Matthew 26:3

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,

Then {G5119} assembled together {G4863} the chief priests {G749}, and {G2532} the scribes {G1122}, and {G2532} the elders {G4245} of the people {G2992}, unto {G1519} the palace {G833} of the high priest {G749}, who {G3588} was called {G3004} Caiaphas {G2533},

Then the head cohanim and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of Kayafa the cohen hagadol.

At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,

Then were gathered together the chief priests, and the elders of the people, unto the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas;

Commentary

This verse sets the scene for the religious leaders' formal plot against Jesus. Following Jesus' public ministry, controversial teachings, and challenges to their authority, the chief priests, scribes, and elders—representing the highest religious and judicial council, the Sanhedrin—convene at the residence of the high priest, Caiaphas, to devise a plan to eliminate Him.

Context

Matthew places this meeting immediately after the account of Jesus being anointed at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13) and just before Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). This timing highlights the contrast between devotion shown by the woman with the alabaster box and the conspiracy brewing among those in power. The decision here is the culmination of growing opposition to Jesus throughout His ministry. Other Gospels also record this crucial meeting, underscoring its significance in the events leading to the crucifixion (see Mark 14:1 and Luke 22:2).

Key Themes

  • Conspiracy Against Jesus: The verse explicitly describes the powerful religious leaders assembling with malicious intent. This was not a casual meeting but a deliberate effort to find a way to seize and kill Jesus secretly.
  • Religious Authority Opposing Christ: The very people entrusted with guiding Israel in God's law were the ones plotting against the Messiah. This highlights the tragic irony of religious power becoming blind to divine truth.
  • The Role of Caiaphas: As the high priest, Caiaphas was the central figure of the Jewish religious system. His palace was the natural place for such a critical assembly, and he would play a significant role in Jesus' trial (John 18:24). Caiaphas had previously advocated for Jesus' death "for the people" (John 11:49-51).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders" refers to the composition of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. The term "high priest" (Greek: archiereus) denotes the highest religious office, while "chief priests" (Greek: archiereis, plural) could include former high priests and heads of the priestly families. The assembly at the "palace" (Greek: aulē) of Caiaphas signifies a formal gathering at the seat of religious power.

Reflection

This verse is a stark reminder that opposition to God and His Anointed One often comes from unexpected places, sometimes even from within religious structures themselves. The Sanhedrin's assembly, driven by fear and jealousy, reveals the human tendency to cling to power and tradition rather than embrace divine revelation. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure our faith is genuinely centered on Christ, not merely on religious institutions or personal influence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 18:24

    Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

  • John 11:47

    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

  • John 11:53

    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

  • Mark 14:54

    And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

  • Acts 4:25

    Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

  • Acts 4:28

    For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

  • John 18:13

    ¶ And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.