1.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
finished. Compare Matthew 7:28 . Marking an epoch. As in Matthew 11:1 ; Matthew 13:53 ; Matthew 19:1 . See App-156 .
sayings. Plural of logos. See note on Mark 9:42 .
2.
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Ye know. Greek. oida. App-132 .
after. Greek. meta.
after two days, &c. See App-156 .
is = takes place, or cometh. Greek. ginomai. See note on "fulfilled", Luke 21:32 .
passover. Greek. pascha, an Aramaic word. Hebrew. pesach. App-94 .
the Son of man. See App-98 .
betrayed = delivered up. The Present Tense is the Figure of speech Prolepsis ( App-6 ). See note on "ye slew", Matthew 23:35 .
to = for: i.e. for the purpose of. Greek. eis. App-104 .
crucified = hung upon a stake. Greek. stauros was not two pieces of wood at any angle. It was an upright pale or stake. Same as xulon, a piece of timber (Acts 5:30 ; Acts 5:10 , Acts 5:39 . Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:13 . 1 Peter 2:24 ). Even the Latin crux means a mere stake, or stave (compare verses: Matthew 26:47 , Matthew 26:55 , &c.); while stauroo (here) means to drive stakes. See App-162 .
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,
palace = court, with access from the street. Should he so rendered in verses: Matthew 26:58 , Matthew 26:69 . Mark 14:54 , Mark 14:66 ; Mark 15:16 . Luke 11:21 ; Luke 22:55 .John 18:15 , as it is in Revelation 11:2 . It is rendered "hall" in Mark 15:16 . Luke 22:55 .
4.
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
that = to the end that.
take = seize.
subtilty = guile.
5.
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
on = during. Greek. en. The same as "among" in the next clause.
on the feast day = during the feast.
6.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
was = came to be, as in Matthew 26:20 . Greek. ginomai.
Bethany. Note this return to Bethany from Jerusalem after His first entry in Matthew 21:1-11 , &c., and before His triumphal entry in Mark 11:1-10 . Luke 19:29-38 , and John 12:12-19 . See App-156 .
Simon. Showing this to be a second anointing, later than that of John 12:2-8 . See App-158 .
the leper. Figure of speech Ampliatio ( App-6 ). So called after his healing, as Matthew was still called "the tax-gatherer". See note on Exodus 4:6 .
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.
a woman. Unnamed. In the former anointing it was Mary. See App-158 , and note on i Samaritan Pentateuch Matthew 3:1 .
box = flask.
very precious. Greek. barutimos. Occurs only here.
on = upon. Greek. epi.
His head. In the former anointing, by Mary, it was His feet. See App-158 .
sat = reclined [at table].
8.
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
His disciples. In the former case it was Judas Iscariot. App-158 .
9.
For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10.
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
understood = got to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 26:2 , Matthew 26:70 , Matthew 26:72 , Matthew 26:74 .
good = excellent.
upon = toward. Greek. eis. App-104 .
11.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
with. Greek. meta. App-104 .
not. Greek. ou App-105 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 26:26 , Matthew 26:5 , Matthew 26:29 , Matthew 26:35 ; but the same as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:40 , Matthew 24:42 , Mat 24:53 , Mat 70:72 , Mat 70:74 .
12.
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
burial = embalming. Compare John 19:40 . Should be the same as in Mark 14:8 . John 12:7 . It is the Septuagint for Hebrew. hanat, in Genesis 50:2 .
13.
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Verily. See note on Matthew 5:18 .
this gospel = the good news.
preached = proclaimed. App-121 .
world. Greek. kosmos. App-129 .
also this, that = this also which.
14.
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
unto. Greek. pros.
15.
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
will ye give . . . ? = what are ye willing to give?
will. Greek. thelo. App-102 .
covenanted with him = they placed for him [in the balance]: i.e. they weighed to him.
thirty pieces of silver. See App-161 . These were shekels of the Sanctuary. App-51 . This was the price of an ox which had gored a servant (Exodus 21:32 ). It was here destined for the purchase of sacrifices.
16.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
17.
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
the first day. The eating of the Passover took place on the fourteenth of Nisan. See Exodus 12:6 , Exodus 12:8 , Exodus 12:18 . Leviticus 23:5 .Numbers 9:3 ; Numbers 28:16 . The fifteenth was the high sabbath, the first day of the feast. See Numbers 28:17 .
Where . . . ? This question shows that the date was the fourteenth of Nisan.
18.
And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
into. Greek. eis. App-104 . as in verses: Matthew 26:30 , Matthew 26:32 , Matthew 26:41 , Mat 30:45 , Mat 30:52 , Mat 30:71 . such a man = a certain one. Greek. deina. Occurs only here in N.T.
Master = Teacher. App-98 . Matthew 26:3 .
at thy house = with ( App-104 .) thee.
19.
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
had appointed. Greek. suntasso. Occurs only here, and Matthew 27:10 .
20.
Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
He sat down. Thus showing us that this could not be the Passover lamb, which must be eaten standing. See Exodus 12:11 .
21.
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
as they did eat. This had been preceded by John 13:1-30 . It was the Passover feast, but not the Passover lamb, which followed it. See Matthew 26:2 , and App-156 and App-157 .
betray Me = deliver Me up.
22.
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
every = each. One after the other.
Lord. App-98 . A. Literally, "Not I, is it. Lord? "
23.
And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
dippeth = dipped.
24.
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
The Son of man. See App-98 .
s written = hath been (or standeth) written.
of = concerning. Greek. peri.
by = by means of. Greek. dia. Not the same word as in Matthew 26:63 .
it had been good. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 .
if, &c. Assuming the condition as a fact. See App-118 .
25.
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Master = Rabbi. App-98 . as in Matthew 26:49 ; not the same as in Matthew 26:18 . Literally, "Not I, is it. Master? "
Thou hast said = Thou thyself hast said [it].
26.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
bread = a hard biscuit, which required to be broken.
this is = this represents. See App-159 and App-6 , Figure of speech Metaphor.
27.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
My blood. No covenant could be made without shedding of blood (Exodus 24:8 . Hebrews 9:20 ); and no remission of sins without it (Leviticus 17:11 ).
the new testament = the New Covenant. This can be nothing else than that foretold in Jeremiah 31:31 . If not made then, it can never now be made, for the Lord has no blood to shed (Luke 24:39 ). This is the ground of the proclamation of "them that heard Him" (Hebrews 2:3 ). See Acts 2:38 , and Acts 3:19 , &c. See also App-95 .
new. Greek. kainos. New as to quality and character; not fresh made. Compare Matthew 27:60 . Mark 1:27 .
testament. Greek. diatheke. This is the first occurrence in the N.T. It is an O.T. word, and must always conform to O.T. usage and translation. It has nothing whatever to do with the later Greek usage. The rendering "testament" comes from the Vulgate "testamentum". See App-95 . Diatheke occurs in N.T. thirty three times, and is rendered covenant twenty times (Luke 1:72 .Acts 3:25 ; Acts 7:8 . Romans 9:4 ; Romans 11:27 . Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:15 , Galatians 1:17 ; Galatians 4:24 .Ephesians 2:12 .Hebrews 8:6 , Hebrews 8:8 , Hebrews 8:9 , Hebrews 9:10 ; Hebrews 9:4 , Hebrews 9:4 ; Hebrews 10:16 , Hebrews 10:29 ; Hebrews 12:24 ; Hebrews 13:20 ); and testament thirteen times (here, Mark 14:24 .Luke 22:20 . 1 Corinthians 11:25 . 2Co 3:6 , 2 Corinthians 3:14 .Hebrews 7:22 ; Hebrews 9:15 , Hebrews 9:15 , Hebrews 9:16 , Hebrews 9:17 , Hebrews 9:20 . Revelation 11:19 ). It should be always rendered "covenant". See notes on Hebrews 9:15-22 , and App-95 .
is. Used by the Figure of speech Prolepsis. App-6 .
for the remission of sins. See Acts 2:38 ; Acts 3:19 .
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.
not = by no means. Greek. ou me. App-105 . This might have been soon verified, had the nation repented at the proclamation of Peter (Acts 3:19-26 ). But now it is postponed.
this fruit of the vine. Figure of speech Periphrasis. App-6 .
Father's. App-98 and App-112 .
30.
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
hymn = Psalm. Probably the second part of "the great Hallel " (or Hallelujah), Psalms 115, 116, 117, 118.
they went out. Another proof that this was not the Passover lamb. Compare Exodus 12:22 . See note on Matthew 26:20 .
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.
be offended = stumble.
because of = in. Greek. en.
this night = in or during (Greek. en. App-104 .) this very night.
it is written = it standeth written.
I will smite, &c. Reference to Zechariah 13:7 . See App-107 and App-117 . .
32.
But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
I will go before you. Compare John 10:4 .
Galilee. App-169 .
33.
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Peter = But Peter.
Though. Greek. Even if. Same condition implied as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:42 .
34.
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
That. Greek. hoti. Separating what was said from the time when it was said. See note on Luke 23:43 .
before . See note on Matthew 1:18 .
the = a: i.e. one of other cooks.
Shalt = wilt.
thrice: i.e. three denials and a cock-crow; then three more and a second cock-crow; not three cock-crows. This prophecy was uttered three times: (1) John 13:38 , relating to fact, not to time; (2) Luke 22:34 , in the supper room; (3) and last, Matthew 26:34 (Mark 14:30 ), on the Mount of Olives. See App-156 and App-160 .
35.
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Though I should die = Even if (as in Matthew 26:24 ) it be necessary for me to die.
with = together with. Greek. sun. App-104 .
also said . . . disciples = said . . . disciples also.
36.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Then cometh, &c. The Structure (p. 1305) shows the correspondence between the Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11 ) and the Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46 ). That both were an assault of Satan is shown in Luke 22:53 , John 14:30 ; and by the fact that in each case angelic ministration was given. Compare Matthew 4:11 with Luke 22:43 .
place. Not the usual word, or the same as in Matthew 26:52 , but Greek. chorion = field, or farmstead; used as "place" is in Eng. of a separated spot, in contrast with the town. Compare its ten occurrences (here, 2 John 1:4; 2 John 1:4 :5 .Acts 1:18 , Acts 1:19 , Acts 1:19 ; Acts 4:34 ; Acts 5:3 , Acts 5:8 ; Acts 28:7 ).
Gethsemane. An Aramaic word. See App-94 .
pray. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134 .:2. As in verses: Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:41 , Matthew 26:42 , Mat 39:44 . Not the same as in Matthew 26:53 .
37.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Peter, &c.: i.e. Peter, James, and John.
Zebedee. See note on Matthew 4:21 .
sorrowful and very heav y = full of anguish and distress. Greek. ademoneo = very heavy: only here, Mark 14:33 , and Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:26 .
38.
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
soul. Greek. psuche. See App-110 .
exceeding sorrowful = crushed with anguish. So the Septuagint Psalms 42:5 , Psalms 42:11 ; Psalms 43:5 .
39.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
will = am willing. See App-102 .
40.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
asleep. Intentionally. App-171 .
41.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
that = to the end that.
spirit. Greek. pneuma. App-101 .
willing = ready.
42.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Thy will be done. The very words of Matthew 6:10 .
43.
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45.
Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
now = afterward. Not "now", for see Matthew 26:46 . If taken as meaning "henceforth" it must be a question, as in Luke 22:46 .
the hour is at hand. See note on John 7:6 .
the Son of man. See App-98 .
46.
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
going. To meet Judas; not to attempt flight.
47.
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .
one of the twelve. So in all three Gospels. Had probably become almost an appellative by the time the Gospels were written (as "he that betrayed Him "had).
multitude = crowd.
staves = clubs. As in Matthew 26:55 and Mark 14:43 , Mark 14:48 . Luke 22:52 . Not "staves", which is plural of rabdos = a staff for walking, as in Matthew 10:10 . Mark 6:8 . Luke 9:3 and Hebrews 11:21 .
48.
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
gave = had given.
hold Him fast = seize Him.
49.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Hail = Greek. Chaire. An Aramaic salutation, like the Greek "Peace". Occ only here; Matthew 27:29 ; Matthew 28:9 ; Mark 15:18 . Luke 1:28 . John 19:3 . 2 John 1:10-11 .
kissed Him = ostentatiously embraced Him.
50.
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Friend = Comrade. Greek. hetairos. Occurs only in Matthew (here; Matthew 11:16 ; Matthew 20:13 ; Matthew 22:12 ).
wherefore, &c. This is not a question, but an elliptical expression: "[Do that] for which thou art here", or "Carry out thy purpose".
took = seized.
51.
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
sword. See Luke 22:36 .
a servant = the bondservant; marking a special body-servant of the high priest, by name "Malchus" (John 18:10 ).
his ear = the lobe of his ear.
52.
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
place: i.e. its sheath. Greek. topos . Not the same word as in Matthew 26:36 .
take the sword, &c.: i.e. on their own responsibility (Romans 13:4 ).
shall perish. Compare Genesis 9:6 . with = by. Greek. en .
53.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
cannot = am not able.
now = even now. T Tr. WH R read this after "give Me".
pray = call upon. Greek. parakaleo. App-134 .
presently = instantly.
give = send, or furnish.
twelve legions: i.e. for Himself and the eleven apostles.
legions. A legion consisted of 6,000 (6,000 x 12 = 72,000). Compare 2 Kings 6:17 .
54.
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
be = come to pass.
55.
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
a thief = a robber. As in Matthew 27:38 , Matthew 27:44 . (Not "thief", as in Matthew 6:19 , Matthew 6:20 ; Matthew 24:43 ; or "malefactor", as in Luke 23:39-43 .)
I sat = I used to sit; or, was accustomed to sit. Imperf. Tense.
laid no hold on Me = ye did not (Greek. ou . App-105 ) seize me.
56.
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
was done = is come to pass.
57.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
laid hold on = seized.
were assembled = had gathered together.
58.
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
afar off = from afar.
unto = even to.
in = within [the court].
servants = officers.
59.
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
council = Sanhedrin.
sought = were seeking.
false witness. Greek. pseudomarturia. Occurs only in Matthew, here, and Matthew 15:19 .
against. Greek. kata. Not the same word as in Matthew 26:55 .
to put = so that they might put, &c.
60.
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
none = not [any]. Greek. ou. App-105 .
yet found they none. All the texts omit these words; but Scrivener thinks on insufficient authority.
At the last = But at last.
two. Compare Deuteronomy 19:15 .
61.
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
I am able to destroy. This was "false". He said "Destroy ye". The false witnesses helped to fulfill it.
Temple. Greek. naos, the shrine. See note on Matthew 23:16 .
in. Greek. dia . Perhaps better "within". See Mark 2:1 .Acts 24:17 . Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:1 .
62.
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
63.
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
held = continued holding.
I adjure Thee = I put Thee on Thine oath. Greek. exor - kizo. Occurs only here.
whether = if, &c. Throwing no doubt on the assumption: as in verses: Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:39 , Matthew 26:42 .
the Christ = Messiah. App-98 . .
the Son of God. See App-98 .
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.
Thou hast said = Thou thyself hast said [it].
nevertheless = moreover, or however.
Hereafter , or Later on.
shall ye see. See App-133 .
the Son of man. As in verses: Matthew 26:2 , Matthew 26:24 , Matthew 26:45 . This is the last occurrence in Matthew. Quoted from Psalms 110:1 .Daniel 7:13 .
on. Greek. ek. (Not the same word as in Matthew 26:18 .) "On" here is not the same as in verses: Matthew 26:5 , Matthew 26:7 , Matthew 26:12 , Matthew 5:39 , Mat 5:50 .
power. See note on Matthew 7:2 .
in = upon. Greek. epi .
heaven = the heavens. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
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.
clothes = robe.
66.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
guilty = deserving or subject to; "guilty" is obsolete in this sense Greek. enochos, as in Mark 14:64 . 1 Corinthians 11:27 . James 2:10 .
67.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
in = on to. Greek. eis.
buffeted = cuffed, or slapped.
smote . . . hands. One word in the Greek Not necessarily implying "rods". See Matthew 5:39 . Mark 14:65 .John 18:22 ; John 19:3 . Compare Isaiah 50:6 (Septuagint) and Hosea 5:1 ; Hosea 11:4 (Symmachus). Greek. rapizo. Occurs only in Matthew, here and Matthew 5:39 .
68.
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Prophesy = Divine. Refers to the past, not to the future.
69.
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Now Peter, &c. See App-160 on Peter's denials.
sat = was sitting.
a damsel. Greek. one damsel. Because another is to be mentioned (Matthew 26:71 ).
70.
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
denied. See App-160 .
71.
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
gone out. To avoid further questioning.
another. Another [maid]; feminine. See App-124 .
This fellow was also = This [man] also was.
72.
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
the man. Not even His name.
73.
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74.
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
curse: i.e. to call down curses on himself if what he said were not true. Greek. katanathematizo. Occurs only here. See App-160 .
the = a. No Art. See note on Matthew 26:34 and App-160 .
75.
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
word = saying. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32 .
which = Who.
said = had said.