King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:1 Mean?

Matthew 26:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Matthew 26:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

2

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

3

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Jesus had finished all these sayings—This transitional formula (Greek: etelesen, τελέσεν, 'completed') marks the conclusion of Jesus's fifth and final discourse in Matthew (chapters 24-25), the Olivet Discourse on eschatology and judgment. Matthew structures his Gospel around five major teaching blocks, echoing the Pentateuch's five books.

The phrase he said unto his disciples introduces the Passion prediction that follows. Having taught about His future return in glory, Jesus now prepares them for the immediate reality of His suffering—the cross must precede the crown.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs on Wednesday of Passion Week, approximately 30 AD. Jesus has just completed His final public teaching on the Mount of Olives. The disciples are about to face the most traumatic 72 hours of their lives—the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial of their Master.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's completion of His teaching ministry before His death demonstrate His faithful obedience to the Father's mission?
  2. What does the structure of Matthew's five discourses reveal about the Gospel as a teaching manual for the early church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Καὶ1 of 14

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 14

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὅτε3 of 14

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐτέλεσεν4 of 14

had finished

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς6 of 14

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

πάντας7 of 14

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγους9 of 14

sayings

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τούτους10 of 14

these

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

εἶπεν11 of 14

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τοῖς12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταῖς13 of 14

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ14 of 14
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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