Bible Commentaries
Matthew 26

Verse 1

finished. Compare Matthew 7:28 . Marking an epoch. As in Matthew 11:1 ; Matthew 13:53 ; Matthew 19:1 . See App-156 .

sayings. Plural of logos. See note on Mark 9:42 .

Verse 2

Ye know. Greek. oida. App-132 .

after. Greek. meta.

after two days, &c. See App-156 .

is = takes place, or cometh. Greek. ginomai. See note on "fulfilled", Luke 21:32 .

passover. Greek. pascha, an Aramaic word. Hebrew. pesach. App-94 .

the Son of man. See App-98 .

betrayed = delivered up. The Present Tense is the Figure of speech Prolepsis ( App-6 ). See note on "ye slew", Matthew 23:35 .

to = for: i.e. for the purpose of. Greek. eis. App-104 .

crucified = hung upon a stake. Greek. stauros was not two pieces of wood at any angle. It was an upright pale or stake. Same as xulon, a piece of timber (Acts 5:30 ; Acts 5:10 , Acts 5:39 . Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:13 . 1 Peter 2:24 ). Even the Latin crux means a mere stake, or stave (compare verses: Matthew 26:47 , Matthew 26:55 , &c.); while stauroo (here) means to drive stakes. See App-162 .

Verse 3

palace = court, with access from the street. Should he so rendered in verses: Matthew 26:58 , Matthew 26:69 . Mark 14:54 , Mark 14:66 ; Mark 15:16 . Luke 11:21 ; Luke 22:55 .John 18:15 , as it is in Revelation 11:2 . It is rendered "hall" in Mark 15:16 . Luke 22:55 .

Verse 4

that = to the end that.

take = seize.

subtilty = guile.

Verse 5

on = during. Greek. en. The same as "among" in the next clause.

on the feast day = during the feast.

Verse 6

was = came to be, as in Matthew 26:20 . Greek. ginomai.

Bethany. Note this return to Bethany from Jerusalem after His first entry in Matthew 21:1-11 , &c., and before His triumphal entry in Mark 11:1-10 . Luke 19:29-38 , and John 12:12-19 . See App-156 .

Simon. Showing this to be a second anointing, later than that of John 12:2-8 . See App-158 .

the leper. Figure of speech Ampliatio ( App-6 ). So called after his healing, as Matthew was still called "the tax-gatherer". See note on Exodus 4:6 .

Verse 7

a woman. Unnamed. In the former anointing it was Mary. See App-158 , and note on i Samaritan Pentateuch Matthew 3:1 .

box = flask.

very precious. Greek. barutimos. Occurs only here.

on = upon. Greek. epi.

His head. In the former anointing, by Mary, it was His feet. See App-158 .

sat = reclined [at table].

Verse 8

His disciples. In the former case it was Judas Iscariot. App-158 .

Verse 10

understood = got to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 26:2 , Matthew 26:70 , Matthew 26:72 , Matthew 26:74 .

good = excellent.

upon = toward. Greek. eis. App-104 .

Verse 11

with. Greek. meta. App-104 .

not. Greek. ou App-105 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 26:26 , Matthew 26:5 , Matthew 26:29 , Matthew 26:35 ; but the same as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:40 , Matthew 24:42 , Mat 24:53 , Mat 70:72 , Mat 70:74 .

Verse 12

burial = embalming. Compare John 19:40 . Should be the same as in Mark 14:8 . John 12:7 . It is the Septuagint for Hebrew. hanat, in Genesis 50:2 .

Verse 13

Verily. See note on Matthew 5:18 .

this gospel = the good news.

preached = proclaimed. App-121 .

world. Greek. kosmos. App-129 .

also this, that = this also which.

Verse 14

unto. Greek. pros.

Verse 15

will ye give . . . ? = what are ye willing to give?

will. Greek. thelo. App-102 .

covenanted with him = they placed for him [in the balance]: i.e. they weighed to him.

thirty pieces of silver. See App-161 . These were shekels of the Sanctuary. App-51 . This was the price of an ox which had gored a servant (Exodus 21:32 ). It was here destined for the purchase of sacrifices.

Verse 17

the first day. The eating of the Passover took place on the fourteenth of Nisan. See Exodus 12:6 , Exodus 12:8 , Exodus 12:18 . Leviticus 23:5 .Numbers 9:3 ; Numbers 28:16 . The fifteenth was the high sabbath, the first day of the feast. See Numbers 28:17 .

Where . . . ? This question shows that the date was the fourteenth of Nisan.

Verse 18

into. Greek. eis. App-104 . as in verses: Matthew 26:30 , Matthew 26:32 , Matthew 26:41 , Mat 30:45 , Mat 30:52 , Mat 30:71 . such a man = a certain one. Greek. deina. Occurs only here in N.T.

Master = Teacher. App-98 . Matthew 26:3 .

at thy house = with ( App-104 .) thee.

Verse 19

had appointed. Greek. suntasso. Occurs only here, and Matthew 27:10 .

Verse 20

He sat down. Thus showing us that this could not be the Passover lamb, which must be eaten standing. See Exodus 12:11 .

Verse 21

as they did eat. This had been preceded by John 13:1-30 . It was the Passover feast, but not the Passover lamb, which followed it. See Matthew 26:2 , and App-156 and App-157 .

betray Me = deliver Me up.

Verse 22

every = each. One after the other.

Lord. App-98 . A. Literally, "Not I, is it. Lord? "

Verse 23

dippeth = dipped.

Verse 24

The Son of man. See App-98 .

s written = hath been (or standeth) written.

of = concerning. Greek. peri.

by = by means of. Greek. dia. Not the same word as in Matthew 26:63 .

it had been good. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 .

if, &c. Assuming the condition as a fact. See App-118 .

Verse 25

Master = Rabbi. App-98 . as in Matthew 26:49 ; not the same as in Matthew 26:18 . Literally, "Not I, is it. Master? "

Thou hast said = Thou thyself hast said [it].

Verse 26

bread = a hard biscuit, which required to be broken.

this is = this represents. See App-159 and App-6 , Figure of speech Metaphor.

Verse 28

My blood. No covenant could be made without shedding of blood (Exodus 24:8 . Hebrews 9:20 ); and no remission of sins without it (Leviticus 17:11 ).

the new testament = the New Covenant. This can be nothing else than that foretold in Jeremiah 31:31 . If not made then, it can never now be made, for the Lord has no blood to shed (Luke 24:39 ). This is the ground of the proclamation of "them that heard Him" (Hebrews 2:3 ). See Acts 2:38 , and Acts 3:19 , &c. See also App-95 .

new. Greek. kainos. New as to quality and character; not fresh made. Compare Matthew 27:60 . Mark 1:27 .

testament. Greek. diatheke. This is the first occurrence in the N.T. It is an O.T. word, and must always conform to O.T. usage and translation. It has nothing whatever to do with the later Greek usage. The rendering "testament" comes from the Vulgate "testamentum". See App-95 . Diatheke occurs in N.T. thirty three times, and is rendered covenant twenty times (Luke 1:72 .Acts 3:25 ; Acts 7:8 . Romans 9:4 ; Romans 11:27 . Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:15 , Galatians 1:17 ; Galatians 4:24 .Ephesians 2:12 .Hebrews 8:6 , Hebrews 8:8 , Hebrews 8:9 , Hebrews 9:10 ; Hebrews 9:4 , Hebrews 9:4 ; Hebrews 10:16 , Hebrews 10:29 ; Hebrews 12:24 ; Hebrews 13:20 ); and testament thirteen times (here, Mark 14:24 .Luke 22:20 . 1 Corinthians 11:25 . 2Co 3:6 , 2 Corinthians 3:14 .Hebrews 7:22 ; Hebrews 9:15 , Hebrews 9:15 , Hebrews 9:16 , Hebrews 9:17 , Hebrews 9:20 . Revelation 11:19 ). It should be always rendered "covenant". See notes on Hebrews 9:15-22 , and App-95 .

is. Used by the Figure of speech Prolepsis. App-6 .

for the remission of sins. See Acts 2:38 ; Acts 3:19 .

Verse 29

not = by no means. Greek. ou me. App-105 . This might have been soon verified, had the nation repented at the proclamation of Peter (Acts 3:19-26 ). But now it is postponed.

this fruit of the vine. Figure of speech Periphrasis. App-6 .

Father's. App-98 and App-112 .

Verse 30

hymn = Psalm. Probably the second part of "the great Hallel " (or Hallelujah), Psalms 115, 116, 117, 118.

they went out. Another proof that this was not the Passover lamb. Compare Exodus 12:22 . See note on Matthew 26:20 .

Verse 31

be offended = stumble.

because of = in. Greek. en.

this night = in or during (Greek. en. App-104 .) this very night.

it is written = it standeth written.

I will smite, &c. Reference to Zechariah 13:7 . See App-107 and App-117 . .

Verse 32

I will go before you. Compare John 10:4 .

Galilee. App-169 .

Verse 33

Peter = But Peter.

Though. Greek. Even if. Same condition implied as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:42 .

Verse 34

That. Greek. hoti. Separating what was said from the time when it was said. See note on Luke 23:43 .

before . See note on Matthew 1:18 .

the = a: i.e. one of other cooks.

Shalt = wilt.

thrice: i.e. three denials and a cock-crow; then three more and a second cock-crow; not three cock-crows. This prophecy was uttered three times: (1) John 13:38 , relating to fact, not to time; (2) Luke 22:34 , in the supper room; (3) and last, Matthew 26:34 (Mark 14:30 ), on the Mount of Olives. See App-156 and App-160 .

Verse 35

Though I should die = Even if (as in Matthew 26:24 ) it be necessary for me to die.

with = together with. Greek. sun. App-104 .

also said . . . disciples = said . . . disciples also.

Verse 36

Then cometh, &c. The Structure (p. 1305) shows the correspondence between the Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11 ) and the Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46 ). That both were an assault of Satan is shown in Luke 22:53 , John 14:30 ; and by the fact that in each case angelic ministration was given. Compare Matthew 4:11 with Luke 22:43 .

place. Not the usual word, or the same as in Matthew 26:52 , but Greek. chorion = field, or farmstead; used as "place" is in Eng. of a separated spot, in contrast with the town. Compare its ten occurrences (here, 2 John 1:4; 2 John 1:4 :5 .Acts 1:18 , Acts 1:19 , Acts 1:19 ; Acts 4:34 ; Acts 5:3 , Acts 5:8 ; Acts 28:7 ).

Gethsemane. An Aramaic word. See App-94 .

pray. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134 .:2. As in verses: Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:41 , Matthew 26:42 , Mat 39:44 . Not the same as in Matthew 26:53 .

Verse 37

Peter, &c.: i.e. Peter, James, and John.

Zebedee. See note on Matthew 4:21 .

sorrowful and very heav y = full of anguish and distress. Greek. ademoneo = very heavy: only here, Mark 14:33 , and Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:26 .

Verse 38

soul. Greek. psuche. See App-110 .

exceeding sorrowful = crushed with anguish. So the Septuagint Psalms 42:5 , Psalms 42:11 ; Psalms 43:5 .

Verse 39

will = am willing. See App-102 .

Verse 40

asleep. Intentionally. App-171 .

Verse 41

that = to the end that.

spirit. Greek. pneuma. App-101 .

willing = ready.

Verse 42

Thy will be done. The very words of Matthew 6:10 .

Verse 45

now = afterward. Not "now", for see Matthew 26:46 . If taken as meaning "henceforth" it must be a question, as in Luke 22:46 .

the hour is at hand. See note on John 7:6 .

the Son of man. See App-98 .

Verse 46

going. To meet Judas; not to attempt flight.

Verse 47

lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

one of the twelve. So in all three Gospels. Had probably become almost an appellative by the time the Gospels were written (as "he that betrayed Him "had).

multitude = crowd.

staves = clubs. As in Matthew 26:55 and Mark 14:43 , Mark 14:48 . Luke 22:52 . Not "staves", which is plural of rabdos = a staff for walking, as in Matthew 10:10 . Mark 6:8 . Luke 9:3 and Hebrews 11:21 .

Verse 48

gave = had given.

hold Him fast = seize Him.

Verse 49

Hail = Greek. Chaire. An Aramaic salutation, like the Greek "Peace". Occ only here; Matthew 27:29 ; Matthew 28:9 ; Mark 15:18 . Luke 1:28 . John 19:3 . 2 John 1:10-11 .

kissed Him = ostentatiously embraced Him.

Verse 50

Friend = Comrade. Greek. hetairos. Occurs only in Matthew (here; Matthew 11:16 ; Matthew 20:13 ; Matthew 22:12 ).

wherefore, &c. This is not a question, but an elliptical expression: "[Do that] for which thou art here", or "Carry out thy purpose".

took = seized.

Verse 51

sword. See Luke 22:36 .

a servant = the bondservant; marking a special body-servant of the high priest, by name "Malchus" (John 18:10 ).

his ear = the lobe of his ear.

Verse 52

place: i.e. its sheath. Greek. topos . Not the same word as in Matthew 26:36 .

take the sword, &c.: i.e. on their own responsibility (Romans 13:4 ).

shall perish. Compare Genesis 9:6 . with = by. Greek. en .

Verse 53

cannot = am not able.

now = even now. T Tr. WH R read this after "give Me".

pray = call upon. Greek. parakaleo. App-134 .

presently = instantly.

give = send, or furnish.

twelve legions: i.e. for Himself and the eleven apostles.

legions. A legion consisted of 6,000 (6,000 x 12 = 72,000). Compare 2 Kings 6:17 .

Verse 54

be = come to pass.

Verse 55

a thief = a robber. As in Matthew 27:38 , Matthew 27:44 . (Not "thief", as in Matthew 6:19 , Matthew 6:20 ; Matthew 24:43 ; or "malefactor", as in Luke 23:39-43 .)

I sat = I used to sit; or, was accustomed to sit. Imperf. Tense.

laid no hold on Me = ye did not (Greek. ou . App-105 ) seize me.

Verse 56

was done = is come to pass.

Verse 57

laid hold on = seized.

were assembled = had gathered together.

Verse 58

afar off = from afar.

unto = even to.

in = within [the court].

servants = officers.

Verse 59

council = Sanhedrin.

sought = were seeking.

false witness. Greek. pseudomarturia. Occurs only in Matthew, here, and Matthew 15:19 .

against. Greek. kata. Not the same word as in Matthew 26:55 .

to put = so that they might put, &c.

Verse 60

none = not [any]. Greek. ou. App-105 .

yet found they none. All the texts omit these words; but Scrivener thinks on insufficient authority.

At the last = But at last.

two. Compare Deuteronomy 19:15 .

Verse 61

I am able to destroy. This was "false". He said "Destroy ye". The false witnesses helped to fulfill it.

Temple. Greek. naos, the shrine. See note on Matthew 23:16 .

in. Greek. dia . Perhaps better "within". See Mark 2:1 .Acts 24:17 . Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:1 .

Verse 63

held = continued holding.

I adjure Thee = I put Thee on Thine oath. Greek. exor - kizo. Occurs only here.

whether = if, &c. Throwing no doubt on the assumption: as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:42 .

the Christ = Messiah. App-98 . .

the Son of God. See App-98 .

Verse 64

Thou hast said = Thou thyself hast said [it].

nevertheless = moreover, or however.

Hereafter , or Later on.

shall ye see. See App-133 .

the Son of man. As in verses: Matthew 26:2 , Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:45 . This is the last occurrence in Matthew. Quoted from Psalms 110:1 .Daniel 7:13 .

on. Greek. ek. (Not the same word as in Matthew 26:18 .) "On" here is not the same as in verses: Matthew 26:5 , Matthew 26:7 , Matthew 26:12 , Matthew 5:39 , Mat 5:50 .

power. See note on Matthew 7:2 .

in = upon. Greek. epi .

heaven = the heavens. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .

Verse 65

clothes = robe.

Verse 66

guilty = deserving or subject to; "guilty" is obsolete in this sense Greek. enochos, as in Mark 14:64 . 1 Corinthians 11:27 . James 2:10 .

Verse 67

in = on to. Greek. eis.

buffeted = cuffed, or slapped.

smote . . . hands. One word in the Greek Not necessarily implying "rods". See Matthew 5:39 . Mark 14:65 .John 18:22 ; John 19:3 . Compare Isaiah 50:6 (Septuagint) and Hosea 5:1 ; Hosea 11:4 (Symmachus). Greek. rapizo. Occurs only in Matthew, here and Matthew 5:39 .

Verse 68

Prophesy = Divine. Refers to the past, not to the future.

Verse 69

Now Peter, &c. See App-160 on Peter's denials.

sat = was sitting.

a damsel. Greek. one damsel. Because another is to be mentioned (Matthew 26:71 ).

Verse 70

denied. See App-160 .

Verse 71

gone out. To avoid further questioning.

another. Another [maid]; feminine. See App-124 .

This fellow was also = This [man] also was.

Verse 72

the man. Not even His name.

Verse 74

curse: i.e. to call down curses on himself if what he said were not true. Greek. katanathematizo. Occurs only here. See App-160 .

the = a. No Art. See note on Matthew 26:34 and App-160 .

Verse 75

word = saying. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32 .

which = Who.

said = had said.