Matthew 26:5

KJV

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but they said, "Not during the festival, or the people will riot."

Berean Standard Bible

“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

American Standard Version

But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:5 records the strategic decision of the Jewish religious authorities—the chief priests and elders—to postpone the arrest of Jesus Christ. Despite their clear intent to seize and execute Him, they opted against doing so during the imminent Passover festival, fearing that a public disturbance or "uproar" among the large crowds of pilgrims would ensue, potentially jeopardizing their authority and leading to undesirable consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following the formal conspiracy of the Sanhedrin to apprehend and kill Jesus. Matthew 26:3-4 explicitly states that "the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled together unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas; And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him." Matthew 26:5 then reveals the immediate logistical hurdle they faced: the timing of their plot. This decision sets the stage for Judas's betrayal, which provides the "subtlety" they sought, ultimately leading to Jesus's arrest and trial. The verse highlights the human plotting against Jesus, which, ironically, would ultimately serve God's sovereign plan for the Passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "feast [day]" refers to the Passover (Pesach) and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread, which together constituted a major annual pilgrimage festival for Jews. During this time, Jerusalem's population swelled dramatically with pilgrims from across Judea and the diaspora. The city was a volatile environment, and Roman authorities, keenly aware of the potential for unrest, maintained a strong military presence. The Jewish leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, were responsible for maintaining peace and order. A public "uproar" or riot during such a sensitive time could provoke a harsh Roman crackdown, leading to a loss of their limited autonomy or even direct intervention in their religious affairs. Jesus had considerable popular support, especially among the common people, who often regarded Him as a prophet ([Matthew 21:46](/matthew/21-46 "Matthew 21:46 - Jesus Recognized as a Prophet")). Arresting Him publicly during the feast risked turning a significant portion of the populace against the authorities, hence their desire to avoid an open confrontation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Fear of Man vs. Divine Will**. The leaders' decision was driven by their apprehension of popular reaction rather than by a pursuit of justice or adherence to divine law. Ironically, despite their efforts to avoid a public disturbance during the feast, God’s sovereign plan ensured that Jesus was indeed crucified during the Passover, fulfilling its prophetic significance as the true [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Secondly, it highlights **Political Expediency**. The Sanhedrin prioritized maintaining social order and their own authority, demonstrating a pragmatic and self-serving approach to religious leadership. They were more concerned with political stability and public perception than with truth or righteousness. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Human Plans vs. God's Purpose**. Though the leaders planned to delay the arrest, events would unfold according to God's precise timing, demonstrating that no human machination can thwart the divine will ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determined Purpose")). This tension between human plotting and divine sovereignty is a recurring motif throughout the Passion narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** This word (G3004) is a primary verb, properly meaning "to lay forth," and figuratively, "to relate in words." It often refers to systematic or set discourse, implying a deliberate and considered statement, rather than a casual remark. In this context, it emphasizes that the decision was a formal pronouncement from the council, reflecting their collective deliberation and agreement.
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** This term (G1859) refers to a festival or holy day. Its inclusion here specifically points to the Passover and Unleavened Bread festival, a time of immense religious significance and pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The word underscores the special circumstances that made the leaders hesitant to act, due to the large, devout, and potentially volatile crowds gathered for religious observance.
* **uproar (Greek, _thórybos'_):** This word (G2351) denotes a disturbance, a tumultuous noise, a clamor, or a public commotion. It conveys the idea of a riotous assembly or a violent civil disorder. The leaders' use of this term reveals their deep concern for public order and their fear that arresting Jesus during the feast would ignite widespread popular unrest, potentially leading to a riot or rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they said,"**: This opening clause indicates a direct response or counterpoint to the preceding discussion (the plot to kill Jesus). It signals a collective decision made by the religious authorities, highlighting their unified stance on the timing of the arrest.
* **"Not on the feast [day],"**: This specifies their immediate logistical constraint. The "feast day" refers to the Passover, a time when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims. Their decision to avoid this period reflects their awareness of the heightened religious and social tension, and the potential for any controversial action to escalate.
* **"lest there be an uproar among the people."**: This final clause reveals the primary motivation behind their decision. The leaders feared a public disturbance or riot (an "uproar") among the Jewish populace, many of whom held Jesus in high regard. Such an event could destabilize their authority, provoke Roman intervention, or even lead to an uncontrollable revolt. Their concern was not justice, but maintaining order and their own position.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:5 skillfully employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the leaders' meticulous planning to avoid an "uproar" during the feast ultimately fails. Despite their best efforts, Jesus is indeed crucified during the Passover, a time of immense public gathering, fulfilling divine prophecy and becoming the ultimate Passover Lamb. This highlights the futility of human attempts to thwart God's sovereign plan. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the leaders' fear of the people's reaction subtly anticipates the later scene where the very crowds they feared would demand Jesus's crucifixion, demonstrating the fickle nature of popular opinion. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the limited, self-serving plans of human authorities and the overarching, unstoppable purpose of God, a theme that pervades the Passion narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between human will and divine sovereignty. The Jewish leaders, driven by fear and political expediency, meticulously planned to control the timing and circumstances of Jesus's arrest to avoid public backlash. Yet, their human machinations were ultimately subservient to God's predetermined plan. Despite their desire to avoid an "uproar" during the feast, God's perfect timing ensured that Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, would be sacrificed precisely during the Passover festival, fulfilling centuries of prophetic anticipation. This highlights that while humanity exercises free will, God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition or planning, demonstrating His absolute control over history and salvation.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Predetermined Plan")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:5 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly concerning leadership and trust in divine providence. The religious leaders' decision, driven by fear of public opinion and a desire to maintain control, serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that making choices based on fear, political expediency, or self-preservation, rather than on truth, righteousness, and God's revealed will, can lead to grave injustice and spiritual compromise. True leadership, whether in the church, community, or personal life, calls for integrity and courage to follow God's path, even when it is unpopular or challenging. Furthermore, this passage provides immense comfort and assurance: despite human plotting, opposition, or chaotic circumstances, God's sovereign plan will always prevail. We can rest in the knowledge that His purposes are unshakeable, and He is ultimately in control, orchestrating all events for His glory and our good, even when human plans seem to dominate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to make decisions based on fear of others' opinions rather than on God's will?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in this passage, encourage me when I face opposition or uncertainty in my own life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the dangers of prioritizing political or social expediency over moral and spiritual truth?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and plan, even when my own desires or circumstances seem to contradict them?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders so afraid of an "uproar" among the people?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders were afraid of an "uproar" because the Passover festival brought massive crowds of pilgrims to Jerusalem, making the city a volatile environment. Jesus had significant popular support, and arresting Him publicly during such a sensitive time could easily ignite a riot. Such a disturbance would not only undermine their authority but also risk severe intervention from the Roman authorities, who were always on high alert for civil unrest in Judea. The leaders wanted to maintain control and avoid any action that might provoke the Romans or lead to a loss of their limited autonomy, as seen in their later concern about "losing their place and nation" ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear of Rome")).

**What was the "feast day" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "feast day" refers specifically to the Passover (Pesach) and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was one of the most important annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-1-14 "Exodus 12:1-14 - Institution of the Passover")). During this time, Jerusalem would be overflowing with Jewish pilgrims, creating a dense and religiously charged atmosphere.

**Did the leaders' plan to avoid an uproar by not arresting Jesus on the feast day succeed?**

Answer: Ironically, no. Despite their careful planning and desire to avoid an uproar during the feast, Jesus was ultimately crucified precisely during the Passover festival. This demonstrates the ultimate sovereignty of God, whose divine plan could not be thwarted by human machinations. While their initial plan was to delay, events unfolded according to God's perfect timing, highlighting that human plans are subject to God's overarching purpose ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though the Jewish leaders sought to avoid an "uproar" by delaying Jesus's arrest until after the Passover feast, their human plotting was ultimately overruled by God's perfect, redemptive plan. It was God's sovereign will that Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would be sacrificed precisely during the Passover festival, fulfilling its ancient prophetic significance. The Passover lamb of the Old Covenant, whose blood marked the homes of Israel for salvation from the angel of death ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Sign")), found its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His unblemished life and sacrificial death on the cross became the means by which humanity could be delivered from the bondage of sin and death. He is our [Passover Lamb, who has been sacrificed](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), establishing a new covenant in His blood and providing the perfect, once-for-all atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")). Thus, the very timing the leaders tried to avoid became the divinely appointed moment for the ultimate demonstration of God's love and the salvation of the world, revealing Jesus as the central figure in all of redemptive history, worthy of all praise and honor ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")).

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

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.