The big picture
Matthew 26 opens in verse 1 with “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 38 with “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here…”, and closes in verse 75 with “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou…” Repeated or prominent terms include Jesus, disciples, Peter, high, hand. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Matthew · King James Version · 75Matthew 26:1-8
1–8: It came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto…
Matthew 26:1–8 opens with “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,” and reaches “But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by Jesus, disciples, feast.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.
Matthew 26:1-8
King James Version1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
3Then 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,
4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
Matthew 26:9-16
9–16: For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
Matthew 26:9–16 opens with “For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.” and reaches “And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by always, ointment, poor.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 2 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
Matthew 26:9-16
King James Version9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
13Verily 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.
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15And 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.
16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:17-24
17–24: The first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to…
Matthew 26:17–24 opens with “Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him…” and reaches “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by disciples, passover, betray.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 2 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
Matthew 26:17-24
King James Version17Now 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?
18And 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.
19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24The 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.
Matthew 26:25-32
25–32: Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said…
Matthew 26:25–32 opens with “Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast…” and reaches “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by drink, gave, Jesus.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
Matthew 26:25-32
King James Version25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26And 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.
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29But 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.
30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31Then 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.
32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Matthew 26:33-40
33–40: Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended…
Matthew 26:33–40 opens with “Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I…” and reaches “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by Peter, disciples, cometh.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
Matthew 26:33-40
King James Version33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39And 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.
40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Matthew 26:41-48
41–48: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is…
Matthew 26:41–48 opens with “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh…” and reaches “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by betrayed, hand, prayed.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Naming Watch keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.” The line’s distinctive content terms include asleep, eyes, heavy. Its relationship to verses 42 and 44 shows what work it does in this passage.
Matthew 26:41-48
King James Version41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42He 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.
43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45Then 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.
46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47And 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.
48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Matthew 26:49-56
49–56: Forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Matthew 26:49–56 opens with “And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.” and reaches “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by Jesus, sword, fulfilled.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 4 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.” Naming Hail and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
Matthew 26:49-56
King James Version49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
51And, 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.
52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
55In 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.
56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
Matthew 26:57-64
57–64: They that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high…
Matthew 26:57–64 opens with “And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes…” and reaches “Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by high, Jesus, false.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were…” Naming Caiaphas and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Matthew 26:57-64
King James Version57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
63But 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.
64Jesus 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.
Matthew 26:65-72
65–72: The high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what…
Matthew 26:65–72 opens with “Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have…” and reaches “And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by blasphemy, denied, Jesus.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 3 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
Matthew 26:65-72
King James Version65Then 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.
66What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71And 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.
72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Matthew 26:73-75
73–75: After a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter…
Matthew 26:73–75 opens with “And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one…” and reaches “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup; Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard, with particular weight carried by cock, Peter, began.
Matthew 26:73-75
King James Version73And 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.
74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
75And 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.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Matthew 26:1 begins with “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,”
Where the chapter turns
Matthew 26:38 forms a natural hinge: “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.”
The final note
Matthew 26:75 leaves the reader with “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.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Jesus, disciples, Peter, high, hand, betrayed help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
How does Isaac respond to repeated disputes?
He relocates and digs again until a well is not contested, while later accepting a negotiated peace.
What persists from Abraham's story?
The promise, altars, wells, outsider status and the dangerous sister deception.
KJV words made clear
- behold
- look, or pay close attention
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- thou
- you
- thy
- your
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.
