Matthew 26:63

KJV

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} held his peace {G4623}. And {G2532} the high priest {G749} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, I adjure {G1844} thee {G4571} by {G2596} the living {G2198} God {G2316}, that {G2443} thou tell {G2036} us {G2254} whether {G1487} thou {G4771} be {G1488} the Christ {G5547}, the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua remained silent. The cohen hagadol said to him, "I put you under oath! By the living God, tell us if you are the Mashiach, the Son of God!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

American Standard Version

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:63 records the pivotal moment in Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin where, after enduring false testimonies and maintaining a profound silence, the High Priest Caiaphas directly challenges Him with a solemn oath. Caiaphas demands to know, under the gravest spiritual obligation, if Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God, thereby forcing a direct confrontation with Jesus' true identity and messianic claims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His subsequent appearance before the Jewish high council, the Sanhedrin, at the palace of Caiaphas. Prior to this verse, the Jewish leaders had desperately sought false witnesses to condemn Jesus, but their testimonies proved inconsistent and insufficient for a legal conviction ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Jesus' silence in the face of these fabricated charges exasperated the high priest, leading to Caiaphas's direct, adjuratory question in this verse. The immediate follow-up in [Matthew 26:64](/matthew/26-64 "Matthew 26:64 - Jesus' Affirmation") reveals Jesus' affirmative and profound response, which ultimately serves as the basis for His condemnation for blasphemy. This entire sequence underscores the illegitimacy of the trial and the predetermined outcome of the Jewish leaders to put Jesus to death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme judicial and legislative body of the Jewish people during the Second Temple period, composed of 71 members, including the high priest, chief priests, elders, and scribes. Trials before the Sanhedrin followed specific procedures, though Jesus' trial appears to have violated many of them, particularly regarding the timing (at night, during a festival) and the pursuit of false testimony. The oath administered by Caiaphas, "I adjure thee by the living God," was the most solemn and binding form of testimony in Jewish law. To refuse to answer such an oath, or to lie under it, was considered a grave offense against God Himself ([Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - The Law of Oath-Taking")). Caiaphas's use of this oath was a calculated move to compel Jesus to speak, knowing that any claim to be the "Son of God" would be interpreted as blasphemy by the Jewish authorities, who understood "Son of God" in a unique, divine sense that they believed only applied to God.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:63 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. It highlights **Jesus' Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as His prior silence aligns with the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"), yet His subsequent answer demonstrates His deliberate control over the unfolding events. The verse also brings to the fore the **Centrality of Jesus' Identity** as the Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God, which is the foundational theological question driving the entire narrative of the Gospels. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the **Clash Between Divine Truth and Human Authority**, as the highest religious body of Israel confronts the very embodiment of divine truth, ultimately rejecting Him. This rejection, however, is paradoxically part of God's redemptive plan, leading to the atonement for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **held his peace (Greek, _siōpáō'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, purposeful silence, not merely a lack of speaking. It implies composure, self-control, and a conscious decision to remain silent in the face of accusations. This is distinct from being unable to speak and suggests Jesus' sovereign control over the situation, choosing when and how to respond, rather than being overwhelmed or silenced by fear.
* **I adjure (Greek, _exorkízō'_):** Derived from "out of" and "oath," this term means "to exact an oath" or "to conjure." It describes a formal, legal, and supremely binding command, compelling someone to testify truthfully under the authority and judgment of God. Caiaphas's use of this word transforms the interrogation from a mere question into a solemn, religious obligation, making Jesus' subsequent answer a divinely attested declaration.
* **the living God (Greek, _záō Theós'_):** This phrase emphasizes God's active, dynamic, and true nature, in contrast to lifeless idols or abstract concepts. Invoking "the living God" elevates the oath to the highest possible level of solemnity and consequence, implying that the one adjured is directly accountable to the active, present, and judging God of Israel. It underscores the gravity of the high priest's demand and the profound theological weight of Jesus' impending response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus held his peace."**: This clause highlights Jesus' deliberate and strategic silence in response to the barrage of false testimonies and accusations. His quietness is not an admission of guilt or a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of His control and fulfillment of prophetic suffering, refusing to dignify the fraudulent proceedings with a defense until directly challenged by divine authority.
* **"And the high priest answered and said unto him,"**: This transition signifies Caiaphas's frustration and desperation. Having failed to secure a conviction through false witnesses, he takes direct action, shifting from allowing others to accuse to personally interrogating Jesus. His "answer" is not to a question from Jesus, but a response to Jesus' silence and the failure of the prosecution.
* **"I adjure thee by the living God,"**: This is the core of Caiaphas's legal and theological maneuver. By invoking the "living God," he places Jesus under the most solemn and binding oath known in Jewish law. This command compelled Jesus to speak, as refusing to answer an oath sworn by God was considered a grave sin. It forces Jesus out of His silence and into a direct declaration of His identity.
* **"that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate question at the heart of the trial: Jesus' identity. "The Christ" (Messiah) refers to the long-awaited Anointed One, the King of Israel. "The Son of God" carries profound theological weight, implying a unique, divine relationship and nature, which the Jewish leaders understood as a claim to deity. Caiaphas's question is designed to elicit a confession that he can then use as a charge of blasphemy, leading to a death sentence.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:63 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as Caiaphas, intending to condemn Jesus, inadvertently provides the platform for Jesus to declare His true identity under the most solemn circumstances. The high priest's desperate attempt to force a confession becomes the very moment of divine revelation. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** in Jesus' initial silence, which echoes the suffering servant passages of Isaiah, hinting at His ultimate, silent submission to God's will on the cross. The **Juxtaposition** between Jesus' serene silence and Caiaphas's agitated demand underscores the contrast between divine composure and human desperation. Finally, the use of the **Solemn Oath** ("I adjure thee by the living God") functions as a powerful rhetorical device, escalating the tension and highlighting the gravity of the moment, forcing a theological showdown that is central to the Gospel narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:63 is a pivotal theological moment, as it directly addresses the core identity of Jesus Christ. Caiaphas's question forces Jesus to break His silence and declare His divine Sonship and Messiahship, making explicit what had previously been revealed through miracles, teachings, and Peter's confession. This declaration, made under the most solemn oath, underscores that Jesus' claim to be the Christ and the Son of God is not merely a human assertion but a divinely attested truth. The Jewish leaders' rejection of this truth, despite its solemn declaration, highlights their spiritual blindness and the tragic culmination of their opposition to God's plan. This moment sets the stage for the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating that Jesus was condemned not for any earthly crime, but for His divine identity.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [Mark 14:61-62](/mark/14-61-62 "Mark 14:61-62 - Jesus' Affirmation Before the High Priest")
* [John 19:7](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - The Jews' Accusation of Blasphemy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:63 calls us to deep reflection on the nature of truth, authority, and identity. Jesus' deliberate silence in the face of false accusations, followed by His powerful, divinely compelled declaration, teaches us about the timing and nature of our own witness. There are times for silent endurance, and times for courageous proclamation, especially when the very truth of Christ's identity is questioned. Caiaphas's question, though malicious in intent, served God's sovereign purpose by eliciting a clear, undeniable confession from Jesus. This reminds us that even human opposition can be unwittingly used by God to advance His will. For believers, this verse reinforces the absolute centrality of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God – a truth worth living for, and if necessary, dying for. It challenges us to consider if our lives truly reflect a belief in Jesus as the "Living God's" Son, and if we are prepared to affirm that truth even when it comes at a personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might Jesus' deliberate silence be a model for us, and when is it imperative to speak out for truth?**
* **How does the high priest's solemn oath to Jesus highlight the gravity of Jesus' claim to be the Son of God?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to affirm Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God," particularly when faced with opposition or skepticism?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus remain silent before Caiaphas's direct question?**

Answer: Jesus' initial silence (prior to [Matthew 26:63](/matthew/26-63 "Matthew 26:63 - Jesus' Silence and Caiaphas's Oath")) was deliberate and multifaceted. It fulfilled prophecy, particularly the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"), which states, "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." His silence also demonstrated His sovereignty and composure in the face of false accusations, refusing to dignify the inconsistent testimonies with a defense. However, when Caiaphas adjured Him by "the living God," Jesus broke His silence because an oath sworn by God demanded a response, and it was the opportune moment to declare His true identity under divine compulsion, thereby sealing His "blasphemy" in the eyes of the Jewish court.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:63 stands as a profound moment of Christ-centered fulfillment, as Jesus, under the most solemn oath, publicly affirms His divine identity as "the Christ, the Son of God." This declaration is the culmination of the Old Testament's messianic prophecies, pointing to the Anointed One who would come to redeem His people. Jesus' affirmation here directly foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work: His death as the sinless Lamb of God and His resurrection as the triumphant Son. The Jewish leaders' condemnation of Jesus for "blasphemy" based on this truth ironically paves the way for the New Covenant, where this very truth becomes the cornerstone of salvation for all who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). Jesus' willingness to confirm His divine Sonship, knowing it would lead to His crucifixion, demonstrates His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His unwavering commitment to His mission to reconcile humanity to God. His identity, declared under oath and sealed with His blood, is the foundation of Christian faith, establishing Him as the unique bridge between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")).

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

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 27:12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

1 Samuel 14:26

And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

Acts 8:32

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Acts 8:35

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.