TRV
“The Arrest of Jesus”· Matthew 26:47–56
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
But if I did that, how could the passages in the Tanakh be fulfilled that say it has to happen this way?"
Berean Standard Bible
But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Howe then shoulde the Scriptures bee fulfilled, which say, that it must be so?
Young's Literal Translation
how then may the Writings be fulfilled, that thus it behoveth to happen?'
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 24,109 of 31,102 · 77.5%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
Study This Verse
Copy as
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
10 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Ante-NicenePost-NiceneEarly MedievalMedieval
40050060070080090010001100
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(Serm. de Symb. ad Catech. 6.) Exult, Christian, you have gained by this bargain of your enemies; what Judas sold, and what the Jews bought, belongs to you.
Otherwise; The ear of the High Priest's servant is cut off by the Apostle, that is, Christ's disciple cuts off the disobedient hearing of a people which were the slaves of the Priesthood, the ear which had refused to hear is cut off so that it is no longer capable of hearing.
But all who use the sword do not perish by the sword; of those who have used the sword either judicially, or in self-defence against robbers, fever or accident carries off the greater part. Though if according to this every one who uses the sword shall perish by the sword, justly was the sword now drawn against those who were using the same for the promotion of crime.
The Lord then bids him return his sword into its sheath, because He would destroy them by no weapon of man, but by the sword of His mouth.
(Hom. Ixxxiv.) So Luke relates, the Lord had said to His disciples at supper, He that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one; (Luke 22:36.) and the disciples answered, Lo, here are two swords. It was natural that there should be swords there for the paschal lamb which they had been eating. Hearing then that the pursuers were coming to apprehend Christ, when they went out from supper they took these swords, as though to fight in defence of their Master against His pursuers.
To move the disciple to this, He adds a threat, saying, All they that take the sword, shall perish by the sword.
He not only soothed His disciples, by this declaration of punishment against His enemies, but convinced them that it was voluntarily that He suffered, Thinkest thou that I cannot pray to my Father, &c. Because He had shown many qualities of human infirmity, He would have seemed to say what was incredible, if He had said that He had power to destroy them, therefore He says, Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father?
And He quiets their fears not thus only, but by reference to Scripture, How then shall the Scriptures he fulfilled that thus it must be?
Who was this "one," who cut off the ear? John saith that it was Peter. For the act was of his fervor.
But this other point is worth inquiry, wherefore they were bearing swords? For that they bore them is evident not hence only, but from their saying when asked, "here are two." But wherefore did Christ even permit them to have swords? For Luke affirms this too, that He said unto them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?" And when they said, "Nothing," He said unto them, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and a scrip, and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." And when they said, "Here are two swords," He said unto them, "It is enough."
Wherefore then did He suffer them to have them? To assure them that He was to be betrayed. Therefore He saith unto them, "Let him buy a sword," not that they should arm themselves, far from it; but by this, indicating His being betrayed.
And wherefore doth He mention a scrip also? He was teaching them henceforth to be sober, and wakeful, and to use much diligence on their own part. For at the beginning He cherished them (as being inexperienced) with much putting forth of His power but afterwards bringing them forth as young birds out of the nest, He commands them to use their own wings. Then, that they might not suppose that it was for weakness He is letting them alone, in commanding them also to work their part, He reminds them of the former things, saying, "When I sent you without purse, lacked ye anything?" that by both they might learn His power, both wherein He protected them, and wherein He now leaveth them to themselves by degrees.
But whence were the swords there? They were come forth from the supper, and from the table. It was likely also there should be swords because of the lamb, and that the disciples, hearing that certain were coming forth against Him, took them for defense, as meaning to fight in behalf of their Master, which was of their thought only. Wherefore also Peter is rebuked for using it, and with a severe threat. For he was resisting the servant who came, warmly indeed, yet not defending himself, but doing this in behalf of his Master.
Christ however suffered not any harm to ensue. For He healed him, and showed forth a great miracle, enough to indicate at once both His forbearance and His power, and the affection and meekness of His disciple. For then he acted from affection, now with dutifulness. For when he heard, "Put up thy sword into its sheath," he obeyed straightway, and afterwards nowhere doeth this.
But another saith, that they moreover asked, "Shall we smite?" but that He forbad it, and healed the man, and rebuked His disciple, and threatened, that He might move him to obedience. "For all they that take the sword," He said, "shall die with the sword."
And he adds a reason, saying, "Think ye that I cannot pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But that the Scriptures might be fulfilled." By these words He quenched their anger, indicating that to the Scriptures also, this seemed good. Wherefore there too He prayed, that they might take meekly what befell Him, when they had learnt that this again is done according to God's will.
And by these two things, He comforted them, both by the punishment of them that are plotting against Him, "For all they," He saith, "that take the sword shall perish with the sword;" and by His not undergoing these things against His will, "For I can pray," He saith, "to my Father."
And wherefore did He not say, "Think ye that I cannot destroy them all?" Because He was more likely to be believed in saying what He did say; for not yet had they the right belief concerning Him. And a little while before He had said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death," and, "Father, let the cup pass from me;" and He had appeared in an agony and sweating, and strengthened by an angel.
Since then He had shown forth many tokens of human nature, He did not seem likely to speak so as to be believed, if He had said, "Think ye that I cannot destroy them." Therefore He saith, "What, think ye that I cannot pray to my Father?" And again He speaks it humbly, in saying, "He will presently give me twelve legions of angels." For if one angel slew one hundred and eighty-five armed thousands, what need of twelve legions against a thousand men? But He frames His language with a view to their terror and weakness, for indeed they were dead with fear. Wherefore also He brings against them the Scriptures, saying, "How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled?" alarming them by this also. For if this be approved by the Scriptures, do ye oppose and fight against them?
In another Gospel, (John 18:10.) Peter is represented as having done this, and with his usual hastiness; and that the servant's name was Malchus, and that the ear was the right ear. In passing we may say, that Malchus, i. e. one who should have been king of the Jews, was made the slave of the ungodliness and the greediness of the Priests, and lost his right ear so that he might hear only the worthlessness of the letter in his left.
With what sword then shall he perish, that takes the sword? By that fiery sword which waves before the gate of paradise, and that sword of the Spirit which is described in the armour of God.
That is to say, I need not the aid of the Apostles, though all the twelve should fight for me, seeing I could have twelve legions of the Angelic army. The complement of a legion among the ancients was six thousand men; twelve legions then are seventy-two thousand Angels, being as many as the divisions of the human race and languaget.
This speech shows a mind willing to suffer; vainly would the Prophets have prophesied truly, unless the Lord asserts their truth by His suffering.
(Verse 53, 54.) Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way? I do not need the help of twelve apostles, even if they all defended me. I could have twelve legions of angelic armies. In ancient times, one legion consisted of six thousand men. In order to keep this brief, I will not go into the exact number for now. Just know that seventy-two thousand angels, divided into twelve legions, is the approximate count for the number of nations divided by language. The following sentence demonstrates a ready mind to suffer, because the prophets sang in vain unless the Lord truly affirmed their words by his own suffering.
(Serm. 22.) The Lord of the zealous Apostle will not suffer his pious feeling to proceed further, Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place. For it was contrary to the sacrament of our redemption that He, who had come to die for all, should refuse to be apprehended. He gives therefore licence to their fury against Him, lest by putting off the triumph of His glorious Cross, the dominion of the Devil should be made longer, and the captivity of men more enduring.
Otherwise; Every one who uses the sword to put man to death perishes first by the sword of his own wickedness.
We might also understand by the Angels the Roman armies, for with Titus and Vespasian all languages had risen against Judæa, and that was fulfilled, The whole world shall fight for him against those foolish men. (Wisd. 5:21.)
Or, Peter does not take away the sense of understanding from them that hear, but opens to the careless that which by a divine sentence was taken away from them; but this same right ear is restored to its original function in those who out of this nation believed.
It behoved also that the Author of grace should teach the faithful patience by His own example, and should rather train them to endure adversity with fortitude, than incite them to self-defence.
Peter was the one who drew the sword, as John says (Jn. 18:10). For he had a sword, having just recently sacrificed the lamb which they ate. But let us not condemn Peter, for it was not on his own behalf, but for his Master, that he acted so zealously. But the Lord converts Peter to the evangelic life lived according to the Gospel, teaching man not to use the sword, not even when presuming to avenge God. Peter cuts off the ear, signifying that the Jews suffered from the infirmity of deafness in that they would neither hear nor heed. Then Christ gives the dictum of the law, that he who slays will himself be slain. For the law says that "they who take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Gen. 9:6 and Jer. 15:2). He implies that the Jews who take up the sword against Him will be destroyed by the sword of the Romans. He did not say, "I can bring to My side twelve legions of angels," but "[I can] pray to My Father," speaking by divine dispensation as a man, out of consideration for their weakness. By sweat, by fear, and in many ways did He show His human nature. For His words would not have seemed plausible if He had said, "I Myself can bring angels to My side." Instead of twelve disciples, He says, "Twelve contingents of angels would stand beside Me if I so desired." The legion is the largest military contingent, consisting of six thousand horsemen. All these things must be, He says, in order to fulfill the Scriptures which had foretold them. The Jews were not wicked because the Scriptures had foretold that they would be; rather, these events were described in the Scriptures beforehand by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because the Jews would do these things of their own evil will.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Matthew 26:54 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Jesus poses a profound rhetorical question during His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately following Peter's impulsive act of violence. His inquiry, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" underscores the divine necessity and predetermined nature of His suffering and death, revealing His unwavering commitment to God's sovereign plan and the prophetic truth of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Immediately preceding Matthew 26:54, Simon Peter, in a moment of misguided zeal, draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant (Matthew 26:51). Jesus rebukes Peter, instructing him to put away his sword, and then offers a profound statement about His ability to call "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53). It is in this context of immense power, yet voluntary restraint, that Jesus asks this rhetorical question. The question serves to explain why He does not resist His arrest, linking His present suffering directly to the prophetic word of God. This moment is a climactic point in Matthew's passion narrative, demonstrating Jesus' full awareness and willing submission to the Father's will, which He had already prayed for in the garden (Matthew 26:39).
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus' arrest occurred at night, under the cover of darkness, following the Passover meal. This timing was significant, as Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and Jesus was about to become the ultimate Passover Lamb. The Jewish authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, sought to arrest Jesus without causing a public disturbance, especially during a major festival when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims. The presence of a "great multitude with swords and staves" (Matthew 26:47) indicates an official, albeit clandestine, operation sanctioned by the chief priests and elders. The idea of a "suffering Messiah" was largely counter-cultural to the prevailing Jewish expectation of a conquering, political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. Jesus' question about the fulfillment of scriptures directly challenges this popular misconception, asserting that His path of suffering was not a deviation but the divinely ordained course for the true Messiah.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the Divine Necessity and God's Sovereignty over all events, even those seemingly chaotic or unjust. Jesus' suffering and death are not accidental but are part of God's unchangeable purpose, predestined to bring about salvation. Secondly, the verse underscores the Fulfillment of Scripture, a prominent theme throughout Matthew, who frequently points to Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. This moment confirms that even His capture and suffering were foretold, demonstrating the unwavering truth and prophetic accuracy of God's Word (e.g., Isaiah 53). Lastly, it exemplifies Jesus' profound Submission to God's Will. Despite possessing immense power, Jesus willingly embraces the Father's plan, embodying the very essence of obedience, echoing His prayer in Gethsemane: "not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39). This submission is foundational to understanding His redemptive work.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)." In this context, "scriptures" refers specifically to the Old Testament, which Jesus consistently upheld as the authoritative Word of God. His question points to the entire body of prophetic writings that foretold the Messiah's suffering, death, and resurrection.
Meaning "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." Here, "fulfilled" carries the weight of prophetic verification. It signifies that the events unfolding are not random but are precisely aligning with God's pre-ordained plan as revealed in His Word, bringing the prophecies to their complete and intended conclusion.
The combination of G1163 (deî), meaning "it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)," and G1096 (gínomai), meaning "to cause to be ('gen'-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being)," conveys a powerful sense of divine necessity and inevitability. It's not merely a prediction or a possibility, but an imperative from God's eternal counsel. These events are not happening by chance or human machination alone, but because they are divinely ordained and essential for the accomplishment of God's redemptive purpose.
Verse Breakdown
"But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled,"
This opening clause, introduced by "But how then," is a rhetorical question that Jesus poses not out of ignorance, but to highlight the absolute necessity of the events unfolding. It challenges His disciples and the arresting party to consider the deeper, divine purpose behind His non-resistance. He implies that any action to prevent His arrest—such as calling angels or resisting with force—would directly contradict and invalidate the prophecies concerning His suffering. The phrase "shall the scriptures be fulfilled" directly points to the Old Testament's prophetic witness regarding the Messiah's suffering and atoning death.
"that thus it must be?"
This concluding clause reinforces the concept of divine necessity. The word "thus" (hoútō) refers to the manner of His arrest and subsequent suffering. The emphatic "it must be" (deî gínomai) signifies that this path is not optional but divinely ordained and absolutely essential for God's redemptive plan to unfold. Jesus' question is a declaration that His submission to arrest is not a sign of weakness or defeat, but the very means by which God's eternal purposes, as revealed in the Scriptures, are brought to their predestined completion.
Literary Devices
Matthew 26:54 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" Jesus does not ask this question seeking an answer, but rather to make a forceful point: His arrest and suffering are not accidental or preventable, but divinely necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy. This device compels the listener (and reader) to consider the inevitability of God's plan. There is also a strong element of Prophetic Fulfillment, as Jesus explicitly links His current experience to the Old Testament Scriptures. This device is central to Matthew's Gospel, consistently demonstrating Jesus as the promised Messiah who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's ancient promises. Finally, there is a subtle Irony at play: while Peter attempts to prevent Jesus' capture through violence, Jesus reveals that this very capture, far from being a defeat, is the necessary means by which God's ultimate victory and redemptive plan will be achieved.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 26:54 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting the absolute sovereignty of God over human events and the unwavering reliability of His prophetic word. It reveals that Jesus' suffering was not a tragic accident but a divinely orchestrated necessity, central to God's plan of salvation. This concept of divine necessity (deî) permeates the New Testament, emphasizing that the cross was not a Plan B, but the very purpose for which Christ came. It underscores the profound truth that God's purposes are immutable and will be accomplished, even through the darkest moments of human history. This verse invites believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to human expectations, recognizing that His will is always perfect and ultimately leads to His glory and our good.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 26:54 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often marked by chaos, injustice, and suffering. Jesus' calm submission to the divine will, even in the face of betrayal and imminent death, serves as a powerful model. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan is at work, even when circumstances seem to contradict our hopes or understanding. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unfailing Word, recognizing that His prophecies are meticulously fulfilled, providing a firm foundation for our faith. Furthermore, it challenges us to embrace God's will in our own lives, even when it involves hardship, sacrifice, or goes against our natural inclinations. Just as Jesus' suffering was necessary for a greater purpose, our own trials can be avenues through which God accomplishes His redemptive work in us and through us, ultimately shaping us into the image of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus ask "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled" if He knew it had to happen?
Jesus' question was not born of ignorance or doubt, but was a rhetorical device to emphasize the divine necessity of His suffering and arrest. He was not seeking an answer from Peter or the crowd, but rather making a profound theological statement. By posing the question, Jesus was:
In essence, Jesus used the question to teach, to affirm, and to model His perfect alignment with God's redemptive plan.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 26:54 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' complete and willing submission to the Father's redemptive plan, which culminated in His atoning death and glorious resurrection. The "scriptures" that "must be fulfilled" are primarily the Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant, the Lamb of God, and the Messiah who would bear the sins of many. Jesus, as the incarnate Word, perfectly embodies these prophecies, demonstrating that His path to the cross was not a tragic misstep but the divinely ordained means by which God would reconcile humanity to Himself. His question in Gethsemane underscores that His suffering was not a defeat but a necessary act of obedience, fulfilling the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Through His death, He became the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28), and His resurrection on the third day, also "according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), validated His claim as Messiah and secured eternal life for all who believe. Thus, His submission in Matthew 26:54 is the pivotal moment that unlocks the entire redemptive narrative, leading to the triumph of the cross and the empty tomb, offering hope and salvation to all humanity.