King James Version

What Does Matthew 28:12 Mean?

Matthew 28:12 in the King James Version says “And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,”

Matthew 28:12 · KJV

Context

10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

11

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13

Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

Read Matthew 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers. The chief priests convened a council ('assembled with the elders'—συναχθέντες μετὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων/synachthentes meta tōn presbyterōn), the same body that had condemned Jesus (Matthew 26:59). This was the Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme religious and civil authority, now facing an existential crisis.

'And had taken counsel' (συμβούλιον τε λαβόντες/symboulion te labontes)—they deliberated, strategized, and plotted. Faced with evidence of resurrection, they chose not repentance but damage control. Rather than investigate further or reconsider Jesus's claims, they sought to suppress truth. This illustrates the human heart's capacity for self-deception when truth threatens our interests.

'They gave large money' (ἀργύρια ἱκανὰ ἔδωκαν/argyria hikana edōkan)—a substantial bribe, suggesting the guards were reluctant or fearful. The same leaders who paid Judas to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16) now pay guards to lie about Him. Silver purchased betrayal before crucifixion; silver purchases false testimony after resurrection. The love of money remains a root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

The irony is profound: they used money to deny the one Truth that could save them. They paid to propagate a lie rather than freely receive the gospel. This contrasts sharply with the women who gave costly devotion (bringing spices, risking association with a condemned criminal) and received freely the greatest treasure—news of Christ's victory over death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin consisted of 70-71 members: chief priests (Sadducees), elders (wealthy laymen), and scribes (Pharisees). Despite theological differences (Sadducees denied resurrection; Pharisees affirmed it), they united against Jesus. His claims threatened both groups' authority and interpretation of Scripture.

Bribing Roman soldiers (if these were Romans) was serious—Roman military discipline was severe, and accepting bribes could result in execution. The bribe had to be substantial enough to outweigh this risk. If these were temple guards, the bribe still had to overcome their fear of being caught in a lie and their firsthand experience of supernatural power at the tomb.

This incident demonstrates institutional corruption. The Sanhedrin, meant to uphold truth and justice, instead funded falsehood. Religious authority without submission to God becomes a tool of oppression and deception. Jesus had warned of this, calling them 'blind guides' and 'whitewashed tombs' (Matthew 23:16, 27).

Matthew notes this false story persisted 'until this day' (verse 15), indicating it was still being circulated when Matthew wrote (perhaps AD 50-70). Yet the church grew despite this propaganda, suggesting the resurrection's evidence was strong enough to overcome official lies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the religious leaders' response to evidence—suppression rather than investigation—warn us against allowing our traditions, reputations, or positions to blind us to truth?
  2. What does their use of money to promote lies (rather than freely proclaiming truth) teach us about the fundamental difference between human religion and divine grace?
  3. How can we guard against the institutional corruption displayed here, where religious structures meant to serve God instead serve the interests of those in power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

συναχθέντες2 of 13

“when they were assembled”

G4863

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

μετὰ3 of 13

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν4 of 13
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων5 of 13

“the elders”

G4245

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

συμβούλιόν6 of 13

“counsel”

G4824

advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court

τε7 of 13

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

λαβόντες8 of 13

“had taken”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἀργύρια9 of 13

“money”

G694

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

ἱκανὰ10 of 13

“large”

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ἔδωκαν11 of 13

“they gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῖς12 of 13
G3588

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

στρατιώταις13 of 13

“unto the soldiers”

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:1-2Matthew 26:3-4Matthew 27:62-64Acts 4:5-22John 12:10-11Acts 5:33-34

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