King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:18 Mean?

Matthew 26:18 in the King James Version says “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 pas... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 26:18 · KJV


Context

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.

20

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My time is at hand (ὁ καιρός μου ἐγγύς ἐστιν, ho kairos mou engys estin)—Jesus uses kairos (appointed time) not chronos (clock time). This is the divinely ordained hour for redemption, not mere calendar progression. His sovereign knowledge contrasts with the disciples' ignorance of what would unfold.

Such a man (τὸν δεῖνα, ton deina)—This indefinite reference may protect the host's identity from Judas, preventing premature arrest. Jesus's supernatural knowledge of the unnamed man's availability demonstrates His divine foreknowledge. The phrase I will keep the passover at thy house shows Jesus claiming the host's hospitality with messianic authority—the Master's word is sufficient.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Upper rooms were typically the largest space in Jerusalem homes, used for important gatherings. Wealthy homeowners would loan their upper rooms to pilgrims for Passover meals. The 'man bearing a pitcher of water' (Mark 14:13) was Jesus's cryptic sign, as water-carrying was typically women's work—a man doing it would stand out.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's reference to His 'appointed time' demonstrate His sovereign control even in betrayal?
  2. What does Jesus's protection of the meal location teach about wisdom in spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἴπατε3 of 30

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ὑπάγετε4 of 30

Go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς5 of 30

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν6 of 30
G3588

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

πόλιν7 of 30

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

πρὸς8 of 30

at

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν9 of 30
G3588

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

δεῖνα10 of 30

such a man

G1170

so and so (when the person is not specified)

καὶ11 of 30

and

G2532

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

εἴπατε12 of 30

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ13 of 30

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

14 of 30
G3588

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

διδάσκαλος15 of 30

The Master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

λέγει16 of 30

saith

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

17 of 30
G3588

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

καιρός18 of 30

time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

μου19 of 30

My

G3450

of me

ἐγγύς20 of 30

at hand

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

ἐστιν21 of 30

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

πρὸς22 of 30

at

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

σὲ23 of 30

thy house

G4571

thee

ποιῶ24 of 30

I will keep

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸ25 of 30
G3588

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

πάσχα26 of 30

the passover

G3957

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

μετὰ27 of 30

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν28 of 30
G3588

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

μαθητῶν29 of 30

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

μου30 of 30

My

G3450

of me


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 26:18 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 26:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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