Matthew 26:2

KJV

Ye know that after two days is [the feast of] the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye know {G1492} that {G3754} after {G3326} two {G1417} days {G2250} is {G1096} the feast of the passover {G3957}, and {G2532} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is betrayed {G3860} to {G1519} be crucified {G4717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As you know, Pesach is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be nailed to the execution-stake."

Berean Standard Bible

“You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

American Standard Version

Ye know that after two days the passover cometh, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:2 presents a profound and pivotal declaration by Jesus to His disciples, precisely two days before the Jewish Passover feast. In this concise statement, Jesus reveals His complete foreknowledge and sovereign control over the impending events of His passion, explicitly prophesying His betrayal and crucifixion. This announcement serves as a critical transition from His eschatological discourse to the immediate unfolding of His redemptive work, emphasizing the deliberate and preordained nature of His sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the conclusion of Jesus' extensive Olivet Discourse in [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24-25 - The Olivet Discourse"), where He delivered prophecies concerning the destruction of the temple, the signs of His coming, and the end of the age. The shift in [Matthew 26](/matthew/26 "Matthew 26 - The Passion Narrative Begins") is abrupt and intentional, moving from future eschatological events to the imminent, personal suffering of Jesus. It sets the stage for the passion narrative, beginning with the conspiracy of the chief priests and elders, Judas's betrayal, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, and the trials, all culminating in the crucifixion. This direct prophecy underscores Jesus' active role and divine awareness, rather than His being a mere victim of circumstance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the most significant annual festivals in Judaism, commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). It involved the sacrifice of a lamb, the application of its blood to doorposts, and a communal meal. The timing of Jesus' prophecy – "after two days is the feast of the passover" – is crucial, deliberately linking His impending death to this ancient sacrificial tradition. Jerusalem would have been bustling with pilgrims for the festival, and the atmosphere would have been charged with religious fervor and political tension, as Roman authorities were particularly vigilant during such gatherings. The method of crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment reserved by the Roman Empire primarily for slaves, rebels, and non-Roman citizens, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public humiliation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus' suffering and death were not accidental but part of God's predetermined plan for salvation, as seen in passages like [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan"). Secondly, the use of the title **"Son of Man"** emphasizes Jesus' dual nature—His true humanity and His unique messianic authority, drawing from prophetic visions such as [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority"). This title underscores His identity as the one destined to suffer and reign. Thirdly, the explicit mention of **Imminent Betrayal and Crucifixion** foreshadows the treachery of Judas Iscariot (as detailed in [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Betrayal")) and the horrific method of His execution, emphasizing the depth of His suffering for humanity. Finally, the connection to the Passover underscores the theme of **Sacrificial Fulfillment**, portraying Jesus as the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood establishes a new covenant and provides atonement for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), but in the perfect tense, as used here, it implies "to know" or "to be aware." Jesus' use of "ye know" indicates that this information was not new or surprising to the disciples, perhaps referencing previous, less explicit predictions of His passion. It also subtly emphasizes Jesus' own perfect knowledge of the future, a divine attribute.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, this word means "to surrender," "yield up," "entrust," or "transmit." While it can be neutral, in this context, it carries the sinister connotation of being "handed over" by treachery. It refers specifically to Judas Iscariot's act of delivering Jesus to the authorities, an act that was both humanly sinful and divinely ordained to fulfill prophecy.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō'_):** From G4717, this verb means "to impale on the cross." It describes the specific, brutal method of execution that Jesus would undergo. The word itself evokes the immense suffering, humiliation, and public spectacle of death on a cross, a fate reserved for the most despised criminals. The passive voice ("is betrayed to be crucified") highlights that Jesus is the recipient of these actions, yet His foreknowledge implies His willing submission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover,"**: This clause establishes the precise temporal context for Jesus' prophecy. The disciples are already aware of the approaching Passover festival, a central event in the Jewish calendar. Jesus' statement grounds His impending suffering within a familiar and highly significant religious framework, setting the stage for His role as the ultimate Passover sacrifice. The phrase "after two days" indicates the extreme imminence of the events, creating a sense of urgency and gravity.
* **"and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified."**: This second clause delivers the shocking and explicit prophecy of Jesus' fate. The conjunction "and" links the sacred feast directly to His violent death, highlighting the stark contrast and yet profound connection between the two. Jesus refers to Himself as "the Son of man," a title emphasizing His humanity and His messianic role as the suffering servant and future judge. The passive voice of "is betrayed" and "to be crucified" indicates that these actions will be performed by others, yet Jesus' foreknowledge demonstrates His sovereign consent to these events, which are part of God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus explicitly predicts His betrayal and crucifixion, setting up the entire passion narrative that follows. This is not a vague prediction but a precise declaration of timing and method. The statement also functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, fulfilling numerous Old Testament scriptures concerning the suffering Messiah. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the very feast celebrating deliverance from bondage (Passover) becomes the backdrop for the betrayal and execution of the ultimate Deliverer. Furthermore, the verse employs **Symbolism**, as Jesus' death is implicitly linked to the Passover lamb, transforming an ancient ritual into a profound symbol of His substitutionary atonement. The stark contrast between the festive atmosphere of Passover and the brutal reality of crucifixion creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:2 is a cornerstone for understanding the **sovereignty of God** and the **willing obedience of Christ** in the face of suffering. It reveals that Jesus' death was not a tragic accident but a divinely orchestrated event, known and embraced by Him from eternity. This foreknowledge underscores His unique identity as the Son of God, who deliberately walked the path to the cross to fulfill His redemptive mission. The connection to the Passover feast is deeply significant, establishing Jesus as the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice inaugurates a new covenant and provides true liberation from the bondage of sin and death. This verse reminds believers that the cross, though an act of human wickedness, was simultaneously the very means of God's saving grace, demonstrating His profound love and unwavering purpose.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 22:7-8](/luke/22-7-8 "Luke 22:7-8 - Preparation for Passover")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:2 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers. Jesus' complete foreknowledge and willing submission to His betrayal and crucifixion demonstrate His unwavering commitment to God's redemptive plan, even when it meant unimaginable suffering. This should deepen our trust in God's sovereignty, assuring us that even in our darkest moments, His purposes are being worked out for our good and His glory. It calls us to reflect on the immense cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love, which motivated Christ's voluntary sacrifice. Understanding that Jesus walked into His suffering with full awareness should inspire us to face our own trials with courage and faith, knowing that He has gone before us. It also compels us to live lives of gratitude and obedience, recognizing that our redemption was secured not by chance, but by the deliberate, loving act of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of His suffering impact your understanding of His love and commitment to humanity?**
* **In what ways does the connection between Jesus' crucifixion and the Passover feast deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **How can reflecting on Jesus' willing submission to God's plan strengthen your own faith and trust in God's sovereignty during difficult times?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus explicitly state the timing of His death?**

Answer: Jesus explicitly states the timing of His death ("after two days is the feast of the passover") for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscores His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events, demonstrating that His death was not an accident or a failure, but a preordained act within God's redemptive plan (compare [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). Secondly, it deliberately links His sacrifice to the Jewish Passover, identifying Himself as the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose blood would establish a new covenant and bring true liberation from sin, fulfilling Old Testament types and shadows. This precise timing also serves to prepare His disciples, though they initially struggled to comprehend it, for the traumatic events that were about to unfold, reinforcing the truth of His words.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:2 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and the inaugurator of the New Covenant. Just as the original Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from death, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), sheds His blood to atone for the sins of humanity, establishing a new and eternal deliverance. His betrayal, far from being a defeat, was a necessary step in God's plan, fulfilling prophecies like [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend") and leading to the cross where He bore the full weight of sin. The crucifixion, though a brutal Roman method of execution, became the very means by which Christ conquered sin and death, transforming an instrument of shame into a symbol of ultimate victory and love. This verse, therefore, points directly to the institution of the [Lord's Supper](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), where Jesus' body and blood are remembered as the foundation of the New Covenant, a covenant of grace and forgiveness made possible by His voluntary sacrifice (as echoed in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His foreknowledge and willing submission to this path highlight His perfect obedience to the Father's will, securing eternal life for all who believe (as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 14:1

¶ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

Mark 14:2

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.

Luke 22:1

¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

Luke 22:2

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 13:2

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;

Matthew 20:18

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,