Matthew 26:67

KJV

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} did they spit {G1716} in {G1519} his {G846} face {G4383}, and {G2532} buffeted {G2852} him {G846}; and {G1161} others smote him with the palms of their hands {G4474},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they spit in his face and pounded him with their fists; and those who were beating him

Berean Standard Bible

Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him

American Standard Version

Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:67 profoundly details the immediate, brutal aftermath of Jesus' condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin, where He was subjected to extreme physical abuse and profound humiliation. This verse captures a pivotal moment in His passion, revealing the depth of human malice and the unwavering resolve of Christ as He endured spitting, striking with fists, and slapping—acts designed to degrade and dishonor, all while fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic moment of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in [Matthew 26:57-66](/matthew/26-57-66 "Matthew 26:57-66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin"). After a series of false testimonies failed to secure a conviction, the High Priest Caiaphas directly challenged Jesus, asking if He was "the Christ, the Son of God" ([Matthew 26:63](/matthew/26-63 "Matthew 26:63 - The High Priest's Question")). Jesus' affirmative, unequivocal response—"You have said it, and in fact, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" ([Matthew 26:64](/matthew/26-64 "Matthew 26:64 - Jesus' Affirmation"))—was immediately deemed blasphemy by Caiaphas, who tore his robes in a dramatic gesture of outrage. The entire council then condemned Him to death. Matthew 26:67 marks the abrupt transition from a pseudo-legal proceeding to a raw, unrestrained outburst of contempt and violence, illustrating the intense hatred and rejection Jesus faced from the religious establishment before He was handed over to the Roman authorities for further trial and execution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, spitting in someone's face was an act of profound disrespect and utter contempt, signifying the deepest possible revulsion and dishonor. It was a public shaming ritual, stripping the victim of dignity and status. Similarly, "buffeting" (striking with the fist, often on the head or face) and "smoting with the palms of their hands" (slapping) were not merely forms of physical assault but deliberate acts of humiliation. For a person of any standing, let alone one claiming divine authority, such treatment was the ultimate insult, designed to break their spirit and publicly shame them. The Jewish Sanhedrin, while having the authority to condemn Jesus for blasphemy, lacked the legal power under Roman occupation to carry out a death sentence. Therefore, this physical abuse served as an expression of their immediate fury and contempt, a prelude to the Roman trial that would ultimately lead to His crucifixion.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:67 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully highlights the **profound humiliation and mockery** Jesus endured, underscoring the depths to which humanity would sink in rejecting divine truth. This abuse serves as a stark depiction of the **suffering of Christ**, an early stage of the physical and emotional agony that would culminate in His crucifixion, emphasizing the immense personal cost of His mission to redeem humanity. Crucially, these indignities directly contribute to the theme of **fulfillment of prophecy**, particularly those concerning the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, such as [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance") where the servant declares, "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting." The verse also vividly portrays the **injustice and human depravity** inherent in the rejection of God's Anointed One, revealing the dark side of humanity's capacity for malice and violence when confronted with divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spit (Greek, _emptýō'_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "ptyo" (to spit), this word means "to spit at or on." In ancient cultures, spitting on someone was an act of extreme contempt, revulsion, and public shaming. It was a deliberate act of defilement and dishonor, designed to degrade the recipient to the lowest possible status. The use of this word here emphasizes the profound disrespect and utter scorn directed at Jesus.
* **buffeted (Greek, _kolaphízō'_):** This term comes from a derivative of the base of "kolazo" (to punish). It specifically means "to rap with the fist," implying striking with closed hands, often on the head or face. This was a forceful, repeated form of physical abuse that went beyond mere insult, inflicting pain and further degrading the victim. The action suggests a violent outburst of anger and malice, not just a casual slap.
* **smote [him] with the palms of their hands (Greek, _rhapízō'_):** From a derivative of a primary word meaning "to let fall" or "rap," this word means "to slap" or "strike with an open hand," particularly on the face or cheeks. While perhaps less forceful than "buffeting," it was still a common and deeply insulting form of personal abuse, often used to express contempt or to silence someone. The combination of these actions—spitting, punching, and slapping—paints a picture of comprehensive physical and emotional assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then did they spit in his face":** This clause immediately follows the Sanhedrin's condemnation of Jesus. The act of spitting in someone's face was not merely a physical assault but a profound cultural insult, signifying utter contempt, disgust, and public humiliation. It was a deliberate attempt to defile and dishonor Jesus, stripping Him of any dignity or respect in the eyes of His accusers and onlookers.
* **"and buffeted him;":** Following the spitting, they escalated the physical abuse by "buffeting" Him. This refers to striking Him with their fists, likely on the head and face. This action implies forceful, repeated blows, designed to inflict pain and further degrade Him. It demonstrates a raw, violent outpouring of hatred from those who had just condemned Him.
* **"and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,":** This final clause indicates that the abuse was widespread, with "others" joining in the assault. "Smote with the palms of their hands" refers to slapping, specifically on the face or cheeks. This act, while perhaps less violent than punching, was equally insulting and humiliating, a common form of personal abuse meant to demean and dishonor. The cumulative effect of these actions underscores the intense malice and widespread rejection Jesus faced.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:67 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The vivid description of physical abuse serves as **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy and sorrow for Jesus' suffering, highlighting the immense personal cost of His mission. The actions themselves—spitting, buffeting, and slapping—are rich in **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate human rejection and contempt for divine truth. This scene also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater physical and emotional agony Jesus would endure on the cross, making it clear that His suffering began long before Calvary. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** in this scene: the Son of God, the rightful King and Judge of all humanity, is treated as the lowest criminal by those He came to save, highlighting humanity's spiritual blindness and rebellion against its Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:67 stands as a stark testament to the depth of human depravity and the unwavering commitment of Christ to His redemptive mission. The abuse Jesus endured was not random violence but a deliberate act of humiliation, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating the extent of His self-emptying love. Theologically, it underscores the reality of sin's ugliness and humanity's rebellion against God, even as it magnifies the grace and sovereignty of God who allowed His Son to suffer for the sake of humanity's salvation. This moment is a crucial component of Christ's atoning work, where He, though innocent, bore the shame and suffering due to a sinful humanity, thereby paving the way for reconciliation with God.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:67 offers a profound invitation for believers to contemplate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the nature of true discipleship. Witnessing Jesus' silent endurance in the face of such profound indignity calls us to a deeper appreciation for the cost of our salvation—not merely physical pain, but utter humiliation and rejection. It challenges us to consider how we respond when faced with scorn, injustice, or opposition for our faith. Jesus' example teaches us patience, grace, and non-retaliation, reminding us that suffering for righteousness' sake aligns us with our Lord. This verse encourages us to identify with Christ in His suffering, understanding that our own experiences of rejection or ridicule in a world often hostile to spiritual truth are but faint echoes of what He willingly endured for us. It fosters humility and strengthens our resolve to live lives worthy of such a sacrifice, prioritizing love and truth even when it comes at a personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' silent endurance of this profound humiliation deepen your understanding of His love and sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might you be called to endure scorn or mistreatment for your faith today, and how can Jesus' example guide your response?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the nature of human sin and its capacity for malice, and how does that inform your view of the need for grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did they treat Jesus with such extreme physical abuse and contempt?**

Answer: The abuse Jesus endured in Matthew 26:67 was a direct consequence of the Sanhedrin's condemnation of Him for blasphemy. After Jesus unequivocally affirmed His divine identity as the Son of God and the Messiah ([Matthew 26:63-64](/matthew/26-63-64 "Matthew 26:63-64 - Jesus' Affirmation Before the Sanhedrin")), the High Priest tore his clothes, declaring Jesus guilty of a capital offense. In their eyes, Jesus' claim to be the Son of God was the ultimate affront to God's holiness and an unforgivable sacrilege. The physical acts of spitting, buffeting, and slapping were not merely expressions of anger but culturally significant gestures of extreme contempt, public shaming, and utter rejection. They sought to degrade and dishonor Jesus, stripping Him of any perceived dignity or authority, reflecting the intense hatred and spiritual blindness of those who refused to accept His claims. This treatment also served to fulfill Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah, such as those found in [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant").

**What is the deeper significance of these specific acts of abuse (spitting, buffeting, slapping)?**

Answer: The specific acts of spitting, buffeting (striking with fists), and slapping were chosen for their profound symbolic and cultural significance, going far beyond mere physical pain. In ancient societies, spitting on someone, especially in the face, was the ultimate sign of contempt, disgust, and public defilement. It was an act designed to strip a person of all honor and dignity, marking them as utterly despicable. Buffeting, or striking with the fist, particularly on the head or face, was a forceful and humiliating form of assault, meant to inflict both pain and degradation. Slapping, especially on the face, was also a common gesture of insult and disrespect, often used to demean or silence someone. Together, these actions represent a comprehensive assault on Jesus' person, not just His body. They were designed to break His spirit, publicly shame Him, and demonstrate the absolute rejection of His claims and His very being. This intentional humiliation underscores the depth of the sacrifice Jesus made, as He willingly endured such profound dishonor for the salvation of humanity, fulfilling prophecies that spoke of the Messiah being "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:67 powerfully illustrates the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the very nature of His atoning work. In enduring the spitting, buffeting, and slapping, Jesus perfectly embodied the Suffering Servant foretold in [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance"), who "offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting." This profound humiliation, far from diminishing His divine authority, actually magnified it, revealing His unparalleled humility and unwavering obedience to the Father's will. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus willingly subjected Himself to the ultimate human contempt and violence, bearing the shame and indignity that rightfully belonged to sinful humanity. His silent endurance in the face of such abuse—a stark contrast to the world's expectation of a conquering Messiah—demonstrates the very heart of His mission: to redeem humanity not through force, but through self-sacrificial love and suffering. This moment foreshadows His ultimate victory on the cross, where through His humiliation, He secured eternal glory and reconciliation for all who believe, setting the ultimate example of humility and obedience for His followers, as seen in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience").

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

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Matthew 27:30

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

John 18:22

And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: