King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:5 Mean?

Matthew 26:5 in the King James Version says “But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:5 · King James Version

Context

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.

6

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

7

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people—Their political calculation shows fear of popular uprising (thorubos, θόρυβος, 'tumult' or 'riot'). The leaders recognize Jesus's popularity with the crowds, especially pilgrims from Galilee. Yet God's sovereign plan overrules their scheming—Jesus will die precisely on Passover as the true Lamb.

This reveals divine irony: they plan to avoid the feast, but God orchestrates Christ's death during Passover to fulfill all the typology. The leaders plot in vain (Psalm 2:1-4)—God laughs at their conspiracy while accomplishing His eternal redemptive purpose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Passover, Roman prefects came from Caesarea to Jerusalem with extra troops to prevent riots. The city was a tinderbox of messianic expectation and nationalist fervor. The religious leaders feared losing their positions if Rome suppressed an uprising sparked by Jesus's arrest (John 11:48).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty work through human decisions—even evil ones—to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
  2. What does the leaders' fear of the crowd reveal about the difference between worldly power and true spiritual authority?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἔλεγον1 of 13

“they said”

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

δέ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ3 of 13

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν4 of 13

“among”

G1722

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

τῇ5 of 13
G3588

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

ἑορτῇ6 of 13

“the feast”

G1859

a festival

ἵνα7 of 13
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ8 of 13

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

θόρυβος9 of 13

“an uproar”

G2351

a disturbance

γένηται10 of 13

“there be”

G1096

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

ἐν11 of 13

“among”

G1722

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

τῷ12 of 13
G3588

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

λαῷ13 of 13

“the people”

G2992

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

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 26:5 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 26:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:24Matthew 14:5Matthew 21:26Proverbs 21:30Mark 14:12Mark 14:2

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