Matthew 26:4

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill [him].

And {G2532} consulted {G4823} that {G2443} they might take {G2902} Jesus {G2424} by subtilty {G1388}, and {G2532} kill {G615} him.

They made plans to arrest Yeshua surreptitiously and have him put to death;

and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 26:4 follows the gathering of the chief priests and the elders of the people mentioned in Matthew 26:3, which took place in the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas. This consultation occurred during the week leading up to Passover, a time when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. The religious leaders, primarily the Sanhedrin, were deeply threatened by Jesus' teachings, his popularity, and his claims of authority, which they viewed as blasphemous and a challenge to their established power. Their immediate concern, as seen in the next verse, was to avoid a public disturbance during the festival, hence their desire to act with "subtilty."

Key Themes

  • Conspiracy and Malice: The verse reveals a calculated and deliberate plot by the religious authorities to eliminate Jesus. It underscores the depth of their animosity and their willingness to resort to treachery.
  • Fear of the People: The decision to use "subtilty" (cunning, deceit) rather than open arrest highlights their fear of the crowds who largely supported Jesus. They wanted to avoid a riot, especially during the high holy days, as further emphasized in Matthew 26:5.
  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Agency: While human agents meticulously planned Jesus' death, this act was simultaneously part of God's sovereign plan for redemption, as foretold by prophets and later articulated by Peter in Acts 2:23.
  • The Inevitable Passion: This consultation marks a critical turning point, solidifying the path towards Jesus' arrest, trial, and eventual crucifixion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "subtilty" translates the Greek word δόλῳ (dolō), which means "deceit," "cunning," "trickery," or "treachery." It conveys the idea of using a snare or bait to trap someone. This choice of word emphasizes that their intent was not to openly confront Jesus based on justice or law, but to secretly and deceptively seize Him, avoiding public outcry and potential conflict with Roman authorities who might intervene if there was civil unrest.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us that throughout history, truth and righteousness often face organized opposition from those who cling to power or reject divine revelation. The religious leaders' actions demonstrate how fear, jealousy, and a desire to maintain control can lead to profound injustice and moral corruption. For believers, it highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the schemes of those who oppose God's purposes. Yet, even in the face of such malicious plotting, God's ultimate plan for salvation through Christ prevailed, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty over human intentions.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:14

    ΒΆ Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

  • Acts 13:10

    And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

  • Psalms 2:2

    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

  • Matthew 23:33

    [Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

  • Genesis 3:1

    ΒΆ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

  • Acts 7:19

    The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.