Matthew 26: The plot, the Last Supper, the arrest, and the trial before Caiaphas
A free study, verse by verse. Text: World English Bible. Notes come from the Greek. How to read a study
What happens?
Two days before the Passover the chief priests and elders plot to seize Jesus, a woman pours costly oil on his head at Bethany, and Judas Iscariot agrees to hand him over for thirty pieces of silver. At the Passover meal Jesus says one of the twelve will betray him, and he gives the bread and the cup. In Gethsemane he prays three times while the disciples sleep, Judas arrives with a crowd and kisses him, and the disciples flee. Jesus is taken to Caiaphas the high priest and questioned, and Peter, sitting outside in the courtyard, denies him three times and weeps.
Who is speaking?
No verse is in gold: the Father does not speak in this chapter. The narrator tells the story. Jesus speaks in most of verses 2, 10-13, 18, 21, 23-29, 31-32, 34, 36, 38-42, 45-46, 50, 52-56 and 64, and his earlier words are quoted again in verse 75. Others speak too: the chief priests and elders (5), the disciples (8-9, 17, 22, 35), Judas (15, 25, 48-49), Peter (33, 35, 70, 72, 74), the two false witnesses (61), the high priest (62-63, 65-66), the council (66), those who mock him (68), two servant girls (69, 71), and the people standing by (73). God's own words are printed in gold, and those verses are marked God speaks
1When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
In plain English: When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples,
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
2“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
In plain English: Jesus said, "You know that in two days it is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
The Greek word: "Delivered up" is paradidōmi. The dictionary gives it as to surrender, to yield up, to entrust. In Matthew it is in 31 verses, and this Bible gives "deliver*" in 18 of them and "betray*" in 11. In this chapter it is in 10 verses: 2, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24, 25, 45, 46 and 48.
How it is translated: This Bible has "delivered up" here, "deliver" in verse 15 (Judas offering to hand Jesus over), and "betray" in the other verses of this chapter.
What changes: With one English word such as "hand over" in every place, the repeated word shows. The same word is said of what happens to the Son of Man (verses 2, 24 and 45) and of what Judas does (verses 15, 16 and 48). The text does not say more about how these connect.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
3Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.
In plain English: Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people gathered together in the courtyard of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
4They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.
In plain English: They plotted together to seize Jesus by trickery (or: deceit) and to kill him.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”
In plain English: But they said, "Not during the feast, or there may be a riot among the people."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
In plain English: Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
7a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
In plain English: A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly perfumed oil (this Bible: ointment). She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
8But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
In plain English: When his disciples saw it, they were angry. They said, "Why this waste?
The Greek word: "Waste" is apōleia. The dictionary gives it as ruin or loss. In Matthew it is in 2 verses: here, and , where this Bible has "destruction".
What changes: "Why this destruction?" or "Why this loss?" would say the same complaint with the other word. The disciples give their reason in verse 9: the oil could have been sold for much and given to the poor.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
9For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
In plain English: This perfumed oil could have been sold for a lot and the money given to the poor."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
In plain English: Knowing this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you troubling the woman? She has done a good (or: beautiful) work for me.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
11For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.
In plain English: You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
12For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
In plain English: When she poured this perfumed oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
The Greek word: "To prepare me for burial" is entaphiazō. The dictionary gives it as to wrap in cloths for burial. In Matthew it is in this verse only.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
13Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her.”
In plain English: Truly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial of her."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
In plain English: Then one of the twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.
In plain English: and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They set out (this Bible: weighed out) thirty pieces of silver for him.
The Greek word: "Weighed out" is histēmi. The dictionary gives it as to stand, with many uses; it is often given as set or appoint. The word for the sum is argyrion, silver.
How it is translated: This Bible says "weighed out". The word-by-word card in this study has "appointed". The Greek word itself says "set" and does not use a word for a scale.
Good to know: In it is written, "So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver." Matthew does not name that verse here. In he writes of "the thirty pieces of silver" and names Jeremiah.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
16From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
In plain English: From that time Judas looked for a good moment to hand him over.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
17Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
In plain English: On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
18He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”
In plain English: Jesus said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says, my time is near. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
19The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.
In plain English: The disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
20Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.
In plain English: When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
21As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”
In plain English: While they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray (or: hand over) me."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
22They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”
In plain English: They were very sad, and each of them began to say to him, "Surely it is not I, Lord?"
The Greek words: "Lord" is kyrios. The dictionary gives it as one who has authority, or "Master" as a respectful title. Judas says "Rabbi" (rhabbi, "my master", a title of honor) in and again in . In Matthew rhabbi is in 4 verses: , , 26:25 and 26:49.
What changes: "Lord" can be read as the title of someone with authority, or as a respectful "master" or "sir". The text does not say what each disciple meant.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
23He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.
In plain English: Jesus answered, "The one who dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”
In plain English: The Son of Man goes just as it is written about him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
25Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”
In plain English: Judas, the one who was betraying him, answered, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him, "You have said it."
The Greek words: "You said it" is sy eipas, word for word "you yourself said". The same two words are Jesus's answer here and in , where this Bible has "You have said so".
How it is translated: The Greek has no "yes" and no "no". This Bible gives it as "You said it" here and "You have said so" in verse 64.
What changes: It can be read as agreeing: it is as you say. It can also be read as handing the words back to the speaker. The text gives only the words. In Jesus answers Pilate, "So you say."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
In plain English: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. He gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat. This is my body."
The Greek word: "Gave thanks" is eucharisteō. The dictionary gives it as to be grateful, and to say grace at a meal. In Matthew it is in 3 verses: , here and verse 27. The words "for it" in this Bible are not in the Greek.
Good to know: "This is my body" is touto estin to sōma mou, word for word "this is the body of me". The text says no more than this about what the bread is or how it is his body.
Church tradition: Churches read these words in different ways. The text says: Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body." It does not say which reading is right.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
27He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it,
In plain English: He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them. He said, "Drink from it, all of you,
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
In plain English: for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness (this Bible: remission) of sins.
The Greek words: "New covenant" is kainē diathēkē. The dictionary gives diathēkē as a contract, especially a will. "Forgiveness" (this Bible: remission) is aphesis. The dictionary gives it as freedom, or pardon. Each of these two words is in this verse only, in Matthew. "Poured out" is ekcheō: in Matthew it is in 3 verses, "spilled" in , "shed" in and "poured" here.
How it is translated: Across the whole New Testament, aphesis is in 16 verses, and this Bible has "remission" in 10 of them and "forgiv*" in 5. Here it has "remission".
Good to know: Two verses in the Old Testament have words close to these. has "the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you", and has "I will make a new covenant". Matthew does not name either one here.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
29But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
In plain English: I tell you, from now on I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new (or: anew) with you in my Father's kingdom."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
In plain English: After they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
In plain English: Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will stumble (or: fall away) because of me tonight. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
The Greek word: "Made to stumble" is skandalizō. The dictionary gives it as to trip up, or to lead into sin or falling away. In Matthew it is in 13 verses, and this Bible has "stumble*" in 10 of them and "offend*" in 2. It is here and in verse 33 (three times in all).
How it is translated: This Bible says "stumble". The word-by-word card in this study has "fall away".
What changes: "Stumble" keeps the picture of tripping. "Fall away" says what is meant by leaving. The text gives only the word.
Good to know: Jesus says "it is written" and does not name the book. Words close to these are in : "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." That verse begins "Awake, sword, against my shepherd" and has a command to strike. Matthew has "I will strike".
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
32But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
In plain English: But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
33But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”
In plain English: Peter answered him, "Even if all of them stumble because of you, I will never stumble."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
34Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
In plain English: Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, tonight, before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
In plain English: Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All the disciples said the same.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.”
In plain English: Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
The Greek word: "Gethsemane" is Gethsēmanē. The dictionary gives it as oil-press, and as a garden near Jerusalem. This verse calls it a place (chōrion), not a garden. In Matthew it is in this verse only.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
37He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.
In plain English: He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him, and began to be sorrowful and deeply troubled.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”
In plain English: Then he said to them, "My soul (or: my life) is very sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me."
The Greek word: "Soul" is psychē. In Matthew it is in 11 verses, and this Bible has "soul*" in 5 of them and "life*" in 6.
How it is translated: This Bible says "soul". "My life is very sorrowful" is the other reading.
What changes: With "life" Jesus speaks of his life as sorrowful. With "soul" he speaks of his inner self. The text does not choose.
Good to know: "Even to death" is heōs thanatou, word for word "until death". It can be read as sorrow so great that it reaches the edge of death, or as sorrow that lasts until death. The text does not say which.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
In plain English: He went a little farther, fell on his face, and prayed. He said, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I wish, but as you wish."
Good to know: The cup is named again in verse 42. The text does not explain here what it is. In Jesus asks James and John, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
40He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?
In plain English: He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, "So you were not strong enough to watch with me for one hour?
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
In plain English: Watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation (or: testing). The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
The Greek word: "Temptation" is peirasmos. The dictionary gives it as a putting to the test, or hardship. In Matthew it is in 2 verses: here and , where this Bible also has "temptation".
How it is translated: This Bible says "temptation". "Testing" is the other reading.
What changes: "Testing" reads as a time of being tried. "Temptation" reads as being drawn toward wrong. The Greek word allows both.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”
In plain English: A second time he went away and prayed. He said, "My Father, if this cup cannot pass from me unless I drink it, let your will be done."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
43He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
In plain English: He came again and found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
44He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
In plain English: He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
45Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
In plain English: Then he came to his disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? (or, as a command: Sleep on from now, and rest.) Look, the hour has come near, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
The Greek words: The first words are katheudete to loipon kai anapauesthe, word for word "sleep the rest and rest yourselves". The word-by-word card has "later on" for the middle words.
How it is translated: This Bible makes it a question: "Are you still sleeping and resting?"
What changes: As a command it reads "Sleep on and rest." As a question it asks if they are still sleeping. The words that follow, "Look, the hour has come near", read the same either way.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
46Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
In plain English: Get up, let us go. Look, the one who betrays me has come near."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
In plain English: While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came. With him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
48Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”
In plain English: The one who betrayed him had given them a sign. He had said, "The one I kiss is the man. Seize him."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
49Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
In plain English: At once Judas came up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
50Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
In plain English: Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" (or: Friend, do what you have come for.) Then they came, laid their hands on Jesus, and seized him.
The Greek word: "Friend" is hetairos. The dictionary gives it as a comrade. In Matthew it is in 4 verses: ("companions"), , and here, and this Bible has "friend" in 3 of the 4.
The Greek words: "Why are you here?" is eph' ho parei, word for word "upon which you are present". The Greek has no word for "why". The word-by-word card has "do for which you are come".
What changes: As a question it asks "why have you come?" or "what have you come for?" As a statement it says "do what you have come for." The text does not choose.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
51Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
In plain English: Look, one of those who were with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
In plain English: Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
53Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?
In plain English: Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
The Greek word: "Legion" is legeōn. The dictionary gives it as a Roman regiment. In Matthew it is in this verse only. The verse says "more than twelve" and gives no other number.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”
In plain English: How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen this way?"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me.
In plain English: At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me, as if I were a robber? Every day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
56But all this has happened that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
In plain English: But all this has happened so that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and ran away.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
57Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.
In plain English: Those who had seized Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
58But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end.
In plain English: Peter followed him from far off as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He went in and sat with the guards (this Bible: officers) to see how it would end.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
59Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death,
In plain English: The chief priests, the elders, and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus, so that they could put him to death,
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
60and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
In plain English: and they found none. Many false witnesses came forward, yet they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”
In plain English: and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.'"
Good to know: Matthew gives these words as the report of two false witnesses (verse 60). In Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." In witnesses say, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands." Each text is given here as it stands.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
62The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”
In plain English: The high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Do you have no answer? What is this that these men testify against you?"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
63But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
In plain English: But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath by the living God: tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."
The Greek word: "I adjure you" is exorkizō. The dictionary gives it as to demand an oath. In Matthew it is in this verse only. The high priest puts Jesus under oath "by the living God" and then asks his question.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.”
In plain English: Jesus said to him, "You have said it. But I tell you, from now on (this Bible: after this) you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven (or: the sky)."
The Greek words: "After this" is ap' arti, word for word "from now". This Bible gave "from now on" for the same Greek words in . For "You have said so", see the note at .
What changes: "From now on" says the seeing starts now. "After this" says it comes later. The text gives only the words.
Good to know: "Power" has a capital letter in this Bible. The Greek is dynamis, which the dictionary gives as force, or miraculous power. The verse does not say whose Power. Words close to these are in , "Sit at my right hand", and in , "there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man". Jesus does not name either one here.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
65Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy.
In plain English: Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! What more need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard his blasphemy.
The Greek word: "Blasphemy" is blasphēmia, and "has blasphemed" is the related blasphēmeō. The dictionary gives blasphēmeō as to vilify, or to speak impiously, and blasphēmia as vilification, especially against God. The high priest does not say which words he means.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
66What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!”
In plain English: What do you think?" They answered, "He is liable to death!" (this Bible: He is worthy of death!)
The Greek word: "Worthy of" is enochos. The dictionary gives it as liable to a penalty. In Matthew it is in 3 verses: , and here. This Bible has "in danger of" in the first two.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
67Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,
In plain English: Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists, and others slapped him,
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”
In plain English: saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who hit you?"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
69Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”
In plain English: Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
In plain English: But in front of them all he denied it. He said, "I do not know what you are talking about."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
71When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
In plain English: When he had gone out to the porch (or: gateway), another servant girl saw him. She said to those who were there, "This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
72Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.”
In plain English: Again he denied it, with an oath: "I do not know the man."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.”
In plain English: After a little while those who were standing there came to Peter and said, "Truly you are also one of them, for your speech gives you away."
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
74Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed.
In plain English: Then he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man!" And at once a rooster crowed.
The Greek word: "To curse" is katathematizō, a form of katanathematizō. The dictionary gives it as to call down a curse. In Matthew it is in this verse only. The text does not say who or what Peter cursed, or what he swore by. It gives only what he said: "I do not know the man!"
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.
In plain English: Peter remembered the word Jesus had said to him: "Before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Show the GreekHide the Greek
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Greek word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.