Matthew 26:30

KJV

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they had sung an hymn {G5214}, they went out {G1831} into {G1519} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After singing the Hallel, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Berean Standard Bible

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

American Standard Version

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:30 captures a profound moment in Jesus' final hours, immediately following the institution of the Lord's Supper. After sharing the Passover meal and establishing the new covenant through the bread and wine, Jesus and His disciples conclude their sacred time with an act of worship—singing a hymn—before departing from the upper room. This departure marks the transition from intimate fellowship to the agonizing spiritual struggle and imminent betrayal that awaited Jesus on the Mount of Olives, setting the stage for the Passion narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a critical transition point within Matthew's Passion narrative. It directly follows the institution of the Lord's Supper ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")), where Jesus reinterprets the Passover elements as symbols of His body and blood, establishing the New Covenant. The act of singing a hymn signifies the conclusion of this sacred meal, aligning with traditional Passover practices. Their subsequent departure "into the mount of Olives" immediately precedes Jesus' profound agony and prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), followed by His betrayal and arrest. Thus, Matthew 26:30 bridges the solemn institution of the Supper with the intense suffering that would soon unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover Seder, which Jesus and His disciples were observing, traditionally concluded with the singing of the "Hallel" Psalms (Psalms 113-118). These psalms recount God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and express praise and trust in His faithfulness. The singing of "an hymn" in Matthew 26:30 almost certainly refers to this customary practice, imbuing the moment with deep historical resonance. For Jesus and His disciples to sing these psalms, which speak of God's redemptive power, just hours before His crucifixion, underscores their faith and the profound irony of the impending events. The "Mount of Olives" was a familiar location for Jesus, often serving as a place of retreat, prayer, and teaching ([Luke 21:37](/luke/21-37 "Luke 21:37 - Jesus Teaching on the Mount of Olives")). Its proximity to Jerusalem made it a convenient and significant spot for their departure.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:30 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Worship in the Face of Suffering**. The act of singing praises immediately before the onset of immense agony demonstrates Jesus' unwavering devotion and submission to His Father's will, even unto death. Secondly, it marks a **Transition from Fellowship to Solitude and Spiritual Battle**. The intimate setting of the Last Supper gives way to the isolated struggle in Gethsemane, emphasizing the unique burden Jesus bore. Finally, this verse underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Divine Sovereignty**. Jesus' deliberate actions, including His departure to the Mount of Olives, align with Old Testament prophecies and the predetermined plan of God for His suffering and redemption, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hymn (Greek, _hymnéō'_):** (G5214) This word, derived from `hymnos`, means "to hymn, i.e., sing a religious ode; by implication, to celebrate (God) in song." In this context, it refers to the customary singing of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118) at the conclusion of the Passover Seder. The act signifies an expression of praise, worship, and trust in God, even as Jesus faced His imminent suffering and death.
* **went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** (G1831) This verb means "to issue (literally or figuratively); to come forth, out; depart (out of); escape; get out; go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence); proceed (forth); spread abroad." Here, it denotes a physical departure from the upper room, signifying a transition from the sacred fellowship of the Last Supper to the next crucial stage of the Passion narrative—the journey to the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane.
* **Mount of Olives (Greek, _óros_ G3735, _elaía_ G1636):** `óros` means "a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain); hill, mount(-ain)." `elaía` means "an olive (the tree or the fruit); olive (berry, tree)." Together, "Mount of Olives" refers to the prominent ridge east of Jerusalem, known for its olive groves. It was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples, often used for prayer and retreat. Its mention here foreshadows the intense spiritual struggle and betrayal Jesus would experience there.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had sung an hymn":** This phrase highlights the conclusion of the Passover meal with an act of worship. The singing of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118) was a traditional component of the Passover Seder, expressing praise for God's deliverance. For Jesus and His disciples to engage in this act of communal worship, even with the shadow of betrayal and crucifixion looming, underscores a profound commitment to God's sovereignty and a spirit of submission. It reveals Jesus' composure and adherence to custom even in His darkest hour.
* **"they went out into the mount of Olives.":** This clause describes the physical movement of Jesus and His disciples from the upper room to a specific, significant location. The Mount of Olives, a place familiar to Jesus, becomes the setting for the next critical events: Jesus' agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, His disciples' failure to stay awake, and ultimately, His betrayal by Judas and arrest. This departure marks a pivotal shift from the intimacy of the Last Supper to the public and painful events of the Passion.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:30 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the departure to the Mount of Olives immediately precedes Jesus' intense prayer in Gethsemane and His subsequent arrest, setting the stage for the Passion. The very act of singing a hymn, traditionally associated with deliverance, before facing the ultimate suffering, creates a powerful **Irony**, highlighting Jesus' unique path to salvation through sacrifice rather than escape. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the Mount of Olives as both a place of intimate prayer and profound betrayal underscores the dual nature of Jesus' final hours—a time of deep communion with God and a confrontation with human sin and treachery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:30 encapsulates profound theological truths, particularly concerning Christ's obedience, His example of worship in suffering, and the sovereign plan of God. The act of singing a hymn before facing the cross demonstrates Jesus' perfect submission to the Father's will, even when it led to immense suffering. This is not a reluctant obedience but a faithful, worshipful surrender, setting an unparalleled example for believers. It underscores that true worship is not contingent on favorable circumstances but is a posture of the heart that trusts God's plan, even in the face of the unknown or the terrifying. This moment also highlights the transition from the old covenant Passover to the new covenant established through Christ's blood, with the hymn serving as a final act of the old, preceding the inauguration of the new through His sacrifice.

* [Psalm 118:22-24](/psalms/118-22-24 "Psalm 118:22-24 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:30 offers a powerful and poignant example for contemporary believers. In the face of His greatest trial, Jesus did not succumb to despair or fear but engaged in worship. This teaches us that worship is not merely an activity for times of joy but a vital spiritual discipline for navigating life's deepest valleys. When we are confronted with uncertainty, suffering, or impending difficulty, our response, like Jesus', can be one of praise and trust in God's sovereign plan. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of worship that transcends circumstances, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God is worthy of our praise and our submission to His will. It encourages us to prepare for trials not just practically, but spiritually, by drawing near to God through worship and prayer, finding strength and peace that surpasses understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of singing a hymn before His suffering challenge your understanding of worship?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of worship and trust in God, even when facing difficult or uncertain circumstances in your life?**
* **What spiritual disciplines, exemplified by Jesus' actions here, can help you prepare for future trials?**

### FAQ
**What "hymn" did Jesus and His disciples sing?**

Answer:While the Gospel text does not specify the exact hymn, it is widely understood by biblical scholars to refer to the "Hallel" Psalms (Psalms 113-118). It was a long-standing tradition during the Passover Seder for participants to sing these psalms, which recount God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and express praise and trust in His faithfulness. Given the context of the Last Supper as a Passover meal, it is highly probable that Jesus and His disciples concluded their meal by observing this custom, singing these very psalms of praise and hope before departing.

**Why did they go to the Mount of Olives?**

Answer:The Mount of Olives was a familiar and significant location for Jesus and His disciples. It was a place where Jesus often retreated for prayer, teaching, and rest ([Luke 21:37](/luke/21-37 "Luke 21:37 - Jesus Teaching on the Mount of Olives")). Its proximity to Jerusalem made it a convenient spot for their departure from the city after the Passover meal. More importantly, it was the location of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would face His intense spiritual agony, pray to His Father, and ultimately be betrayed by Judas and arrested ([Matthew 26:36-50](/matthew/26-36-50 "Matthew 26:36-50 - Gethsemane and Jesus' Arrest")). Thus, their journey to the Mount of Olives directly set in motion the events leading to His crucifixion, fulfilling divine prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:30, though brief, powerfully points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly entered into His suffering, not with despair, but with an act of worship. His singing of a hymn, likely the Hallel Psalms, which celebrated God's deliverance, takes on profound new meaning as He Himself became the ultimate deliverer. This act underscores His perfect obedience, a stark contrast to the disobedience of the first Adam ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). By embracing the path of suffering, even singing praises before it, Jesus demonstrated His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will, thereby securing our salvation. His departure to the Mount of Olives, the place of His agony and betrayal, was not a random act but a deliberate step towards the cross, where He would become the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The hymn sung by Jesus and His disciples foreshadows the new song of redemption that all believers would one day sing because of His finished work on Calvary ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of Redemption")).

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

Luke 22:39

¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

John 18:4

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.