King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:2 Mean?

Matthew 26:2 in the King James Version says “Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:2 · 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,

4

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After two days is the feast of the passover (Greek: pascha, πάσχα)—Jesus precisely knows the divine timetable. The Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12), when the lamb's blood on doorposts spared the firstborn. Now the true Passover Lamb will be slain.

The Son of man is betrayed to be crucified—The Greek paradidotai (παραδίδοται) means 'handed over' or 'delivered up,' the same word used of God giving up His Son (Romans 8:32). Jesus uses His messianic title 'Son of man' (Daniel 7:13-14) while predicting crucifixion, Rome's method for executing slaves and rebels—the ultimate humiliation for Israel's King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover (Nisan 14-15) was one of three pilgrim festivals requiring Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem. The city swelled from 50,000 to over 250,000 people. Jesus's prediction combines Jewish betrayal with Roman execution—both powers would collaborate in killing the Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Passover typology illuminate Christ as our sacrificial Lamb who delivers us from bondage to sin?
  2. What does Jesus's precise foreknowledge of His death reveal about His voluntary nature of His sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Οἴδατε1 of 17

Ye know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι2 of 17

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μετὰ3 of 17

after

G3326

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

δύο4 of 17

two

G1417

"two"

ἡμέρας5 of 17

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τὸ6 of 17
G3588

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

πάσχα7 of 17

the feast of the passover

G3957

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

γίνεται8 of 17

is

G1096

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

καὶ9 of 17

and

G2532

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

10 of 17
G3588

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

υἱὸς11 of 17

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ12 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου13 of 17

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

παραδίδοται14 of 17

is betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

εἰς15 of 17

to

G1519

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

τὸ16 of 17
G3588

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

σταυρωθῆναι17 of 17

be crucified

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness


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 26:2 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 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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