King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:66 Mean?

Matthew 26:66 in the King James Version says “What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.”

Matthew 26:66 · KJV

Context

64

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

65

Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

66

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

67

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, the palms: or, rods

68

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death (τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ; οἱ δὲ ἀποκριθέντες εἶπαν, Ἔνοχος θανάτου ἐστίν)—The high priest's question τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ; ('What do you think? What is your verdict?') demanded judgment. The response was unanimous: Ἔνοχος θανάτου ἐστίν ('He is liable/guilty of death, He deserves death'). The adjective ἔνοχος (enochos) means 'held in, bound by, liable, guilty'—a legal term declaring guilt worthy of capital punishment. Leviticus 24:16 prescribed stoning for blasphemy. The Sanhedrin condemned the sinless One (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15) to death—the greatest injustice in history became the means of perfect justice (Romans 3:25-26).

The unanimous verdict fulfilled prophecy but violated procedure—Jewish law required trials to extend to a second day before capital conviction, allowing time for reconsideration. Night trials for capital crimes were illegal. The haste revealed malicious intent, not judicial care. Yet God's sovereignty turned their evil into His redemptive purpose—they meant it for evil; God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). The unjust verdict accomplished justification for the unjust (Romans 5:18-19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin's verdict couldn't be executed without Roman approval—Rome reserved death-penalty authority (John 18:31). This explains Friday morning's proceedings before Pilate (27:1-2). The charge changed from religious (blasphemy) to political (claiming kingship, threatening Caesar—Luke 23:2) because Romans didn't execute for Jewish religious violations. The progression shows how religious opposition became political maneuvering. The religious establishment's manipulation of Roman power to kill Jesus demonstrates how earthly kingdoms unknowingly serve God's kingdom purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sanhedrin's unanimous condemnation of the innocent One reveal the depth of corporate human depravity?
  2. What comfort does the transformation of unjust condemnation into salvific justification provide when you face injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τί1 of 10

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὑμῖν2 of 10

“ye”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δοκεῖ3 of 10

“think”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

οἱ4 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ5 of 10

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθέντες6 of 10

“They answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἰπον,7 of 10

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἔνοχος8 of 10

“guilty”

G1777

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

θανάτου9 of 10

“of death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἐστίν10 of 10

“He is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 26:66 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 26:66 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:7Acts 7:52Acts 13:27-28James 5:6Leviticus 24:11-16

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