Matthew 26:57

¶ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led [him] away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

And {G1161} they that had laid hold {G2902} on Jesus {G2424} led him away {G520} to {G4314} Caiaphas {G2533} the high priest {G749}, where {G3699} the scribes {G1122} and {G2532} the elders {G4245} were assembled {G4863}.

Those who had seized Yeshua led him off to Kayafa the cohen hagadol, where the Torah-teachers and elders were assembled.

Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.

And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

Commentary

Matthew 26:57 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, detailing the immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and the commencement of his religious trial.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot with a kiss and apprehended by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs. The "they that had laid hold on Jesus" refers to this arresting party, comprising temple guards and servants of the high priest, alongside Roman soldiers. Leading Jesus away to Caiaphas, the reigning high priest, signifies the formal beginning of the Jewish religious proceedings against him. The assembly of "the scribes and the elders" indicates that the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, was convened, albeit possibly in an irregular night session, violating some aspects of Jewish law for capital cases.

Key Themes

  • The Initiation of Formal Trial: This verse transitions from the physical apprehension of Jesus to the formal legal and religious proceedings. It underscores the determination of the Jewish religious leadership to condemn Jesus.
  • The Role of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin: Caiaphas, as high priest, played a central role in orchestrating Jesus' trial and eventual condemnation. The assembly of the scribes and elders highlights the collective opposition of the Jewish religious establishment to Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their authority and traditions. John's Gospel notes Caiaphas's earlier declaration that it was expedient for one man to die for the people.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus had repeatedly foretold his betrayal, arrest, and suffering at the hands of the religious leaders (e.g., Matthew 16:21, Matthew 20:18-19). This moment represents the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid hold on" translates the Greek verb ἐκράτησαν (ekratēsan), which implies a firm, decisive seizure, not just a casual detention. This emphasizes the forceful nature of Jesus' arrest. Caiaphas, the high priest, held the highest religious office, representing the nation before God and presiding over the Sanhedrin. The term "scribes" refers to experts in Jewish law, while "elders" were respected community leaders and often members of the Sanhedrin, collectively representing the judicial and spiritual authority of the Jewish people.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:57 reminds us that even when facing profound injustice and the collusion of powerful authorities, God's ultimate plan is at work. Jesus' willingness to submit to this process, though unjust, demonstrates his obedience to the Father's will and his commitment to the path of redemption. It challenges believers to stand firm in faith, even when facing opposition or false accusations, trusting that God is sovereign over all circumstances. It also serves as a stark reminder of how easily religious authority can be perverted when human ambition and fear eclipse divine truth.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:3 (3 votes)

    Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

  • Luke 22:54 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then took they him, and led [him], and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

  • Luke 22:55 (2 votes)

    And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

  • John 11:49 (2 votes)

    And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

  • Psalms 56:5 (2 votes)

    Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

  • Psalms 56:6 (2 votes)

    They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

  • Mark 14:53 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.