King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:3 Mean?

Matthew 26:3 in the King James Version says “Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high pr... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Matthew 26:3 · 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.

5

But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders—The Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme council of 71 members, convenes for conspiracy. These three groups represented the religious establishment: chief priests (Sadducees controlling the temple), scribes (legal experts, mostly Pharisees), and elders (aristocratic laymen).

Unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas—Joseph Caiaphas (Greek: Kaiaphas, Καϊάφας) served as high priest 18-36 AD under Roman appointment. His father-in-law Annas wielded significant power behind the scenes. John 11:49-50 records Caiaphas's chilling prophecy that one man should die for the nation—inadvertently declaring substitutionary atonement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Caiaphas's palace was located in the wealthy Upper City of Jerusalem. The high priesthood, originally a lifetime office from Aaron's line, had become a political appointment controlled by Rome. Caiaphas maintained his position by keeping peace with Roman authorities—Jesus threatened that delicate balance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the unified opposition of religious leaders fulfill the prophetic pattern of 'the rulers take counsel together against the Lord' (Psalm 2:2)?
  2. What does the religious establishment's rejection of Jesus reveal about the danger of prioritizing institutional preservation over truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Τότε1 of 20

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

συνήχθησαν2 of 20

assembled together

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τοῦ3 of 20

who

G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως4 of 20

of the high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ5 of 20

and

G2532

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

τοῦ6 of 20

who

G3588

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

γραμματεῖς7 of 20

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ8 of 20

and

G2532

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

τοῦ9 of 20

who

G3588

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

πρεσβύτεροι10 of 20

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

τοῦ11 of 20

who

G3588

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

λαοῦ12 of 20

of the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

εἰς13 of 20

unto

G1519

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

τοῦ14 of 20

who

G3588

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

αὐλὴν15 of 20

the palace

G833

a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion

τοῦ16 of 20

who

G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως17 of 20

of the high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

τοῦ18 of 20

who

G3588

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

λεγομένου19 of 20

was called

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

Καϊάφα20 of 20

Caiaphas

G2533

the dell; caiaphas (i.e., cajepha), an israelite


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 26:3 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 26:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study