Matthew 26:20

KJV

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, he sat down {G345} with {G3326} the twelve {G1427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When evening came, Yeshua reclined with the twelve talmidim;

Berean Standard Bible

When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples.

American Standard Version

Now when even was come, he was sitting at meat with the twelve disciples;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:20 marks the solemn commencement of the Last Supper, depicting Jesus and His twelve disciples gathering in the upper room as evening descends. This pivotal moment, occurring on the eve of Passover, sets the stage for the institution of the New Covenant, the revelation of Judas's betrayal, and Jesus' final teachings before His passion. It is a scene imbued with profound theological significance, embodying both intimate fellowship and the looming shadow of sacrifice, as the divine plan for redemption moves inexorably towards its climax.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the meticulous preparations for the Passover meal, as instructed by Jesus Himself in [Matthew 26:17-19](/matthew/26-17-19 "Matthew 26:17-19 - Preparation for the Passover"). The preceding narrative in [Matthew 26:1-16](/matthew/26-1-16 "Matthew 26:1-16 - Plots Against Jesus and Anointing at Bethany") details the chief priests and elders conspiring to arrest Jesus, Judas Iscariot's agreement to betray Him, and Mary's anointing of Jesus at Bethany, which Jesus interprets as preparation for His burial. Thus, [Matthew 26:20](/matthew/26-20 "Matthew 26:20 - The Last Supper Begins") serves as the dramatic entry point into the Passion narrative proper, transitioning from the plotting and anointing to the sacred, final meal that prefigures His crucifixion and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "when the even was come" precisely situates the event within the Jewish observance of Passover. The Passover Seder traditionally commenced at twilight on the 14th day of Nisan, marking the beginning of the 15th day, which was a high holy day. This ancient feast commemorated God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). The custom of reclining at the table (implied by "sat down") was a significant departure from the usual upright sitting posture and symbolized freedom and rest, a hallmark of the Passover celebration. This cultural practice underscored the liberation theme, which Jesus would soon reinterpret through His own redemptive work.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 26:20](/matthew/26-20 "Matthew 26:20 - The Last Supper Begins") contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Jesus's actions are not random but part of God's meticulously orchestrated plan, unfolding precisely "when the even was come" for the Passover. Secondly, it emphasizes **Fellowship and Intimacy**, as Jesus shares this profound, final meal with His chosen disciples, even knowing the impending betrayal by one of them, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His followers. Thirdly, this verse serves as a crucial bridge between the **Old Covenant and the New Covenant**, as Jesus, while observing the traditional Passover, is about to transform its meaning, pointing to His own body and blood as the true sacrifice that inaugurates a new covenant, a theme fully developed in [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **even (Greek, _ópsios'_):** This term refers to the late afternoon or early evening, specifically the period after sunset when the Passover meal would traditionally begin. Its use here underscores the precise timing of the event, aligning it with the Jewish calendar and the ancient customs surrounding the Passover Seder. This was the moment when the Passover lamb would have been slaughtered and prepared for the meal, setting a profound stage for Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God.
* **was come (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." In this context, it denotes the arrival of the evening as a divinely appointed moment. It's not merely a passive occurrence but an active unfolding of God's sovereign will, emphasizing that this specific time was ordained for the events that were about to transpire, including the institution of the Lord's Supper and the revelation of betrayal.
* **sat down (Greek, _anakeîmai'_):** This word literally means "to recline" or "to lie back," rather than simply "to sit upright." It describes the customary posture for eating festive meals in the ancient Near East, particularly the Passover Seder. Reclining symbolized a state of freedom and rest, contrasting with the posture of slaves who ate standing. Jesus adopting this posture with His disciples highlights the celebratory, intimate, and free nature of this final meal, even in the face of impending suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when the even was come":** This phrase establishes the precise temporal setting, indicating the arrival of twilight, the traditional time for the commencement of the Passover meal. The "Now" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, linking this event directly to the preceding preparations and the broader narrative of Jesus's final days. The emphasis on "the even" highlights the sacred timing of the Passover, a feast deeply embedded in Jewish history and prophecy, now about to be fulfilled and transformed by Christ.
* **"he sat down":** This describes Jesus's action of taking His place at the table, specifically reclining as was customary for a Passover Seder. This posture signifies intimacy, fellowship, and the celebratory nature of the meal, even as it precedes the gravest events of Jesus's life. It underscores His role as the host and leader, gathering His chosen ones for this momentous occasion.
* **"with the twelve":** This simple phrase carries immense weight. It signifies the presence of the full apostolic company, the foundation of the nascent church. The inclusion of "the twelve" emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant people (linking to the twelve tribes of Israel) and highlights the profound, yet tragic, reality that one of these chosen twelve, Judas Iscariot, was present and would soon betray Jesus. This detail sets up the dramatic tension and sorrow that permeates the subsequent narrative of the Last Supper.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:20 employs several literary devices to enhance its significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the peaceful setting of the meal with "the twelve" subtly hints at the impending betrayal by one of them, which will be explicitly revealed shortly thereafter. The very act of observing the Passover feast, a commemoration of deliverance from bondage, serves as **Symbolism**, pointing to Jesus's ultimate act of deliverance from sin and death, which He will accomplish through His sacrifice. The scene also utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples are likely unaware of the full gravity and transformative nature of this particular Passover meal, while the reader, knowing the outcome, understands its profound significance as the prelude to the crucifixion and the institution of the New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:20 is far more than a simple chronological marker; it is a profound theological statement on divine intentionality, human fellowship, and the culmination of redemptive history. The precise timing of "the even" for the Passover meal underscores God's meticulous orchestration of salvation, demonstrating that Jesus's passion was not an accident but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and a divinely appointed sacrifice. The intimate act of "sitting down with the twelve" highlights Jesus's unwavering commitment to His disciples, even in the face of impending betrayal, embodying His pastoral heart and the deep bond He shared with His chosen ones. This meal serves as the sacred bridge between the Old Covenant, celebrated through the Passover, and the New Covenant, which Jesus would institute through His body and blood, transforming the ancient feast into a forward-looking remembrance of His ultimate act of love and redemption.

* [Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-1-14 "Institution of the Passover")
* [Luke 22:14-20](/luke/22-14-20 "The Last Supper Account")
* [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:20 invites us into the sacred space of Jesus's final meal with His disciples, a moment pregnant with both profound intimacy and looming sorrow. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of communal fellowship, particularly around the Lord's Table. Just as Jesus gathered His disciples, we are called to gather, remembering His sacrifice and anticipating His return. This scene also highlights Jesus's incredible grace and steadfastness; He willingly entered into this intimate setting, fully aware of the impending betrayal by Judas and the suffering that awaited Him. His presence with "the twelve," even the betrayer, demonstrates a love that extends even to those who would deny or abandon Him. This encourages us to approach our own gatherings, especially communion, with reverence, gratitude, and a spirit of reconciliation, reflecting on the profound love and unwavering commitment demonstrated by Christ in His final hours. It challenges us to consider our own fellowship: are we present, engaged, and loving, even when facing difficulties or betrayals within our community?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing of "when the even was come" deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty in Jesus's life and death?**
* **What does Jesus's willingness to "sit down with the twelve," knowing Judas's impending betrayal, reveal about His character and love?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude when participating in communal meals or the Lord's Supper, reflecting on the significance of this moment in Matthew 26:20?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Jesus "sat down" rather than just stood or sat upright?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "sat down" (G345, _anakeîmai_) specifically means "to recline" or "to lie back," which was the customary posture for eating festive meals in the ancient world, particularly the Passover Seder. This posture symbolized freedom and rest, contrasting with the posture of slaves who ate standing. By reclining, Jesus and His disciples were participating in a cultural practice that emphasized the liberation theme of Passover. Theologically, it underscores the intimacy and relaxed fellowship of this final meal, even as it foreshadowed the ultimate freedom from sin that Jesus would secure through His sacrifice. It highlights the celebratory and communal nature of the event, despite the impending sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:20, depicting Jesus reclining with His disciples for the Passover meal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the transformation of this ancient feast into the New Covenant meal, the Lord's Supper. The Passover, which commemorated Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage through the blood of a lamb, is here superseded and redefined by the very presence of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, is about to offer His own body and blood as the ultimate sacrifice, establishing a new and eternal covenant. This meal, therefore, is not merely a historical re-enactment but a prophetic act, where Jesus Himself becomes the fulfillment of all that the Passover prefigured. His reclining with "the twelve" symbolizes the intimate fellowship of the new covenant community, a fellowship secured by His sacrificial love. The very act of sharing bread and wine, as instituted by Jesus later in this same meal (see [Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), becomes the enduring sign of this new covenant, pointing back to His death and forward to His return, a promise echoed in [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death"). Thus, the scene in [Matthew 26:20](/matthew/26-20 "Matthew 26:20 - The Last Supper Begins") is the sacred threshold where the shadows of the Old Covenant give way to the glorious reality of Christ's redemptive work.

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 14:17

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Mark 14:21

The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

John 13:21

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Luke 22:14

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

Luke 22:16

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Song Of Solomon 1:12

¶ While the king [sitteth] at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

Exodus 12:11

And thus shall ye eat it; [with] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it [is] the LORD'S passover.