King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:31 Mean?

Matthew 26:31 in the King James Version says “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the sheph...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

Matthew 26:31 · KJV

Context

29

But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

30

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. hymn: or, psalm

31

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

32

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

33

Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. offended: or, though the faith of other men should be shaken and fail, yet mine will be firm and constant

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All ye shall be offended because of me this night (πάντες ὑμεῖς σκανδαλισθήσεσθε ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ταύτῃ, pantes hymeis skandalisthēsesthe en emoi en tē nykti tautē)—The verb skandalizō means 'to cause to stumble, fall away.' Jesus prophesies total apostasy: all would temporarily abandon Him, fulfilling divine necessity while indicting human weakness.

Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered. God Himself strikes the shepherd (depicting Christ's death under divine wrath for sin), causing the sheep's scattering. This isn't mere persecution but the prophesied moment when God's Lamb bears iniquity, isolating Him even from His closest followers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah 13:7 was recognized as messianic prophecy in first-century Judaism. The 'smitten shepherd' connected to Isaiah 53's suffering servant. Jesus's citation showed the disciples that their coming failure was both prophesied and necessary to the divine plan, though not excusing their cowardice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's forewarning of the disciples' failure demonstrate pastoral care even in crisis?
  2. What does the fulfillment of Zechariah 13:7 teach about Christ bearing God's wrath for sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Τότε1 of 25

“Then”

G5119

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

λέγει2 of 25

“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

αὐτοῖς3 of 25

“unto them”

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

ὁ4 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Πάντες6 of 25

“All”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμεῖς7 of 25

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

σκανδαλισθήσεσθε8 of 25

“shall be offended”

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

ἐν9 of 25

“because”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοὶ10 of 25
G1698

to me

ἐν11 of 25

“because”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ12 of 25
G3588

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

νυκτὶ13 of 25

“night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ταύτῃ·14 of 25
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

γέγραπται15 of 25

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γάρ,16 of 25

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Πατάξω17 of 25

“I will smite”

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

τὸν18 of 25
G3588

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

ποιμένα19 of 25

“the shepherd”

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

καὶ20 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

διασκορπισθήσεται21 of 25

“shall be scattered abroad”

G1287

to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander

τὰ22 of 25
G3588

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

πρόβατα23 of 25

“the sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

τῆς24 of 25
G3588

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

ποίμνης25 of 25

“of the flock”

G4167

a flock (literally or figuratively)

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 26:31 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 26:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 13:7Mark 14:27-28John 16:32Ezekiel 34:5-6Psalms 69:20Psalms 38:11

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 26 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes