King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:20 Mean?

Matthew 26:20 in the King James Version says “Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the even was come (ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης, opsias de genomenēs)—Passover officially began at sundown, marking Nisan 15 by Jewish reckoning. He sat down (ἀνέκειτο, anekeito)—Actually 'reclined,' as free men reclined at Passover to symbolize freedom from Egyptian slavery, in contrast to slaves who stood while eating.

With the twelve—This intimate circle would soon fracture through betrayal, denial, and desertion. Yet Jesus intentionally includes Judas, demonstrating divine mercy even to the betrayer. The phrase echoes Israel's twelve tribes sharing the original Passover, now reconstituted around the true Lamb of God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Passover meals followed specific posture: participants reclined on their left side, leaving their right hand free for eating. They leaned on cushions around a low U-shaped table (triclinium). This reclining position explains how John could lean on Jesus's breast (John 13:23) and how Judas could dip in the same dish.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's inclusion of Judas at the table teach about grace toward those who will betray us?
  2. How does the posture of reclining (as free people) relate to your understanding of freedom in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
Ὀψίας1 of 7

“when the even”

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

δὲ2 of 7

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

γενομένης3 of 7

“was come”

G1096

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

ἀνέκειτο4 of 7

“he sat down”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

μετὰ5 of 7

“with”

G3326

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

τῶν6 of 7
G3588

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

δώδεκα7 of 7

“the twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

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 26:20 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 26:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 14:17-21John 13:21Song of Solomon 1:12Luke 22:14-16Exodus 12:11

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