The Meaning of Matthew 26:4 Explained

Matthew 26:4

KJV: And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

YLT: and they consulted together that they might take Jesus by guile, and kill him,

Darby: and took counsel together in order that they might seize Jesus by subtlety and kill him;

ASV: and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.

What is the context of Matthew 26:4?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  consulted  that  they might take  Jesus  by subtilty,  and  kill  [him]. 

What does Matthew 26:4 Mean?

Context Summary

Matthew 26:1-13 - Love's Fragrant Ministry
How great the contrast between the plotting in the court of Caiaphas and the love-ministry of Bethany! Yet even there, a strain of needless sorrow was added to the cup of our Lord. While His foes were plotting His destruction, it became necessary for Him to speak on behalf of the devoted woman who was suffering criticism for His Name. It is probable that, of all people then living, Mary was the only one who had really entered into the meaning of the Lord's words and had realized the scenes of suffering that lay before Him. Through the succeeding hours the aroma of that ointment, lingering still on His person, must have sweetly reminded Jesus how dearly He was loved.
Mary is not named in this Gospel, perhaps because it was written during her lifetime and such a reference might have exposed her to suffering. But in the fourth Gospel she is named, because by that time the whole family had gone into the presence of Him whom they so devotedly loved. Do not be deterred by utilitarian calculations from the spontaneous expression of love to Jesus. [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 26

1  Jesus foretells his own death
3  The rulers conspire against him
6  The woman anoints his feet
14  Judas bargains to betray him
17  Jesus eats the Passover;
26  institutes his holy supper;
30  foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;
36  prays in the garden;
47  and being betrayed by a kiss,
57  is carried to Caiaphas,
69  and denied by Peter

Greek Commentary for Matthew 26:4

They took counsel together [συνεβουλευσαντο]
Aorist middle indicative, indicating their puzzled state of mind. They have had no trouble in finding Jesus (John 11:57). Their problem now is how to take Jesus by subtilty and kill him The Triumphal Entry and the Tuesday debate in the temple revealed the powerful following that Jesus had among the crowds from Galilee. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 26:4

Matthew 6:7 Use not vain repetitions [μη βατταλογησητε]
Used of stammerers who repeat the words, then mere babbling or chattering, empty repetition. The etymology is uncertain, but it is probably onomatopoetic like “babble.” The worshippers of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:26) and of Diana in the amphitheatre at Ephesus who yelled for two hours (Acts 19:34) are examples. The Mohammedans may also be cited who seem to think that they “will be heard for their much speaking” Vincent adds “and the Romanists with their paternosters and avast.” The Syriac Sinaitic has it: “Do not be saying idle things.” Certainly Jesus does not mean to condemn all repetition in prayer since he himself prayed three times in Gethsemane “saying the same words again” (Matthew 26:44). “As the Gentiles do,” says Jesus. “The Pagans thought that by endless repetitions and many words they would inform their gods as to their needs and weary them (‹fatigare deos ‘) into granting their requests” (Bruce). [source]
Mark 14:45 Kissed []
See on Matthew 26:49. [source]
Mark 14:43 One of the twelve []
See on Matthew 26:47; as also onmultitude. [source]
Mark 14:44 Token [σύσσημον]
A later Greek compound used only by Mark in this passage. Compare σημεῖον , Matthew 26:48. The σύν , with, gives the force of a mutual token: a concerted signal. [source]
Mark 14:2 Not during the feast [Μη εν τηι εορτηι]
They had first planned to kill him at the feast (John 11:57), but the Triumphal Entry and great Tuesday debate (this very morning) in the temple had made them decide to wait till after the feast was over. It was plain that Jesus had too large and powerful a following. See note on Matthew 26:47. [source]
Mark 14:37 Simon, sleepest thou? [Σιμων κατευδεισ]
The old name, not the new name, Peter. Already his boasted loyalty was failing in the hour of crisis. Jesus fully knows the weakness of human flesh (see Matthew 26:41). [source]
Mark 14:41 It is enough [απεχει]
Alone in Mark. This impersonal use is rare and has puzzled expositors no little. The papyri (Deissmann‘s Light from the Ancient East and Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) furnish many examples of it as a receipt for payment in full. See also Matthew 6:2.; Luke 6:24; Philemon 4:18 for the notion of paying in full. It is used here by Jesus in an ironical sense, probably meaning that there was no need of further reproof of the disciples for their failure to watch with him. “This is no time for a lengthened exposure of the faults of friends; the enemy is at the gate” (Swete). See further Matthew 26:45 for the approach of Judas. [source]
Mark 14:43 And the scribes [και των γραμματεων]
Mark adds this item while John 18:3 mentions “Pharisees.” It was evidently a committee of the Sanhedrin for Judas had made his bargain with the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:1; Matthew 26:3; Luke 22:2). See discussion of the betrayal and arrest on Matthew 26:47-56 for details. [source]
Mark 14:44 Token [συσσημον]
A common word in the ancient Greek for a concerted signal according to agreement. It is here only in the New Testament. Matthew 26:48 has σημειον — sēmeion sign. The signal was the kiss by Judas, a contemptible desecration of a friendly salutation. [source]
Luke 22:47 Multitude - one of the twelve []
See on Matthew 26:47 [source]
Luke 22:47 To kiss []
See on Matthew 26:49. [source]
Luke 15:20 Kissed []
See on Matthew 26:49. [source]
Luke 22:46 Why sleep ye? [Τι κατευδετε]
This reproach Luke gives, but not the almost bitter details in Mark 14:37-42; Matthew 26:40-46). [source]
Luke 7:38 Kissed [κατεπιλει]
Imperfect active of καταπιλεω — kataphileō to kiss repeatedly (force of κατα — kata), and accented by the tense of continued action here. The word in the N.T. occurs here, of the prodigal‘s father (Luke 15:20), of the kiss of Judas (Mark 14:45; Matthew 26:49), of the Ephesians esian elders (Acts 20:37). “ Kissing the feet was a common mark of deep reverence, especially to leading rabbis” (Plummer). [source]
Luke 7:38 Wiped them with the hair of her head [ταις τριχιν της κεπαλης αυτης εχεμασσεν]
Inchoative imperfect of an old verb εκμασσω — ekmassō to rub out or off, began to wipe off, an act of impulse evidently and of embarrassment. “Among the Jews it was a shameful thing for a woman to let down her hair in public; but she makes this sacrifice” (Plummer). So Mary of Bethany wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair (John 12:3) with a similar sacrifice out of her great love for Jesus. This fact is relied on by some to prove that Mary of Bethany had been a woman of bad character, surely an utter failure to recognize Mary‘s motive and act.Kissed (κατεπιλει — katephilei). Imperfect active of καταπιλεω — kataphileō to kiss repeatedly (force of κατα — kata), and accented by the tense of continued action here. The word in the N.T. occurs here, of the prodigal‘s father (Luke 15:20), of the kiss of Judas (Mark 14:45; Matthew 26:49), of the Ephesians esian elders (Acts 20:37). “ Kissing the feet was a common mark of deep reverence, especially to leading rabbis” (Plummer).Anointed them with the ointment Imperfect active again of αλειπω — aleiphō a very common verb. Χριω — Chriō has a more religious sense. The anointing came after the burst of emotional excitement. [source]
Luke 9:32 Were heavy with sleep [ησαν βεβαρημενοι υπνωι]
Periphrastic past perfect of βαρεω — bareō a late form for the ancient βαρυνω — barunō (not in N.T. save Textus Receptus in Luke 21:34). This form, rare and only in passive (present, aorist, perfect) in the N.T., is like βαρυνω — barunō from βαρυς — barus and that from βαρος — baros weight, burden (Galatians 6:2). υπνωι — Hupnōi is in the instrumental case. They had apparently climbed the mountain in the early part of the night and were now overcome with sleep as Jesus prolonged his prayer. Luke alone tells of their sleep. The same word is used of the eyes of these three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:43) and of the hearts of many (Luke 21:34). [source]
John 1:38 Turned [στραπεις]
Second aorist passive participle of στρεπω — strephō vividly picturing the sudden act of Jesus on hearing their steps behind him. Beheld First aorist middle participle of τεαομαι — theaomai (John 1:32). Both participles here express antecedent action to λεγει — legei (saith). Following Present active participle of ακολουτεω — akoloutheō (John 1:37). It was Christ‘s first experience of this kind and the two came from the Baptist to Jesus. What seek ye? Not “whom” Aramaic title for “Teacher” which John here translates by Διδασκαλε — Didaskale as he is writing late and for general readers. Luke, a Greek Christian, does not use it, but John recalls his first use of this term to Jesus and explains it. Matthew has it only in the greeting of Judas to the Master (Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:49) and Mark once by Judas (Mark 14:45) and twice by Peter (Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21). John‘s Gospel has the disciples at first addressing Jesus by Rabbi while others address him by Κυριε — Kurie (Lord or Sir) as in John 4:11, John 4:49; John 5:7. Peter uses Κυριε — Kurie in John 6:68. In the end the disciples usually say Κυριε — Kurie (John 13:6, John 13:25, etc.), but Mary Magdalene says αββουνει — Rabbounei (John 20:16). Being interpreted Present passive participle of μετερμηνευω — methermēneuō late compound of μετα — meta and ερμηνευω — hermēneuō to explain (John 1:42), old word from ερμες — Hermes the god of speech (hermeneutics). John often explains Aramaic words (John 1:38, John 1:41, John 1:42; John 4:25; John 9:7, etc.). Where abidest thou? They wished a place for quiet converse with Jesus. [source]
John 18:14 He which gave command [ο συμβουλευσας]
First aorist active articular participle of συμβουλευω — sumbouleuō old verb (Matthew 26:4). The reference is to John 11:50. It was expedient Present active indicative retained in indirect assertion after secondary tense Here we have the second aorist active infinitive αποτανειν — apothanein as the subject of συμπερει — sumpherei both good idioms in the Koiné. [source]
Acts 20:37 Kissed [κατεφίλουν]
See on Matthew 26:49. [source]
Acts 13:10 Of all guile [παντος δολου]
From δελω — delō to catch with bait, old word, already seen in Matthew 26:4; Mark 7:22; Mark 14:1. Paul denounces Elymas as a trickster. [source]
Acts 16:24 Made their feet fast [τους ποδας ησπαλισατο αυτων]
First aorist (effective) middle of ασπαλιζω — asphalizō from ασπαλης — asphalēs (safe), common verb in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Matthew 27:64. The inner prison was safe enough without this refinement of cruelty. In the stocks (εις το χυλον — eis to xulon). Χυλον — Xulon from χυω — xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη — xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον — Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Acts 16:24 In the stocks [εις το χυλον]
Χυλον — Xulon from χυω — xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη — xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον — Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Acts 20:37 Kissed him [κατεπιλουν αυτον]
Imperfect active of καταπιλεω — kataphileō old verb, intensive with κατα — kata and repetition shown also by the tense: They kept on kissing or kissed repeatedly, probably one after the other falling on his neck. Cf. also Matthew 26:49. [source]
Romans 15:30 That ye strive together with me [συναγωνισασται μοι]
First aorist middle infinitive of συναγωνι ζομαι — sunagōni zomai old compound verb, only here in N.T., direct object of παρακαλω — parakalō and with associative instrumental case μοι — moi the simplex αγωνιζομενος — agōnizomenos occurring in Colossians 4:12 of the prayers of Epaphras. For Christ‘s agony in prayer see Matthew 26:42 and note on Luke 22:44. [source]
1 Corinthians 8:7 Being used until now to the idol [τηι συνητειαι εως αρτι του ειδωλου]
Old word συνητεια — sunētheia from συνητης — sunēthēs “It is defiled, not by the partaking of polluted food, for food cannot pollute (Mark 7:18.; Luke 11:41), but by the doing of something which the unenlightened conscience does not allow” (Robertson and Plummer). For this great word αστενης — suneidēsis (conscientia, knowing together, conscience) see note on Acts 23:1. It is important in Paul‘s Epistles, Peter‘s First Epistle, and Hebrews. Even if unenlightened, one must act according to his conscience, a sensitive gauge to one‘s spiritual condition. Knowledge breaks down as a guide with the weak or unenlightened conscience. For μολυνεται — asthenēs weak (lack of strength) see Matthew 26:41. Defiled Old word molunō to stain, pollute, rare in N.T. (1 Timothy 3:9; Revelation 3:4). [source]
1 Corinthians 8:7 Being weak [συνειδησις]
“It is defiled, not by the partaking of polluted food, for food cannot pollute (Mark 7:18.; Luke 11:41), but by the doing of something which the unenlightened conscience does not allow” (Robertson and Plummer). For this great word αστενης — suneidēsis (conscientia, knowing together, conscience) see note on Acts 23:1. It is important in Paul‘s Epistles, Peter‘s First Epistle, and Hebrews. Even if unenlightened, one must act according to his conscience, a sensitive gauge to one‘s spiritual condition. Knowledge breaks down as a guide with the weak or unenlightened conscience. For μολυνεται — asthenēs weak (lack of strength) see Matthew 26:41. [source]
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally [λοιπόν]
Lit., as for the rest. Sometimes rendered now, as Matthew 26:45. “Sleep on now,” for the time that remains. Besides, as 1 Corinthians 1:16. It remaineth, 1 Corinthians 7:29. Henceforth, 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 10:13. Often as here, finally. In every case the idea of something left over is at the bottom of the translation. [source]
2 Corinthians 13:2 If I come again [εαν ελτω εις το παλιν]
Condition of third class. The use of παλιν — palin of itself suits the idea that Paul had not yet made the second visit as it means simply “again” or “back,” but in Matthew 26:44 we find παλιν εκ τριτου — palin ek tritou (again a third time) and so it is not decisive. [source]
Galatians 4:9 Again [πάλιν ἄνωθεν]
Ἄνωθεν ( ἄνω above) adds to πάλιν the idea of going back to the beginning. Its primary meaning is from above; thence, from the first, reckoning in a descending series. So Luke 1:3; Acts 26:5. Such combinations as this are not uncommon in N.T. and Class. See, for instance, Acts 18:21; Matthew 26:42; Acts 10:15; John 21:16. But these additions to πάλιν are not pleonastic. They often define and explain it. Thus, John 21:16, πάλιν marks the repetition of Jesus' question, δεύτερον the number of the repetition. He asked again, and this was the second time of asking. [source]
Galatians 2:15 Not sinners of the Gentiles [ουκ εχ ετνων αμαρτωλοι]
The Jews regarded all Gentiles as “sinners” in contrast with themselves (cf. Matthew 26:45 “sinners” and Luke 18:32 “Gentiles”). It is not clear whether Galatians 2:15-21 were spoken by Paul to Peter or whether Paul is now simply addressing the Galatians in the light of the controversy with Peter. Burton thinks that he is “mentally addressing Peter, if not quoting from what he said to him.” [source]
1 Peter 5:8 Be vigilant [γρηγορήσατε]
Rev., be watchful. See on Mark 13:35; and 1 Thessalonians 5:6, where both verbs occur: watch and be sober. A reminiscence of the scene in Gethsemane: Could ye not watch with me? (Matthew 26:40, Matthew 26:41). [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Willingly [προδύμως]
Not strong enough. The word is compounded of πρό , forward, and θυμός , heart or spirit. Hence Rev., with a ready mind; a forward spirit; denoting not mere willingness, but zeal. Only here in New Testament. Compare the kindred adjective πρόθυμος , ready (Romans 1:15; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38), and the kindred noun προθυμία , readiness (2 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 8:19; 2 Corinthians 9:2). [source]
1 Peter 4:14 Resteth [ἀναπαύεται]
Compare Isaiah 11:2; Luke 10:6; Numbers 11:25, Numbers 11:26; Mark 6:31; Matthew 26:45; Revelation 14:13. Also, Matthew 11:28, where the word is used in the active voice, to give rest or refreshment. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Flock [ποιμνιον]
Old word, likewise from ποιμην — poimēn contraction of ποιμενιον — poimenion (Luke 12:32).Exercising the oversight (επισκοπουντες — episkopountes). Present active participle of επισκοπεω — episkopeō old word (in Hebrews 12:15 alone in N.T.), omitted here by Aleph B.Not by constraint Negative μη — mē because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective αναγκαστος — anagkastos here alone in N.T.But willingly (αλλα εκουσιως — alla hekousiōs). By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 10:26.Nor yet for filthy lucre A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Not by constraint [μη αναγκαστως]
Negative μη — mē because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective αναγκαστος — anagkastos here alone in N.T.But willingly (αλλα εκουσιως — alla hekousiōs). By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 10:26.Nor yet for filthy lucre A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Nor yet for filthy lucre [μηδε αισχροκερδως]
A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 But of a ready mind [αλλα προτυμως]
Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]

What do the individual words in Matthew 26:4 mean?

and they plotted together in order that - Jesus by guile they might seize kill
καὶ συνεβουλεύσαντο ἵνα τὸν Ἰησοῦν δόλῳ κρατήσωσιν ἀποκτείνωσιν

συνεβουλεύσαντο  they  plotted  together 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: συμβουλεύω  
Sense: to give counsel.
ἵνα  in  order  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦν  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
δόλῳ  by  guile 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: δόλος  
Sense: craft, deceit, guile.
κρατήσωσιν  they  might  seize 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: κρατέω  
Sense: to have power, be powerful.
ἀποκτείνωσιν  kill 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀποκτείνω 
Sense: to kill in any way whatever.