But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.
But {G1161} they said {G3004}, Not {G3361} on {G1722} the feast {G1859} day, lest {G3363} there be {G1096} an uproar {G2351} among {G1722} the people {G2992}.
but they said, "Not during the festival, or the people will riot."
“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among the people.
-
Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it]. -
Matthew 14:5
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. -
Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. -
Proverbs 19:21
¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. -
Proverbs 21:30
¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. -
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 14:2
But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.
Matthew 26:5 records the decision-making process of the Jewish religious leaders concerning the arrest of Jesus Christ. Following their conspiracy to seize and kill Jesus, this verse reveals their primary logistical concern: timing.
Context
This verse immediately follows the council of the chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people, who had gathered in the palace of Caiaphas the high priest (Matthew 26:3) to conspire against Jesus. Their objective was clear: to take Jesus by subtlety and put Him to death (Matthew 26:4). However, they faced a dilemma regarding the timing of this arrest. The "feast [day]" refers to the imminent Passover festival, a pivotal annual pilgrimage when Jerusalem was overflowing with Jewish pilgrims from all over the world. Jesus had significant popular support, especially among the common people who regarded Him as a prophet (Matthew 21:46). The leaders feared that arresting Him during such a crowded and religiously charged time could spark widespread unrest and a public "uproar," potentially leading to Roman intervention or a loss of their own control.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "uproar" translates the Greek word thorubos (θόρυβος), which signifies a tumultuous noise, a clamor, or a public disturbance. It conveys the idea of a riotous assembly or a violent commotion, precisely what the chief priests and elders wished to avoid. This word choice emphasizes the potential for widespread civil disorder that concerned them.
Practical Application
Matthew 26:5 offers several timeless lessons: