King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:17 Mean?

Matthew 26:17 in the King James Version says “Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?”

Matthew 26:17 · KJV

Context

15

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

17

Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

18

And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

19

And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first day of the feast of unleavened bread (πρώτῃ τῶν ἀζύμων, prōtē tōn azymōn)—Technically Nisan 14, when all leaven was removed from Jewish homes before Passover began at sundown. The disciples' question reflects their practical concern: Where wilt thou that we prepare? They expected Jesus to arrange a proper Passover seder, requiring a lamb slaughtered at the Temple, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and the four cups of wine.

This synchronization of Jesus's death with Passover is theologically intentional—as Paul declares, Christ our passover is sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). The timing transforms the entire passion narrative into a new Exodus, with Jesus as the Lamb whose blood marks the doorposts of believers' hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During the first century, Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000 during Passover week. Every Jewish male was required to participate in the Passover meal within Jerusalem's walls. The Temple priests would slaughter thousands of lambs on Nisan 14, and families would prepare the ritual meal in borrowed upper rooms throughout the city.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus fulfilling the Passover lamb typology affect your understanding of Old Testament sacrificial law?
  2. What does the disciples' practical preparation teach about spiritual readiness for Christ's work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Τῇ1 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 19

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρώτῃ3 of 19

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

τῶν4 of 19
G3588

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

ἀζύμων5 of 19

“day of the feast of unleavened bread”

G106

unleavened, i.e., (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the passover week

προσῆλθον6 of 19

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

οἱ7 of 19
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ8 of 19

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

τῷ9 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ10 of 19

“to Jesus”

G2424

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

λέγοντες11 of 19

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ12 of 19

“unto him”

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

Ποῦ13 of 19

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

θέλεις14 of 19

“wilt thou”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἑτοιμάσωμέν15 of 19

“that we prepare”

G2090

to prepare

σοι16 of 19

“for thee”

G4671

to thee

φαγεῖν17 of 19

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

τὸ18 of 19
G3588

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

πάσχα19 of 19

“the passover”

G3957

the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)

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 26:17 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 26:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:7-13Exodus 12:18-20Mark 14:12-16Exodus 12:6Exodus 13:6-8Matthew 26:19

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