King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:67 Mean?

Matthew 26:67 in the King James Version says “Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, the palms: or, rod...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:67 · KJV

Context

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?

69

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands (Τότε ἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐκολάφισαν αὐτόν, οἱ δὲ ἐράπισαν)—After conviction came abuse. The verb ἐμπτύω (emptýō, 'to spit upon') was ultimate insult in ancient Near East, expressing contempt and rejection (Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9; Job 30:10). They spat εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον ('into His face')—personal, degrading. The verb κολαφίζω (kolaphizō, 'to strike with the fist, to beat, to buffet') indicates violent beating. The verb ῥαπίζω (rhapizō, 'to slap, to strike with palm') describes slapping with open hands.

This fulfilled Isaiah 50:6: 'I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.' And Isaiah 53:3: 'He was despised and rejected by men.' The religious leaders, having secured legal verdict, now vented personal hatred through physical abuse. Their actions exposed the violence lurking beneath religious respectability. The Creator endured creature's contempt; the Judge suffered criminal's abuse. The scene reveals both human depravity's depth and divine love's height.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spitting and striking were recognized forms of shameful abuse (Isaiah 50:6; Job 16:10; 30:10; Lamentations 3:30). Roman and Jewish sources attest to this treatment of condemned criminals. The Sanhedrin members, Israel's religious elite, personally participated in degrading Jesus—showing mob mentality can infect even educated, religious people when hatred replaces reason. Their behavior contrasts with their self-perception as righteous—religiosity without regeneration produces self-righteous cruelty. This abuse was merely prelude to Roman scourging and crucifixion's greater torture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's silent endurance of shameful abuse demonstrate the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?
  2. What does religious leaders' physical violence against Jesus teach about religion's capacity for evil when divorced from true knowledge of God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Τότε1 of 12

“Then”

G5119

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

ἐνέπτυσαν2 of 12

“did they spit”

G1716

to spit at or on

εἰς3 of 12

“in”

G1519

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

τὸ4 of 12
G3588

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

πρόσωπον5 of 12

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτόν,6 of 12

“him”

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

καὶ7 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκολάφισαν8 of 12

“buffeted”

G2852

to rap with the fist

αὐτόν,9 of 12

“him”

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

οἱ10 of 12
G3588

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

δὲ11 of 12

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐῤῥάπισαν,12 of 12

“others smote him with the palms of their hands”

G4474

to slap

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 26:67 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 26:67 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 50:6Isaiah 53:3John 18:22Matthew 27:30Mark 14:65Matthew 5:39

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