Matthew 26:60

KJV

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [yet] found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} found {G2147} none {G3756}: yea {G2532}, though many {G4183} false witnesses {G5575} came {G4334}, yet found they {G2147} none {G3756}.{G1161} At the last {G5305} came {G4334} two {G1417} false witnesses {G5575},

Complete Jewish Bible

But they didn't find any, even though many liars came forward to give testimony. At last, however, two people came forward and said,

Berean Standard Bible

But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward

American Standard Version

and they found it not, though many false witnesses came. But afterward came two,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:60 vividly portrays the judicial travesty of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, highlighting the council's desperate and ultimately futile attempts to secure legitimate grounds for His condemnation. Despite a multitude of false witnesses presenting fabricated accusations, their testimonies lacked the consistency and credibility required by Jewish law, underscoring Jesus' profound innocence in the face of a predetermined verdict. The verse culminates with the arrival of two specific false witnesses, whose subsequent claims, though still deceitful, would finally provide the pretext for the council's desired outcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, immediately following Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His being led to the high priest Caiaphas's house, where the Sanhedrin had convened (cf. [Matthew 26:57](/matthew/26-57 "Matthew 26:57 - Jesus Led to Caiaphas")). It directly precedes the specific false charges brought against Jesus (cf. [Matthew 26:61](/matthew/26-61 "Matthew 26:61 - False Accusations Against Jesus")) and the high priest's direct interrogation that leads to Jesus' confession of His divine identity (cf. [Matthew 26:63-64](/matthew/26-63-64 "Matthew 26:63-64 - Jesus' Confession Before the Sanhedrin")). The repeated phrase "found none" emphasizes the utter lack of a valid case, building suspense towards the eventual, yet still unjust, conviction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes. Under Jewish law, particularly as outlined in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Two or Three Witnesses"), a capital conviction required the testimony of at least two, and preferably three, consistent witnesses. The council's frantic search for "false witnesses" reveals their blatant disregard for their own legal and moral codes, driven by a deep-seated animosity towards Jesus and a desire to eliminate Him before the Passover festival. This clandestine, nighttime trial, held in haste, further violated established Jewish legal procedures, which typically required public proceedings and the opportunity for defense.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:60 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **innocence of Jesus**, who, despite intense scrutiny and malicious intent, could not be legitimately accused. This highlights His blamelessness as the perfect sacrifice. The verse also underscores the **corruption of human justice** when it is wielded by those with prejudiced hearts, showcasing the Sanhedrin's profound moral and spiritual bankruptcy as they actively sought to subvert truth. Furthermore, it subtly points to **divine sovereignty**, as even this egregious miscarriage of justice was part of God's predetermined plan for the atonement, a theme woven throughout the Passion narratives (cf. [Matthew 26:54](/matthew/26-54 "Matthew 26:54 - Fulfillment of Scripture")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb (G2147) signifies to "find" in the sense of discovering something sought after, or to obtain and perceive. The repeated use of "found none" emphasizes the active, diligent search by the Sanhedrin for incriminating evidence, and their repeated failure to uncover anything legitimate or even consistently fabricated. It highlights the stark reality that Jesus was truly innocent of any capital crime.
* **false witnesses (Greek, _pseudomártyr'_):** This compound word (G5575) combines "false" (pseudes) and "witness" (martyr), explicitly denoting individuals who bear untrue or perjured testimony. It is not merely that their accounts were mistaken, but that they were deliberately deceitful, acting with malicious intent to condemn Jesus. The presence of "many" such witnesses underscores the widespread conspiracy against Him.
* **last (Greek, _hýsteron'_):** This adverb (G5305) means "more lately" or "eventually," indicating a point in time after much delay or effort. Its use here signals the culmination of the Sanhedrin's desperate search. After numerous failed attempts to find consistent false testimony, "at the last" two witnesses finally emerged whose statements, however flawed, were deemed sufficient by the council to proceed with their predetermined judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [yet] found they none."**: This clause powerfully conveys the utter failure of the Sanhedrin's initial efforts. Despite a large number of individuals stepping forward to offer testimony against Jesus, none of their accounts were consistent or credible enough to meet the legal requirements for a capital charge. The repetition of "found none" emphasizes the profound lack of legitimate evidence and the desperate, yet fruitless, nature of their search for a legal pretext to condemn an innocent man.
* **"At the last came two false witnesses,"**: This second clause marks a turning point in the proceedings. After the frustration of many failed attempts, the council's persistence in soliciting deceitful testimony finally yielded two individuals whose fabricated accounts, though still "false," would be deemed sufficient to proceed with their predetermined agenda. This signals the transition from a chaotic, unsuccessful search to the specific, albeit still unjust, charges that would lead to Jesus' condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:60 employs several literary devices to underscore the injustice of Jesus' trial. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "found none" appearing twice, emphasizing the persistent failure of the Sanhedrin to secure credible testimony, even false testimony, against Jesus. This repetition highlights His undeniable innocence and the desperation of His accusers. There is profound **Irony** in the scene: a high court, supposedly dedicated to upholding justice and Mosaic Law, is actively soliciting and accepting "false witnesses" to condemn an innocent man. This subversion of justice by its very guardians creates a stark contrast between legal form and moral substance. Furthermore, the verse employs a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as the eventual appearance of "two false witnesses" sets the stage for the specific accusations that will be leveled against Jesus in the subsequent verses, leading directly to His condemnation and crucifixion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:60 is a poignant illustration of the world's rejection of divine truth and the lengths to which human depravity will go to silence it. The Sanhedrin's active solicitation of "false witnesses" underscores the profound corruption of a religious establishment that prioritized its own power and traditions over righteousness and truth. The repeated failure to find consistent testimony, even from those willing to lie, powerfully affirms Jesus' blamelessness, setting the stage for His role as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice. This moment highlights the stark contrast between human injustice and God's unwavering plan, demonstrating that even through the most egregious acts of human sin, God's sovereign will for redemption was being meticulously unfolded.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Psalm 35:11](/psalms/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up")
* [Acts 6:13](/acts/6-13 "Acts 6:13 - Stephen Falsely Accused")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Matthew 26:60 serves as a powerful reminder that truth often faces fierce opposition, especially when it challenges entrenched power structures or comfortable falsehoods. Jesus' steadfastness in the face of such blatant injustice offers a profound model for believers: to remain committed to truth and righteousness even when it leads to suffering or false accusation. We are called to stand firm, knowing that our vindication ultimately rests with God. This passage also compels us to critically examine systems of justice, both secular and religious, and to advocate for integrity, fairness, and the protection of the innocent. It encourages us to be discerning, recognizing that outward appearances of authority do not always equate to moral uprightness, and to always seek the truth, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' response to false accusations challenge my own reactions when I feel unjustly criticized or attacked?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise truth or integrity for personal gain or to avoid conflict?**
* **How can I contribute to upholding justice and truth in my community or sphere of influence, even when it's difficult?**
* **What comfort can I draw from knowing that Jesus, the innocent one, experienced the pain of false accusation?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Sanhedrin so desperate to find false witnesses against Jesus?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin was desperate because they had already determined to put Jesus to death (cf. [Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - Plot to Kill Jesus")), but they needed a legal pretext to do so, especially for a capital offense. Jewish law required at least two consistent witnesses for a death penalty (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Two Witnesses")). Since Jesus was innocent of any actual crime, they had to resort to soliciting fabricated testimony to fulfill the legal requirement, even if it meant violating the spirit of the law. Their desperation stemmed from their fear of Jesus' growing popularity, His challenging of their authority, and their perceived threat to their religious and political standing.

**What does the repeated phrase "found none" signify about Jesus' character?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "found none" (KJV) or "could not find any" (NIV) profoundly underscores Jesus' blameless character and absolute innocence. It signifies that despite the intense efforts of His accusers to dig up or fabricate any legitimate charge, they were utterly unsuccessful. There was no true fault, no consistent lie, that could be brought against Him. This highlights His perfection and sinlessness, which is crucial for His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:60, in its stark depiction of Jesus' unjust trial, profoundly reveals His Christ-centered fulfillment. The complete absence of legitimate accusations, despite the fervent search for them, powerfully affirms Jesus' sinless nature, a prerequisite for His atoning work. He is the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, whose sacrifice alone can take away the sin of the world (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). His silence and endurance in the face of false witnesses fulfill Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant (cf. [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")), demonstrating His willingness to suffer unjustly for humanity's redemption. This moment of profound injustice is not a defeat but a necessary step in God's sovereign plan, as Jesus, the innocent one, willingly submits to the perverted judgment of man to become the propitiation for our sins (cf. [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). His experience of false accusation and condemnation ultimately culminates in His resurrection and ascension, where He is vindicated by God and established as the righteous Judge and Savior of all who believe (cf. [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World by Jesus")).

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

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Psalms 35:11

¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

Psalms 27:12

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God.

Titus 2:8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.