Matthew 27:1

KJV

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} the morning {G4405} was come {G1096}, all {G3956} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245} of the people {G2992} took {G2983} counsel {G4824} against {G2596} Jesus {G2424} to {G5620} put {G2289} him {G846} to death {G2289}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Early in the morning, all the head cohanim and elders met to plan how to bring about Yeshua's death.

Berean Standard Bible

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.

American Standard Version

Now when morning was come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:1 opens the climactic day of Jesus' crucifixion, revealing the chilling determination of the Jewish religious authorities. After a night of illegal trials and false accusations, the chief priests and elders convened at dawn to formalize their decision and strategize how to secure the Roman governor's consent for Jesus' execution, effectively sealing His fate and setting in motion the final events of His earthly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the tumultuous night of Jesus' arrest in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-47-56 "Matthew 26:47-56 - Jesus' Arrest"), His initial interrogation before Annas, and the full Sanhedrin trial presided over by Caiaphas, the high priest, as detailed in [Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin"). During this night trial, Jesus was condemned on charges of blasphemy, despite the lack of credible witnesses and the clear injustice of the proceedings. The transition from the darkness of the night to the "morning" in Matthew 27:1 signifies a shift from the internal Jewish legal process to the necessary step of involving the Roman authorities, as the Sanhedrin lacked the power to execute a capital sentence under Roman occupation. The verse also implicitly sets the stage for Judas Iscariot's despair and suicide, which immediately follows in [Matthew 27:3-10](/matthew/27-3-10 "Matthew 27:3-10 - Judas's Remorse and Death"), further emphasizing the grim reality of Jesus' condemnation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Under Roman rule, the Jewish Sanhedrin retained significant religious and civil authority, but capital punishment was reserved for the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who resided in Caesarea but was in Jerusalem for the Passover festival to maintain order. The "chief priests and elders of the people" constituted the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial and religious council, composed of Sadducees (primarily the chief priests) and Pharisees (often represented by the elders and scribes). Their morning meeting was not a new trial but a formal ratification of the previous night's verdict and a strategic session to devise a charge that would compel Pilate to act. They knew a religious charge like blasphemy would not suffice for the Romans, who were concerned with maintaining peace and Roman law. Thus, they would need to present Jesus as a political threat or insurrectionist, a "king of the Jews," to secure His execution, as later seen in [John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate"). The timing, "when the morning was come," was crucial for presenting Jesus to Pilate early, before the crowds gathered and to avoid any potential unrest during the Passover celebrations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **human conspiracy against divine will**, revealing the depth of human malice and rejection of God's Son, even by those who claimed to represent God. The "counsel against Jesus" highlights the **injustice and corruption of religious authority**, as those entrusted with upholding God's law perverted justice for their own self-preservation and envy, echoing Jesus' earlier condemnations of the religious leaders in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Paradoxically, this human evil simultaneously serves the theme of **divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy**. Despite the malevolent intentions of the chief priests and elders, their actions were precisely what God had foretold would happen to His Messiah, as Jesus Himself had predicted He would be "delivered to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified" ([Matthew 20:19](/matthew/20-19 "Matthew 20:19 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). Thus, the verse marks a critical juncture where human sin and divine purpose intersect, moving toward the ultimate act of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **morning (Greek, _prōḯa'_):** This term denotes the early part of the day, specifically day-dawn or early morning. Its use here emphasizes the swiftness and urgency with which the religious leaders acted after their nocturnal proceedings. It signifies the beginning of a new day, yet for Jesus, it marks the dawn of His final, most agonizing hours leading to crucifixion. The transition from the darkness of the illegal night trial to the light of morning underscores the public nature they desired for His condemnation, even as their actions remained shrouded in moral darkness.
* **took counsel (Greek, _symboúlion'_):** Derived from a word meaning "advisement" or "deliberative body," `symboúlion` refers to a formal consultation or a collective decision made by a council. When paired with `lambánō` ("to take" or "to hold"), it signifies that the chief priests and elders held a formal meeting or consultation. This was not a casual discussion but a deliberate, premeditated act by the highest religious authority, indicating a unified and resolute intent to achieve a specific outcome: Jesus' death. It highlights the calculated nature of their plot.
* **to put him to death (Greek, _thanatóō'_):** This verb means "to kill," "to cause to be put to death," or "to mortify." It is a strong and unambiguous term, revealing the ultimate goal of the Sanhedrin's "counsel." Their intent was not merely to silence Jesus or remove Him from influence, but to utterly eliminate Him. The use of this word underscores the gravity and finality of their decision, setting the stage for the Roman execution that would follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the morning was come,"**: This phrase establishes the precise timing of the event, indicating the break of dawn following the night of Jesus' arrest and illegal trials. It signifies a transition from the clandestine proceedings to a more public, albeit still unjust, phase of His condemnation. The urgency implied by the early hour suggests the leaders' desire to finalize their plans before the Passover crowds became too large or aware of the situation, potentially causing unrest.
* **"all the chief priests and elders of the people"**: This identifies the key actors: the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. "Chief priests" typically refers to the heads of the priestly families, including the high priest, who were predominantly Sadducees. "Elders of the people" refers to the respected lay leaders, often associated with the Pharisees and scribes. The word "all" emphasizes the unanimous, collective decision of this powerful body, highlighting the institutional opposition Jesus faced from the highest echelons of Jewish authority.
* **"took counsel against Jesus"**: This clause describes the specific action taken by the Sanhedrin. "Took counsel" (Greek, _symboulion elabon_) implies a formal deliberation and a unified decision. The phrase "against Jesus" clearly states the adversarial nature of their meeting. Their purpose was not to seek justice or truth but to plot His demise, driven by envy, fear, and a desire to maintain their power and status in the face of Jesus' growing influence and challenging teachings.
* **"to put him to death:"**: This final clause reveals the explicit, ultimate objective of their counsel. It leaves no ambiguity about their intent. Their meeting was not to determine guilt or innocence, as that verdict had already been rendered in the night trial; rather, it was to strategize the means by which they could legally (from a Roman perspective) achieve Jesus' execution, as they lacked the authority to carry out a death sentence themselves. This chilling declaration sets the stage for the subsequent interactions with Pontius Pilate.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the "counsel...to put him to death" directly anticipates the crucifixion that will unfold later that day, building dramatic tension. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the religious leaders, who are supposed to be guardians of life and justice, are actively plotting the death of the very source of life, the Son of God. The phrase "When the morning was come" provides a stark **Contrast** between the literal dawning of a new day and the spiritual darkness of the Sanhedrin's intentions. This temporal marker also serves as a **Narrative Transition**, moving the story from the Jewish legal sphere to the Roman political arena, highlighting the shift in jurisdiction necessary for Jesus' execution. Finally, the collective "all the chief priests and elders of the people" functions as **Synecdoche**, where a part (the Sanhedrin) represents the whole of the official religious establishment, emphasizing the institutional rejection of Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:1 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for profound injustice and rejection of divine truth, even by those who claim religious authority. The unanimous decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death highlights the depths of human sin and the spiritual blindness that can afflict even the most devout. Yet, this verse also subtly points to God's overarching sovereignty. Despite the malevolent intentions of the religious leaders, their actions were not outside of God's control but were, in fact, integral to His predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity. This event, born of human wickedness, was a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive purpose, demonstrating that even the darkest moments of human history can be woven into the tapestry of divine salvation.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")
* [John 19:10-11](/john/19-10-11 "John 19:10-11 - Jesus' Authority Over Pilate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:1 calls us to a profound reflection on the nature of power, justice, and spiritual discernment. The chilling resolve of the religious leaders to condemn Jesus to death, despite His innocence and divine authority, serves as a sobering warning against the dangers of religious zeal untempered by genuine love and truth. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly seeking God's will, or are we, like the Sanhedrin, driven by self-preservation, fear, or a desire to maintain our own perceived authority or comfort? This verse reminds us that true faith is not about adhering to rigid structures or traditions at the expense of compassion and justice, but about humbly submitting to the living Christ. It also encourages us to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular or costly, recognizing that injustice, even when cloaked in religious garb, remains an affront to God. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that even through the darkest acts of human sin, His redemptive purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Sanhedrin's "counsel against Jesus" challenge my understanding of religious authority and leadership today?**
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, prioritize my own comfort, reputation, or traditions over God's revealed truth and justice?**
* **Considering that Jesus was condemned by those who claimed to represent God, how can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize truth amidst deception?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God in this verse, even amidst human evil, encourage me in times of injustice or suffering?**

### FAQ

**Why did the chief priests and elders need to "take counsel" again in the morning after condemning Jesus at night?**

Answer: The chief priests and elders had already condemned Jesus on religious grounds (blasphemy) during their night trial ([Matthew 26:65-66](/matthew/26-65-66 "Matthew 26:65-66 - Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin")). However, under Roman occupation, the Jewish Sanhedrin did not possess the authority to carry out a death sentence. Capital punishment was reserved for the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Therefore, their morning "counsel" was not a re-trial but a strategic meeting to formalize their decision and, critically, to formulate charges against Jesus that would be recognized as capital offenses under Roman law. They needed to present Jesus to Pilate as a political threat (e.g., claiming to be "King of the Jews," a rival to Caesar) rather than merely a religious blasphemer, to ensure His execution. This is why they immediately led Him to Pilate after their morning consultation ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")).

**What does "chief priests and elders of the people" signify about the opposition to Jesus?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish ruling council and judicial body. The "chief priests" were primarily Sadducees, who controlled the Temple and were often wealthy and politically connected. The "elders of the people" were respected lay leaders, often associated with the Pharisees and scribes, representing various influential families and groups within Jewish society. The fact that "all" of them "took counsel" against Jesus signifies a unified and institutional opposition from the highest levels of Jewish religious and political power. It highlights that Jesus' condemnation was not a fringe act but a deliberate, collective decision by the established authorities, driven by a combination of theological disagreement, fear of His growing influence, and a desire to maintain their own power and status ([John 11:47-48](/john/11-47-48 "John 11:47-48 - The Sanhedrin Plots to Kill Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:1, though depicting the dark machinations of human sin, ultimately points to the profound Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "counsel against Jesus to put him to death" was not a defeat for God's purposes but the very means by which they were accomplished. Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, was being led to the slaughter, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant")). His being "delivered" by the Jewish authorities to the Roman governor was a necessary step for Him to become the atoning sacrifice, shedding His blood for the forgiveness of sins, for "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). In this moment of apparent human triumph over divine truth, Jesus was, in fact, exercising His ultimate sovereignty, willingly laying down His life for His sheep ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). His unjust condemnation by earthly powers paved the way for His righteous act of self-sacrifice, demonstrating God's immense love for humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")) and securing eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, this verse, far from being merely a historical account of injustice, is a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's glorious plan of salvation through Christ.

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

Mark 15:1

¶ And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Luke 22:66

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Matthew 26:3

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,

Matthew 26:4

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill [him].