Matthew 26:55

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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 on Matthew 26:55

Matthew 26:55 captures a poignant moment during Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Judas's betrayal kiss, a large crowd armed with swords and clubs comes to seize Jesus. In response, Jesus confronts them, highlighting the injustice and hypocrisy of their actions.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus has been betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by a detachment of soldiers, temple guards, and officials sent by the chief priests and elders. Jesus had just finished praying in intense agony and instructing His disciples to watch and pray. His question to the multitude underscores the stark contrast between His public ministry and the clandestine, violent manner of His apprehension. He had been teaching openly in the temple courts daily, accessible to all, yet they chose to seize Him under cover of darkness, as if He were a dangerous criminal.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Innocence and Dignity: By comparing their actions to arresting a "thief," Jesus exposes the baselessness of their accusations and the indignity of their approach. He challenges their perception, asserting His true identity as a teacher, not a lawbreaker.
  • Hypocrisy and Fear: The authorities feared Jesus' influence over the people, which prevented them from arresting Him openly during His daily teaching. Their nighttime ambush reveals their cowardice and manipulative tactics, preferring to operate in secrecy rather than confront Him publicly.
  • Divine Sovereignty: While Jesus questions the method of His arrest, He does not resist it. This moment, though unjust from a human perspective, was part of the fulfillment of prophetic scripture, revealing God's sovereign plan unfolding for the redemption of humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "swords and staves" (referring to clubs or cudgels) emphasizes the violent and aggressive nature of the arresting party, typically reserved for dangerous criminals or rebels. Jesus' rhetorical question, "Are ye come out as against a thief...?" highlights the incongruity of their actions with His peaceful, public ministry. The phrase "ye laid no hold on me" indicates that during His previous public appearances, they were either unable or unwilling to seize Him, suggesting a divine restraint or a lack of opportunity until God's appointed time.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that truth is often confronted with injustice and deceit. Jesus' calm, dignified response in the face of an armed mob demonstrates His authority and unwavering commitment to God's will, even when facing immense personal suffering. It encourages believers to stand firm in truth, even when misunderstood or falsely accused, trusting in God's ultimate control over all circumstances. It also serves as a stark reminder that those who oppose God's truth often resort to hidden agendas and unjust means.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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