Matthew 26:55

KJV

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} that same {G1565} hour {G5610} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} to the multitudes {G3793}, Are ye come out {G1831} as {G5613} against {G1909} a thief {G3027} with {G3326} swords {G3162} and {G2532} staves {G3586} for to take {G4815} me {G3165}? I sat {G2516} daily {G2250}{G2596} with {G4314} you {G5209} teaching {G1321} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} ye laid {G2902} no {G3756} hold {G2902} on me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua addressed the crowd: "So you came out to take me with swords and clubs, the way you would the leader of a rebellion? Every day I sat in the Temple court, teaching; and you didn't seize me then.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

American Standard Version

In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:55 captures Jesus' poignant confrontation with the armed multitude sent to arrest Him in Gethsemane. He challenges the hypocrisy of their approach, questioning why they treat Him like a dangerous criminal with swords and clubs, when He had openly and peacefully taught among them daily in the temple without resistance. This rhetorical question underscores the stark contrast between His public ministry and the clandestine, violent manner of His apprehension, highlighting the injustice of their actions and the divine timing of His surrender.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, immediately following Judas Iscariot's betrayal kiss ([Matthew 26:49](/matthew/26-49 "Matthew 26:49 - Judas's Betrayal Kiss")) and the disciples' inability to remain watchful with Jesus in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). The arrival of the "multitudes" with "swords and staves" signifies the escalation from private agony to public confrontation, marking the beginning of Jesus' formal arrest and trial. His subsequent words in [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Fulfillment of Scripture") explicitly state that these events are unfolding "that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled," placing this immediate scene within the broader divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' arrest by a large, armed group reflects the authorities' fear of His popular influence and their determination to apprehend Him without inciting a public uprising. Temple guards, often augmented by Roman soldiers (as implied in [John 18:3](/john/18-3 "John 18:3 - Judas and the Roman Cohort")), were typically dispatched with such weaponry only for dangerous criminals, rebels, or those suspected of sedition. The contrast Jesus draws between this violent, nighttime apprehension and His daily, public teaching in the temple courts ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple")) highlights the clandestine and illegitimate nature of their actions. It was culturally unacceptable to seize a respected teacher in such a manner unless he was deemed a serious threat to public order or the ruling powers.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:55 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Innocence and Dignity** in the face of false accusation and unjust treatment. By questioning their methods, Jesus exposes the baselessness of their charges and the indignity of their approach, asserting His true identity as a teacher, not a lawbreaker. Secondly, it reveals the **Hypocrisy and Fear of the Authorities**. Their reluctance to arrest Him openly during His daily teaching in the temple ([Matthew 21:45-46](/matthew/21-45-46 "Matthew 21:45-46 - The Chief Priests and Pharisees Seek to Arrest Jesus")) underscores their cowardice and manipulative tactics, preferring a secret ambush to a public confrontation. Finally, despite the human injustice, the verse subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy**. While Jesus questions the *method* of His arrest, He does not resist it, acknowledging in the very next verse ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Fulfillment of Scripture")) that these events are part of God's predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb, G2036, signifies to speak or say, often with an authoritative or declarative tone. In this context, Jesus' "saying" is not a plea but a direct, rhetorical challenge to the multitude, asserting His position and exposing their hypocrisy. It implies a deliberate and impactful utterance rather than a mere casual remark.
* **thief (Greek, _lēistḗs'_):** The word G3027 refers to a brigand, robber, or even a revolutionary. By using this term, Jesus highlights the profound incongruity between His peaceful, public ministry and the violent, armed manner in which they have come to apprehend Him. It underscores the false premise of their actions, treating Him as a dangerous criminal deserving of such a forceful arrest.
* **teaching (Greek, _didáskō'_):** G1321 means to teach, instruct, or impart knowledge. Jesus emphasizes His consistent, open role as a teacher in the temple, a stark contrast to the covert and violent arrest. This word reinforces His identity as a spiritual authority and guide, making their current actions appear even more absurd and unjust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes":** This phrase establishes the immediate temporal context, emphasizing the swift transition from the private agony of Gethsemane to the public confrontation. Jesus directly addresses the large crowd, indicating His clear and conscious engagement with His captors rather than a panicked or submissive reaction.
* **"Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question. Jesus challenges the legitimacy of their actions, highlighting the disparity between His identity and the methods employed. The "swords and staves" (clubs or cudgels) signify an aggressive, violent approach typically reserved for dangerous criminals, underscoring the false accusation inherent in their arrest.
* **"I sat daily with you teaching in the temple":** Jesus contrasts their current violent approach with His consistent, public, and peaceful ministry. His daily presence in the temple, the spiritual heart of Jerusalem, implies accessibility and transparency, making their clandestine arrest appear cowardly and unjust. He was readily available, yet they chose not to seize Him then.
* **"and ye laid no hold on me.":** This clause emphasizes the authorities' previous inaction or inability to arrest Jesus during His public ministry. It suggests either a divine restraint that prevented them from seizing Him until the appointed time or their fear of the crowds' reaction if they had attempted to arrest Him openly. This highlights the predetermined nature of the hour of His arrest.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:55 is rich with literary devices that amplify its meaning. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Are ye come out as against a thief...?"), which Jesus uses not to elicit an answer, but to expose the absurdity and injustice of their actions. This question powerfully highlights the **Contrast** between Jesus' peaceful, public teaching ("I sat daily with you teaching in the temple") and the violent, clandestine manner of His arrest ("with swords and staves for to take me"). This stark juxtaposition underscores the hypocrisy of the religious authorities and the baselessness of their accusations. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in their treating Jesus, the bringer of peace and truth, as a dangerous criminal, while simultaneously demonstrating their own fear and deceit by acting under the cover of darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:55 profoundly illustrates the tension between human injustice and divine sovereignty. Jesus' calm, rhetorical question in the face of an armed mob reveals His complete control and awareness, even as He is being unjustly seized. This moment is not a failure of His power, but a deliberate submission to the Father's will, fulfilling the prophetic narrative of the suffering servant who would be "numbered with the transgressors." It underscores that the Kingdom of God operates by different principles than earthly powers, where true authority is demonstrated through humility and sacrificial obedience, rather than through force or coercion. The scene foreshadows the ultimate triumph of truth over deceit, and divine purpose over human conspiracy, as Jesus willingly walks the path to the cross for the redemption of humanity.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted")
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is not of this world")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determined Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' dignified response in Matthew 26:55 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and misunderstanding. His willingness to face false accusations and violent apprehension without resorting to self-defense or retaliation demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereign plan and the power of truth. For us, this means embracing courage in the face of adversity, standing firm in our convictions even when misunderstood or falsely accused, and refusing to compromise our integrity. It challenges us to consider how we respond when our motives are questioned or our character is maligned. Like Jesus, we are called to embody peace and truth, even when surrounded by hostility, trusting that God's ultimate purposes will prevail. This verse also serves as a poignant reminder that those who oppose the truth often resort to hidden agendas and unjust means, urging us to maintain vigilance and discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' calm response in the face of an armed mob challenge my own reactions to injustice or confrontation?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to use "swords and staves" (metaphorically) to defend myself or my beliefs, rather than trusting in God's timing and methods?**
* **How can I, like Jesus, maintain my integrity and commitment to truth when others misrepresent my intentions or character?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus not resist arrest, especially given His power?**

Answer: Jesus' non-resistance was a deliberate act of obedience to God's predetermined plan for human salvation. As He states in the very next verse, [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Fulfillment of Scripture"), His arrest was "that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." He also tells Peter, who drew a sword, that He could call "more than twelve legions of angels" ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")). His power was not absent but willingly restrained, demonstrating His submission to the Father's will and His mission to become the atoning sacrifice for sin. This aligns with the prophetic vision of the suffering servant who would not open His mouth ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted")).

**What is the significance of the "swords and staves"?**

Answer: The "swords and staves" (clubs or cudgels) signify the aggressive, violent, and intimidating nature of the arresting party. Such weaponry was typically employed when apprehending dangerous criminals, revolutionaries, or those suspected of inciting rebellion. Jesus' rhetorical question highlights the profound incongruity: He was a peaceful teacher, not a violent insurgent. The presence of these weapons underscores the authorities' fear, their intent to overpower Him, and the baselessness of their treating Him as a dangerous threat. It contrasts sharply with His public, unarmed ministry.

**What is the significance of Jesus teaching daily in the temple, and why did they not arrest Him then?**

Answer: Jesus' daily teaching in the temple ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple")) signifies His open, public, and transparent ministry. He was accessible to all, teaching openly in the heart of Jewish religious life. The fact that the authorities "laid no hold" on Him then indicates their fear of the crowds ([Matthew 21:46](/matthew/21-46 "Matthew 21:46 - The Chief Priests and Pharisees Feared the Crowds")) who regarded Him as a prophet. Their decision to arrest Him at night, away from the public eye and with force, reveals their cowardice, their reliance on deceit, and their desire to avoid public outcry, thereby highlighting the unjust and manipulative nature of their actions. It also points to the divine timing, as Jesus' hour had not yet come until this moment ([John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - His Hour Had Not Yet Come")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:55, though seemingly a moment of human injustice, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' rhetorical question, challenging the armed mob for treating Him like a "thief," underscores His absolute innocence and highlights the profound **irony** that the sinless Son of God was being apprehended as a common criminal. This unjust arrest was not an unforeseen tragedy but a deliberate step in His journey as the suffering servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who would be "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with the Transgressors")). By willingly submitting to this ignominious capture, Jesus perfectly embodied the Lamb of God, who, without resistance, was led to the slaughter to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His previous public teaching in the temple, contrasted with this clandestine arrest, emphasizes that His kingdom is not of this world, established by force, but through humble obedience and sacrificial love ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). Thus, this moment of apparent weakness is, in fact, a powerful demonstration of Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, laying down His life freely so that humanity might be reconciled to God ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")).

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

Mark 12:35

¶ And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

John 8:2

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

John 7:14

¶ Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

John 7:28

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

Mark 14:48

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and [with] staves to take me?

Mark 14:50

And they all forsook him, and fled.

John 18:20

Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.