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Matthew 26
Common English Bible
Matthew 26
Common English Bible
Plot to kill Jesus
26 When Jesus finished speaking all these words, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that the Passover is two days from now. And the Human One[a] will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and elders of the people gathered in the courtyard of Caiaphas the high priest. 4 They were plotting to arrest Jesus by cunning tricks and to kill him. 5 But they agreed that it shouldn’t happen during the feast so there wouldn’t be an uproar among the people.
A woman pouring perfume on Jesus
6 When Jesus was at Bethany visiting the house of Simon, who had a skin disease, 7 a woman came to him with a vase made of alabaster containing very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head while he was sitting at dinner. 8 Now when the disciples saw it they were angry and said, “Why this waste? 9 This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She’s done a good thing for me. 11 You always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me. 12 By pouring this perfume over my body she’s prepared me to be buried. 13 I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.”
Judas betrays Jesus
14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on he was looking for an opportunity to turn him in.
Passover with the disciples
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city, to a certain man, and say, ‘The teacher says, “My time is near. I’m going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.”’” 19 The disciples did just as Jesus instructed them. They prepared the Passover.
20 That evening he took his place at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating he said, “I assure you that one of you will betray me.”
22 Deeply saddened, each one said to him, “I’m not the one, am I, Lord?”
23 He replied, “The one who will betray me is the one who dips his hand with me into this bowl. 24 The Human One[b] goes to his death just as it is written about him. But how terrible it is for that person who betrays the Human One![c] It would have been better for him if he had never been born.”
25 Now Judas, who would betray him, replied, “It’s not me, is it, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You said it.”
Last supper
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” 27 He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. 29 I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 Then, after singing songs of praise, they went to the Mount of Olives.
Predictions about disciples leaving Jesus
31 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Tonight you will all fall away because of me. This is because it is written, I will hit the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will go off in all directions.[d] 32 But after I’m raised up, I’ll go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “If everyone else stumbles because of you, I’ll never stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, “I assure you that, before the rooster crows tonight, you will deny me three times.”
35 Peter said, “Even if I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” All the disciples said the same thing.
Jesus in prayer
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” 37 When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. 38 Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” 39 Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.”
40 He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? 41 Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.” 42 A second time he went away and prayed, “My Father, if it’s not possible that this cup be taken away unless I drink it, then let it be what you want.”
43 Again he came and found them sleeping. Their eyes were heavy with sleep. 44 But he left them and again went and prayed the same words for the third time. 45 Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? Look, the time has come for the Human One[e] to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up. Let’s go. Look, here comes my betrayer.”
Arrest
47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” 49 Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.
50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
51 One of those with Jesus reached for his sword. Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups[f] of angels right away? 54 But if I did that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say this must happen?” 55 Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me. 56 But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away.
Jesus before the council
57 Those who arrested Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest. The legal experts and the elders had gathered there. 58 Peter followed him from a distance until he came to the high priest’s courtyard. He entered that area and sat outside with the officers to see how it would turn out.
59 The chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 They didn’t find anything they could use from the many false witnesses who were willing to come forward. But finally they found two 61 who said, “This man said, ‘I can destroy God’s temple and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood and said to Jesus, “Aren’t you going to respond to the testimony these people have brought against you?”
63 But Jesus was silent.
The high priest said, “By the living God, I demand that you tell us whether you are the Christ, God’s Son.”
64 “You said it,” Jesus replied. “But I say to you that from now on you’ll see the Human One[g] sitting on the right side of the Almighty[h] and coming on the heavenly clouds.”[i]
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He’s insulting God! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, you’ve heard his insult against God. 66 What do you think?”
And they answered, “He deserves to die!” 67 Then they spit in his face and beat him. They hit him 68 and said, “Prophesy for us, Christ! Who hit you?”
Peter’s denial
69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant woman came and said to him, “You were also with Jesus the Galilean.”
70 But he denied it in front of all of them, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
71 When he went over to the gate, another woman saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”
72 With a solemn pledge, he denied it again, saying, “I don’t know the man.”
73 A short time later those standing there came and said to Peter, “You must be one of them. The way you talk gives you away.”
74 Then he cursed and swore, “I don’t know the man!” At that very moment the rooster crowed. 75 Peter remembered Jesus’ words, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”And Peter went out and cried uncontrollably.
Footnotes
- Matthew 26:2 Or Son of Man
- Matthew 26:24 Or Son of Man
- Matthew 26:24 Or Son of Man
- Matthew 26:31 Zech 13:7
- Matthew 26:45 Or Son of Man
- Matthew 26:53 Or legions (of the Roman army, about five thousand soldiers each)
- Matthew 26:64 Or Son of Man
- Matthew 26:64 Or the Power
- Matthew 26:64 Dan 7:13
Matthew 26
New King James Version
Matthew 26
New King James Version
The Plot to Kill Jesus(A)
26 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, 2 (B)“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3 (C)Then the chief priests, [a]the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and (D)plotted to take Jesus by [b]trickery and kill Him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the (E)people.”
The Anointing at Bethany(F)
6 And when Jesus was in (G)Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 (H)But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 (I)For you have the poor with you always, but (J)Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My (K)burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus(L)
14 (M)Then one of the twelve, called (N)Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, (O)“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Jesus Celebrates Passover with His Disciples(P)
17 (Q)Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “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 say to him, ‘The Teacher says, (R)“My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20 (S)When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will (T)betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, (U)“He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just (V)as it is written of Him, but (W)woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! (X)It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”
Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper(Y)
26 (Z)And as they were eating, (AA)Jesus took bread, [c]blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; (AB)this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, (AC)“Drink from it, all of you. 28 For (AD)this is My blood (AE)of the [d]new covenant, which is shed (AF)for many for the [e]remission of sins. 29 But (AG)I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on (AH)until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
30 (AI)And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial(AJ)
31 Then Jesus said to them, (AK)“All of you will (AL)be [f]made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
(AM)‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised, (AN)I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are [g]made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, (AO)“Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And so said all the disciples.
The Prayer in the Garden(AP)
36 (AQ)Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and (AR)the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, (AS)“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and (AT)prayed, saying, (AU)“O My Father, if it is possible, (AV)let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, (AW)not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 (AX)Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. (AY)The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being (AZ)betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane(BA)
47 And (BB)while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” (BC)and kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, (BD)“Friend, why have you come?”
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, (BE)one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, (BF)for all who take the sword will [j]perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with (BG)more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, (BH)that it must happen thus?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the (BI)Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
Then (BJ)all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin(BK)
57 (BL)And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But (BM)Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, [k]the elders, and all the council sought (BN)false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 [l]but found none. Even though (BO)many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last (BP)two [m]false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, (BQ)‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”
62 (BR)And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But (BS)Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, (BT)“I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, (BU)hereafter you will see the Son of Man (BV)sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 (BW)Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His (BX)blasphemy! 66 What do you think?”
They answered and said, (BY)“He is deserving of death.”
67 (BZ)Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and (CA)others struck Him with [n]the palms of their hands, 68 saying, (CB)“Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”
Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly(CC)
69 (CD)Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your (CE)speech betrays you.”
74 Then (CF)he began to [o]curse and [p]swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, (CG)“Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Footnotes
- Matthew 26:3 NU omits the scribes
- Matthew 26:4 deception
- Matthew 26:26 M gave thanks for
- Matthew 26:28 NU omits new
- Matthew 26:28 forgiveness
- Matthew 26:31 caused to take offense at Me
- Matthew 26:33 caused to take offense at You
- Matthew 26:42 NU if this may not pass away unless
- Matthew 26:45 has drawn near
- Matthew 26:52 M die
- Matthew 26:59 NU omits the elders
- Matthew 26:60 NU but found none, even though many false witnesses came forward.
- Matthew 26:60 NU omits false witnesses
- Matthew 26:67 Or rods,
- Matthew 26:74 call down curses
- Matthew 26:74 Swear oaths
Matthew 26
Disciples’ Literal New Testament
Matthew 26
Disciples’ Literal New Testament
The King Is Put To Death
26 And it came about that when Jesus finished all[a] these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover [Feast] comes[b], and the Son of Man is handed-over so as to be crucified”.
The Priests Plot To Seize And Kill Jesus
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the courtyard[c] of the high priest, the one being called Caiaphas. 4 And they plotted in order that they might seize Jesus by deceit[d] and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the Feast, in order that no uproar may take place among the people”.
Jesus Is Anointed With Oil In Preparation For His Burial
6 Now Jesus having come-to-be in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster-jar of very-expensive perfume[e]. And she poured it down upon His head while He was reclining-back [to eat]. 8 But having seen it, the disciples were indignant, saying, “For what purpose is this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for much and given to poor ones”. 10 But having known it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you causing troubles for the woman? For she worked a good work[f] for[g] Me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. 12 For this one having put this perfume on My body did it so as to[h] prepare Me for burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever this good-news is proclaimed in the whole world, what this one did will also be spoken for a memorial of her”.
Jesus Is Betrayed By One of The Twelve
14 Then one of the twelve, the one being called Judas Iscariot, having gone to the chief priests, 15 said, “What are you willing to give me, and I will hand Him over to you?” And the ones set[i] thirty silver-coins for him. 16 And from that time on, he was seeking a favorable-opportunity in order that he might hand Him over.
Jesus Celebrates Passover With The Twelve
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened-Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover [meal]?” 18 And the One said, “Go into the city to so-and-so[j], and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am doing[k] the Passover [meal] with you, along-with My disciples”’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus directed them. And they prepared the Passover [meal]. 20 And having become evening, He was reclining back [to eat] with the twelve.
The Betrayer Is Exposed
21 And while they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will hand Me over”. 22 And while being extremely grieved, each one began to say to Him, “I am not the one, am I, Lord?” 23 And the One, having responded, said, “The one having dipped his hand with[l] Me in the bowl— this one will hand Me over. 24 The Son of Man is going just as it has been written about Him— but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is being handed-over! It would have been better for him if that man had not been born”. 25 And having responded, Judas, the one handing Him over, said, “I am not[m] the one, am I, Rabbi?” He says to him, “You said[n] it ”.
The Bread And The Wine Are Given a New Meaning
26 And while they were eating, having taken bread and having blessed it [o], Jesus broke it. And having given it to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat. This is My body”. 27 And having taken a cup and given-thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, everyone. 28 For this is My blood of [p] the covenant— the blood being poured-out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 And I say to you, I will by-no-means drink of this fruit of the grapevine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in the kingdom of My Father”.
You Will All Be Scattered In Fulfillment of Zechariah. Peter’s Denial Is Predicted
30 And having sung-a-hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus says to them, “You all will be caused-to-fall in-connection-with Me[q] during this night. For it has been written [in Zech 13:7]: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’. 32 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee”. 33 But having responded, Peter said to Him, “If all[r] will be caused-to-fall in connection with You, I will never be caused to fall”. 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that during this night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three-times”. 35 Peter says to Him, “Even if I have-to die with You, I will never deny You”. All the disciples also spoke likewise.
Jesus Waits And Prays In The Garden of Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus comes with them to a place being called Gethsemane. And He says to the disciples, “Sit here while[s] I pray, having gone there”. 37 And having taken-along Peter and the two sons[t] of Zebedee, He began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is deeply-grieved, to the point of death. Stay here and keep-watching with Me”. 39 And having gone ahead a little, He fell on His face while praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I want[u], but as You want ”. 40 And He comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping. And He says to Peter, “So were you[v] [three] not strong-enough[w] to keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 Keep watching, and be praying that[x] you may not enter into temptation[y]. The spirit is willing[z], but the flesh is weak”. 42 Again having gone away for a second time, He prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, let Your will be done”. 43 And having come, He again found them sleeping. For their eyes had been weighed-down. 44 And having left them again, having gone away, He prayed for a third time, having spoken the same thing[aa] again. 45 Then He comes to the disciples and says to them, “Are you sleeping and resting[ab] from-now-on[ac]? Behold— the hour has drawn-near, and the Son of Man is being handed-over into the hands of sinners. 46 Arise, let us be going. Behold— the one handing Me over has drawn near”.
Jesus Is Betrayed With a Kiss And Arrested
47 And while He was still speaking, behold— Judas, one of the twelve, came. And with him was a large crowd from the chief priests and elders of the people with swords and clubs. 48 Now the one handing Him over gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss is He. Seize Him”. 49 And immediately having gone to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi”, and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, it is for what[ad] you are here”. Then, having come to Him, they put their hands on Jesus and seized Him. 51 And behold— one of the ones with Jesus, having stretched-out his hand, withdrew his sword. And having struck the slave of the high priest, he took-off his ear. 52 Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword into its place. For all the ones having taken the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think[ae] that I am not able to appeal-to My Father, and He will provide[af] Me right-now more than twelve legions[ag] of angels? 54 How then would the Scriptures saying that it must take place in this manner be fulfilled?” 55 At that hour, Jesus said to the crowds, “Did you come out to arrest Me with swords and clubs as-if against a robber? Daily I was sitting in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. 56 But this entire thing has taken place in order that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled”. Then all the disciples, having left[ah] Him, fled.
Jesus Is Led Before The High Priest And The Sanhedrin. Peter Follows
57 Now the ones having seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 And Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. And having entered inside, he was sitting with the officers[ai] to see the outcome.
Jesus Swears Under Oath That He Is The Messiah, The Son of God
59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false-testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 And they did not find it, many false-witnesses having come-forward. But finally, two having come-forward 61 said, “This One said, ‘I am able to tear-down the temple of God, and to build it in three days’”. 62 And having stood up, the high priest said to Him, “Are You answering nothing? What is it these[aj] ones are testifying against You?” 63 But Jesus was being silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I am putting You under oath[ak] by the living God that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God”. 64 Jesus says to him, “You said[al] it. Nevertheless, I say to you— from-now-on[am] you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right side of the Power[an], and coming on the clouds[ao] of heaven”. 65 Then the high priest tore his garments, saying, “He blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See— now you heard the blasphemy. 66 What seems right to you?” And the ones, having responded, said, “He is subject-to[ap] death!” 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him. And the[aq] ones slapped Him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ— who is the one having hit You?”
Peter Denies That He Even Knows Jesus
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And one servant-girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean”. 70 But the one denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are saying”. 71 And he having gone out to the gate[ar], another saw him. And she says to the ones there, “This one was with Jesus the Nazarene”. 72 And again he denied it with an oath that “I do not know the man”. 73 And having come to him after a little while, the ones standing there said to Peter, “Truly you also are one of them, for even your speaking[as] makes you evident”. 74 Then he began to curse[at], and to swear-with-an-oath[au] that “I do not know the man”. And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken[av]— that “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three-times”. And having gone outside, he wept bitterly.
Footnotes
- Matthew 26:1 That is, all the words spoken in chapters 24-25; or, that day (21:23-25:46); or, in the public ministry (4:17-25:46).
- Matthew 26:2 Or, takes place.
- Matthew 26:3 Or, palace.
- Matthew 26:4 Or, treachery, cunning.
- Matthew 26:7 Or, fragrant oil.
- Matthew 26:10 Or, did a good deed.
- Matthew 26:10 Or, to, with reference to.
- Matthew 26:12 Jesus may mean that she knowingly did it for this purpose; or, that she did so without realizing it.
- Matthew 26:15 This may mean ‘set on a scale’, and thus, weighed out, paid; Or, set as the price, intending to pay upon delivery.
- Matthew 26:18 Some think Jesus did not name the person so that Judas would not know in advance; others think Matthew did not name the person to protect him from the Jews.
- Matthew 26:18 That is, observing, performing.
- Matthew 26:23 That is, It is one of the ones eating with Me.
- Matthew 26:25 When his turn arrives, Judas asks the same question, which expects a ‘No’ answer.
- Matthew 26:25 This may simply mean ‘Yes’; or, it may be intentionally ambiguous, leaving the hearers to take it one way (You said it rightly; you are not the one’), but meaning the opposite (You said it falsely; you are the one). The eleven thought Jesus meant the former; Jesus and Judas knew He meant the latter.
- Matthew 26:26 Or, blessed God.
- Matthew 26:28 That is, inaugurating the new covenant.
- Matthew 26:31 That is, in connection with what is going to happen to Me tonight.
- Matthew 26:33 The grammar means ‘Assuming that all’.
- Matthew 26:36 Or, as long as. Or, until (until I pray and return).
- Matthew 26:37 That is, James and John.
- Matthew 26:39 Or, wish, will.
- Matthew 26:40 This word is plural.
- Matthew 26:40 Or, did you not have strength, were you not able.
- Matthew 26:41 Or, Keep watching and praying, in order that.
- Matthew 26:41 Jesus may mean the temptation to deny Him as He predicted; or, to sleep.
- Matthew 26:41 Or, is eager, ready. This willingness may refer to their promise in v 35. Their weak flesh needs spiritual strength if they are to stand firm. Pray for strength so that the upcoming trial does not become a cause of falling for you. Or, Jesus may mean that they want to stay awake, but their body is tired.
- Matthew 26:44 Or, statement, word of prayer. This word is singular. That is, the same request.
- Matthew 26:45 Or, Sleep and rest (a command).
- Matthew 26:45 Or, henceforth, for the remaining time. That is, are you going to sleep away all the remaining time? This sentence may be viewed as a reproach, or as fatherly sympathy.
- Matthew 26:50 Or, This is for what you are here (just as it has been written, v 24, 56). Or, Is this for what you are here?; or, Do that for which you are here.
- Matthew 26:53 Or, suppose, imagine, presume.
- Matthew 26:53 Or, put at My disposal, place beside Me.
- Matthew 26:53 A Roman legion had about 6000 soldiers, plus horsemen and auxiliaries. Rather than a literal number of angels, Jesus may simply mean ‘a huge, overwhelming force’.
- Matthew 26:56 Or, abandoned.
- Matthew 26:58 That is, the temple guards.
- Matthew 26:62 Or, Are You answering nothing as to what these.
- Matthew 26:63 Or, causing You to swear. That is, Tell us under oath.
- Matthew 26:64 Jesus answers them as He did Judas in v 25. Some think it simply means ‘Yes’. Others think its meaning depends on the context. In any case, Jesus does not leave His meaning at all unclear, because He goes on to say ‘Nevertheless’. No matter what you think, I say to you. Then He directly and unequivocally states that He is exactly the Messiah coming in power and glory to carry out judgment that they were expecting. Mk 14:62 says ‘I am’, giving the intent of what is said here.
- Matthew 26:64 from now on. Or, henceforth. After today, this is how you will next see Me.
- Matthew 26:64 That is, of God. Or, of power; that is, of God’s power.
- Matthew 26:64 Sitting on the right side... and coming on the clouds. Jesus is claiming to be the fulfillment of Ps 110:1 and Dan 7:13.
- Matthew 26:66 Or, liable to, deserving of.
- Matthew 26:67 Matthew may mean ‘And others’, another group besides the priests and elders in the previous sentence; or, ‘And some’ of the ones in the previous sentence.
- Matthew 26:71 That is, the gate from the street into the courtyard.
- Matthew 26:73 That is, your Galilean accent or manner of speaking.
- Matthew 26:74 That is, to put under a curse, such as, May I be cursed if I know Him.
- Matthew 26:74 For example, By the heavens, I do not know Him.
- Matthew 26:75 Or, the word of Jesus, who had said that.
Matthew 26
New International Version
Matthew 26
New International Version
The Plot Against Jesus(A)
26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things,(B) he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, the Passover(C) is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled(D) in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,(E) 4 and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.(F) 5 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot(G) among the people.”
Jesus Anointed at Bethany(H)(I)
6 While Jesus was in Bethany(J) in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you,[a](K) but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.(L) 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus(M)
14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot(N)—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.(O) 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
The Last Supper(P)(Q)(R)
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread,(S) the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”(T)
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time(U) is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”(V)
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.(W) 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him.(X) But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him,(Y) said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”(Z)
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it(AA) and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup,(AB) and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant,(AC) which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.(AD) 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you(AE) in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.(AF)
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial(AG)
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me,(AH) for it is written:
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”(AJ)
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(AK)
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you,(AL) I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Gethsemane(AM)
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee(AN) along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow(AO) to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”(AP)
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup(AQ) be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”(AR)
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me(AS) for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.(AT) The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”(AU)
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour(AV) has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested(AW)
47 While he was still speaking, Judas,(AX) one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”(AY) and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d](AZ)
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword,(BA) drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.(BB)
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.(BC) 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?(BD) 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled(BE) that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching,(BF) and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”(BG) Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin(BH)
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas(BI) the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest.(BJ) He entered and sat down with the guards(BK) to see the outcome.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin(BL) were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses(BM) came forward.
Finally two(BN) came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”(BO)
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.(BP)
The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath(BQ) by the living God:(BR) Tell us if you are the Messiah,(BS) the Son of God.”(BT)
64 “You have said so,”(BU) Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One(BV) and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[e](BW)
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes(BX) and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”
“He is worthy of death,”(BY) they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists.(BZ) Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”(CA)
Peter Disowns Jesus(CB)
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(CC) And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Footnotes
- Matthew 26:11 See Deut. 15:11.
- Matthew 26:28 Some manuscripts the new
- Matthew 26:31 Zech. 13:7
- Matthew 26:50 Or “Why have you come, friend?”
- Matthew 26:64 See Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13.
Common English Bible (CEB)
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible
New King James Version (NKJV) 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT) 
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.