16 Lit Him
  6. Matthew 26:22 Or one after another
  7. Matthew 26:24 Lit for him if that man had not been born
  8. Matthew 26:26 Lit having blessed
  9. Matthew 26:31 Or stumble
  10. Matthew 26:33 Or stumble
  11. Matthew 26:45 Or Keep on sleeping therefore
  12. Matthew 26:51 Lit took off
  13. Matthew 26:53 A legion equaled 4,000-6,000 soldiers
  14. Matthew 26:58 Or servants
  15. Matthew 26:61 The inner part of the temple
  16. Matthew 26:61 Or after
  17. Matthew 26:63 Messiah
  18. Matthew 26:64 Or from now on
  19. Matthew 26:67 Or beat Him with rods
  20. Matthew 26:68 Messiah
  21. Matthew 26:73 Lit makes you evident
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