Matthew 26:31

KJV

¶ Then 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} saith {G3004} Jesus {G2424} unto them {G846}, All {G3956} ye {G5210} shall be offended {G4624} because {G1722} of me {G1722}{G1698} this {G5026} night {G3571}: for {G1063} it is written {G1125}, I will smite {G3960} the shepherd {G4166}, and {G2532} the sheep {G4263} of the flock {G4167} shall be scattered abroad {G1287}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua then said to them, "Tonight you will all lose faith in me, as the Tanakh says, `I will strike the shepherd dead, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

American Standard Version

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended in me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus delivers a poignant prophecy to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, foretelling their imminent desertion and spiritual stumbling during His arrest. He explicitly links this painful event to the ancient prophecy of [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"), revealing that His suffering as the "shepherd" and the subsequent scattering of His "sheep" are not random occurrences but divinely ordained aspects of God's sovereign plan for redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the institution of the Lord's Supper, a pivotal moment where Jesus establishes the [new covenant in His blood](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). Having shared this intimate meal and profound theological teaching, Jesus and His disciples depart for the Mount of Olives. The atmosphere shifts from solemn communion to the ominous shadow of impending betrayal and suffering. Jesus's words in [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering") serve as a direct, sobering warning about the immediate future, preparing them for the profound test of faith they are about to face. It sets the stage for Peter's boastful denial in [Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter's Denial Foretold") and the subsequent events in Gethsemane, where the prophecy of scattering begins to unfold.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "shepherd" and "sheep" was deeply resonant in ancient Israel. Kings, leaders, and even God Himself were often depicted as shepherds guiding and protecting their flock ([Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God as Shepherd")). Conversely, sheep without a shepherd were vulnerable, prone to scattering and predation. In the context of the Passover week, Jerusalem was bustling, and tensions were high between the Jewish religious authorities and Jesus. The disciples, like many Jews of their time, likely harbored expectations of a conquering Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, not a suffering one who would be "smitten." Jesus's prophecy directly challenges these expectations, revealing a path of suffering and apparent defeat that was nonetheless part of God's redemptive plan, as foretold in the prophets like [Zechariah](/zechariah/13 "Zechariah 13 - The Smitten Shepherd").

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering") encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus directly quotes [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"), demonstrating that His suffering and the disciples' desertion were part of God's predetermined plan, not mere accidents. Secondly, it highlights **Human Frailty and Failure**, particularly among those who had pledged unwavering loyalty, such as Peter in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Bold Declaration"). This serves as a stark reminder of the limitations of human resolve in the face of fear and immense pressure. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Christ as the Suffering Shepherd**. By identifying Himself as the "shepherd" who will be "smitten," Jesus reveals His role as the sacrificial leader whose suffering will temporarily disperse His flock, yet ultimately lead to their re-gathering and the salvation of many ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). This theme anticipates His death and resurrection as the means by which His sheep are ultimately secured.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** This term (G4624) is derived from _skandalon_, which refers to a trap-stick, a stumbling block, or an impediment over which one trips. In this context, it does not mean to be insulted or angered, but rather to be caused to stumble morally or spiritually, to fall away from faith, or to be ensnared. Jesus is predicting that the disciples will experience a profound crisis of faith and commitment, leading them to abandon Him due to fear and confusion, not merely a feeling of displeasure.
* **smite (Greek, _patássō'_):** This word (G3960) signifies a violent blow or strike, often with fatal intent. When Jesus says, "I will smite the shepherd," He is quoting the divine decree from [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"), indicating that His suffering and death are not random acts of human cruelty but part of God's sovereign plan, where God Himself orchestrates the smiting of the Shepherd for redemptive purposes.
* **scattered abroad (Greek, _diaskorpízō'_):** This term (G1287) means to dissipate, rout, separate, or disperse, often implying a loss of cohesion or unity. It literally describes the scattering of sheep when their shepherd is attacked or removed. Figuratively, it denotes the disciples' flight and abandonment of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy. This scattering highlights their vulnerability and fear without their leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night:":** Jesus initiates this solemn declaration to His disciples, warning them that every single one of them will stumble or fall away from Him during the events of that very night. This "offense" is not a personal slight, but a profound crisis of faith and loyalty brought on by His impending arrest and suffering.
* **"for it is written, I will smite the shepherd,":** Jesus grounds His prophecy in the authority of Scripture, quoting [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"). He identifies Himself as the "shepherd" who will be "smitten" – a divine act of judgment and suffering that is part of God's preordained plan. This highlights His role as the leader and protector of His flock, whose suffering is central to the unfolding drama.
* **"and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.":** This clause completes the quotation from Zechariah, directly linking the smiting of the shepherd to the consequence for the sheep. The disciples, identified as the "sheep of the flock," will be dispersed and scattered due to the attack on their shepherd, illustrating their fear, confusion, and temporary abandonment of Jesus in the face of extreme pressure.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Jesus directly quotes [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"), demonstrating the divine orchestration of events and the reliability of Scripture. The entire statement functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing both the disciples and the reader for the dramatic events of Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, and the disciples' subsequent flight. The use of **Metaphor** is profound, with Jesus identifying Himself as the "shepherd" and His disciples as the "sheep." This imagery evokes the traditional role of a shepherd as protector and guide, contrasting sharply with the vulnerability of sheep without their leader, emphasizing the disciples' dependence on Jesus. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the disciples' confident declarations of loyalty (e.g., [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boastful Pledge")) immediately following this prophecy, highlighting the gap between human intention and the reality of human weakness under duress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:31 profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty in the face of human suffering and failure. Jesus's explicit quotation of [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd") reveals that His impending arrest, suffering, and the disciples' desertion are not chaotic accidents but integral parts of God's predetermined plan for redemption. This passage highlights Christ's willing submission to the Father's will, even unto death, and the temporary but necessary scattering of His followers as a prelude to a greater, Spirit-empowered re-gathering. It teaches us that even in moments of profound weakness and apparent defeat, God's ultimate purposes are being fulfilled, providing assurance of His control over all circumstances.

* [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "The Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd")
* [John 10:11-15](/john/10-11-15 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd Who Lays Down His Life")
* [John 16:32](/john/16-32 "Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering and His Solitude")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:31 offers a powerful lens through which to view our own experiences of crisis, failure, and God's unwavering sovereignty. Just as the disciples were "offended" and scattered, we too may face moments where our faith is severely tested, leading to spiritual stumbling or a sense of abandonment. This passage reminds us that such moments, while painful, are often part of a larger divine narrative. It calls us to humility, acknowledging our inherent human weakness and our dependence on Christ's strength, rather than our own resolve. Furthermore, it instills confidence in God's meticulous plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contradictory to our expectations. We are encouraged to trust that God is at work even in our darkest hours, orchestrating events for our ultimate good and His glory, just as He did for the disciples, who were later re-gathered and empowered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to being "offended" or caused to stumble in your faith?**
* **How does knowing that God's plan unfolds even through suffering and apparent defeat strengthen your trust in His sovereignty?**
* **What lessons can we learn from the disciples' temporary scattering about our own capacity for weakness, and God's grace for restoration?**
* **How does Jesus's identification as the "smitten shepherd" deepen your understanding of His sacrifice and leadership?**

### FAQ

**What does "all ye shall be offended because of me this night" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "shall be offended" (from Greek _skandalízō_) does not mean to be insulted or angered. Rather, it signifies being caused to stumble, to fall away, or to be ensnared in a trap. In [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering"), Jesus is prophesying that His disciples will experience a profound crisis of faith and loyalty during His arrest and suffering that very night. They will be so shocked and fearful by the events—seeing their leader seized and seemingly defeated—that their faith will falter, causing them to abandon Him and flee. This was a spiritual and moral stumbling, a temporary lapse in their commitment due to overwhelming pressure.

**Why does Jesus quote Zechariah 13:7 here?**

Answer: Jesus quotes [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd") to emphasize that the events about to unfold are not random or accidental, but are part of God's predetermined, prophetic plan. By identifying Himself as the "shepherd" who will be "smitten" and His disciples as the "sheep" who will be "scattered," Jesus reveals that His suffering and their desertion are direct fulfillments of ancient Scripture. This underscores God's sovereignty over all events, even those that appear chaotic or tragic, demonstrating that His redemptive purposes are being meticulously carried out according to His divine will. It also serves to validate His identity as the promised Messiah, whose path included suffering as well as glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:31, with its prophecy of the smitten shepherd and scattered sheep, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the cross and resurrection of Jesus. While the immediate consequence was the disciples' temporary abandonment, this "smitting" of the Shepherd was the very act by which salvation was achieved. Jesus, the Good Shepherd who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), willingly submitted to being struck down by divine decree, bearing the sin of the world upon Himself ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). His death, though leading to the scattering of His immediate followers, was the necessary prelude to His glorious resurrection, which then became the basis for a far greater gathering. After His resurrection, Jesus re-gathered His scattered sheep, not through force, but through His living presence and the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit ([John 20:19-23](/john/20-19-23 "John 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to Disciples and Gives the Holy Spirit"), [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). The temporary scattering of the twelve paved the way for the global mission of the church, where the Good Shepherd now gathers a vast flock from every nation, tribe, and tongue, united under His eternal care ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the smiting and scattering ultimately led to the triumph of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

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

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Mark 14:27

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Mark 14:28

But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

John 16:32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Ezekiel 34:5

And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

Ezekiel 34:6

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

Psalms 69:20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.