Matthew 28:12

KJV

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they were assembled {G4863} with {G3326} the elders {G4245}, and {G5037} had taken {G2983} counsel {G4824}, they gave {G1325} large {G2425} money {G694} unto the soldiers {G4757},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they met with the elders; and after discussing the matter, they gave the soldiers a sizeable sum of money

Berean Standard Bible

And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money

American Standard Version

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave much money unto the soldiers,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:12 details the immediate, conspiratorial response of the Jewish chief priests and elders upon hearing the Roman guards' eyewitness account of Jesus' resurrection. Rather than acknowledging the miraculous truth, these religious leaders convened a private council, deliberating how to suppress the evidence. Their decision was to offer a substantial bribe to the soldiers, instructing them to fabricate a false narrative about the disciples stealing Jesus' body while they slept, thereby attempting to discredit the resurrection and maintain their authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of Jesus' resurrection. It follows directly from [Matthew 28:11](/matthew/28-11 "Matthew 28:11 - The Guards Report to the Chief Priests"), where the terrified and awe-struck Roman guards, having witnessed the earthquake, the angel, and the empty tomb, reported these astonishing events to the chief priests. The preceding chapters meticulously detail Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and the sealing of His tomb, specifically at the insistence of these same religious leaders who feared a resurrection claim ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Tomb is Guarded")). Matthew 28:12 thus marks the beginning of the religious establishment's concerted effort to actively suppress the truth of the resurrection, setting the stage for the false narrative that would circulate among the Jews ([Matthew 28:15](/matthew/28-15 "Matthew 28:15 - The Soldiers Spread the Lie")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "elders" mentioned here were likely prominent members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative council, which had condemned Jesus to death. They held significant religious and political power under Roman occupation. For them, Jesus' resurrection was not merely a theological challenge but a direct threat to their authority, their interpretation of the Law, and their carefully maintained social order. Roman soldiers, especially those assigned to guard duty, faced severe penalties, including death, for dereliction of duty, particularly for sleeping on watch. This cultural reality underscores the immense "large money" (ἀργύρια ἱκανά, *argyria hikana*) required to induce them to risk their lives and reputations by fabricating a story that would expose them to such severe consequences. The very act of bribing Roman soldiers by Jewish leaders highlights the desperation and lengths to which they would go to control the narrative and prevent the burgeoning Christian movement from gaining traction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Primarily, it highlights the **suppression of truth** and the **resistance to divine revelation**. Despite overwhelming evidence, the religious authorities chose willful blindness and active deception over acknowledging God's mighty work. It also underscores the **corruption and moral bankruptcy** of those in power who prioritize self-preservation and control over righteousness. This act of bribery foreshadows the ongoing opposition and persecution that the early church would face, demonstrating the world's inherent hostility towards the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, it serves to emphasize the **irresistible power of God's plan**, as human efforts to thwart the resurrection proved utterly futile, despite their elaborate schemes and significant financial outlay. The resurrection of Jesus, despite all human attempts to suppress it, stands as the central, undeniable truth, echoing the triumph over death and sin first promised in passages like [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **symboúlion (Greek, _symboúlion'_):** This word, translated as "counsel," refers to advisement or a deliberative body. It highlights that the religious leaders did not act impulsively but engaged in a formal, calculated consultation. This wasn't a casual conversation but a deliberate meeting, implying a structured effort to devise a strategy, underscoring the premeditated nature of their deception.
* **dídōmi (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** Meaning "to give," this verb is used in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, delivering, or offering. In this context, it signifies the deliberate act of transferring money. The choice of this verb emphasizes the active and intentional nature of the bribe, not merely a passive transaction, but a forceful act of corruption.
* **hikanós (Greek, _hikanós'_):** Translated as "large" in "large money," this adjective means competent, ample, or sufficient. It indicates that the amount of money given was considerable, enough to satisfy the soldiers' risk and overcome their fear of severe Roman punishment for sleeping on duty. This wasn't a small payoff but a substantial sum designed to ensure their compliance and silence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were assembled with the elders":** This phrase indicates a formal gathering of the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and political body. The news of the resurrection was so profound and threatening to their authority that it necessitated an immediate, high-level council. Their assembly signifies a collective, institutional response to an unprecedented event.
* **"and had taken counsel":** This clause reveals the purpose of their assembly: to deliberate and devise a strategy. They were not seeking truth or divine guidance, but rather a solution to a problem that undermined their power and narrative. The "counsel" taken was a conspiracy, a strategic planning session aimed at suppressing the truth.
* **"they gave large money unto the soldiers":** This is the outcome of their deliberation. The "large money" (ἀργύρια ἱκανά) signifies a substantial bribe, reflecting the gravity of the soldiers' potential punishment for dereliction of duty and the desperation of the leaders to silence them. This act of bribery is a clear demonstration of their moral corruption and willingness to use illicit means to achieve their objectives.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **literary devices** in this verse to highlight the moral and spiritual conflict. The primary device is **Irony**: the very leaders who insisted on securing the tomb to prevent a false resurrection claim ([Matthew 27:64](/matthew/27-64 "Matthew 27:64 - Guarding the Tomb")) are now forced to pay a large sum to create a false narrative to explain the *actual* resurrection. This highlights the futility of human opposition to God's plan. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the divine truth of the resurrection, powerfully attested by angelic appearance and earthquake, and the human deception orchestrated by the religious authorities. The act of giving "large money" functions as **Symbolism** for the corrupting power of worldly authority and the lengths to which those invested in their own power will go to suppress inconvenient truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:12 serves as a stark theological commentary on humanity's propensity to reject divine truth, especially when it challenges established power structures or personal comfort. The chief priests and elders, representatives of religious authority, chose to actively suppress the most significant event in salvation history—the resurrection of God's Son. This deliberate act of deception underscores the pervasive theme of spiritual blindness and the human heart's resistance to God's revelation, a theme woven throughout scripture. Their actions reveal a profound spiritual darkness, prioritizing their earthly influence over acknowledging the power of God. This passage reminds us that truth often faces fierce opposition, particularly from those who stand to lose power or prestige by its acceptance. Yet, the futility of their efforts ultimately testifies to the unstoppable nature of God's truth, which no amount of human conspiracy or financial bribery can ultimately suppress.

* [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light"): "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."
* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel"): "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"): "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:12 offers a profound lesson on the nature of truth and the human response to it. It challenges us to consider our own willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, especially those that might disrupt our preconceived notions or challenge our comfort zones. Just as the religious leaders chose to suppress the undeniable evidence of the resurrection for the sake of maintaining their power and narrative, we too can be tempted to ignore or twist truth when it demands a costly response or threatens our self-interest. This passage calls us to a radical commitment to truth, to discern carefully between genuine revelation and fabricated narratives, and to stand firm in the face of deception. It reminds us that the battle for truth is ongoing, and as believers, we are called to be witnesses to the reality of Christ's resurrection, undeterred by opposition or attempts to discredit it. Our faith is not built on a lie, but on the most powerfully attested event in history, a truth that no amount of "large money" could ever buy off.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to suppress or ignore truth for personal gain or comfort?**
* **How can I better discern between truth and deception in the narratives presented by the world today?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of spiritual opposition to God's work, and how should I respond to it?**
* **How does the futile attempt to cover up the resurrection strengthen my confidence in the reliability of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Why did the chief priests and elders resort to bribery instead of investigating the soldiers' report?**

Answer: The chief priests and elders resorted to bribery because they were not interested in investigating the truth of Jesus' resurrection, but rather in suppressing it. Their primary concern was to maintain their religious and political authority, which was severely threatened by the possibility of Jesus being the Messiah and having conquered death. The soldiers' report of an earthquake, an angel, and an empty tomb ([Matthew 28:2-4](/matthew/28-2-4 "Matthew 28:2-4 - The Angel and the Guards")) was undeniable evidence of a miraculous event that directly contradicted their narrative of Jesus as a blasphemer and imposter. Instead of repenting or acknowledging God's power, they chose to double down on their opposition, believing that a fabricated story and a substantial bribe would be sufficient to control public opinion and discredit the burgeoning Christian movement. This act reveals their deep-seated spiritual blindness and moral corruption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:12, though detailing a moment of profound human deception, powerfully underscores the ultimate triumph of Christ. The chief priests and elders, by attempting to suppress the truth of the resurrection, inadvertently highlighted its undeniable reality. Their desperate act of bribery and fabrication serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's victory shines even brighter. This futile human conspiracy to conceal the resurrection foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against the truth of the Gospel, yet it also points to Christ as the ultimate victor over all such schemes. Just as the empty tomb could not be hidden by a guard or a seal, so the truth of Christ's Lordship cannot be suppressed by human lies or opposition. The resurrection of Jesus, which these leaders sought to bury, is the very foundation of the Christian faith and the source of our hope, fulfilling the promises of God's triumph over death and sin, as declared in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ is Risen"). Their attempt to silence the guards' testimony ultimately led to the very message of the resurrection being proclaimed globally through the Great Commission, which immediately follows this passage in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"), demonstrating Christ's sovereign power to use even the schemes of His enemies to advance His Kingdom.

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

Matthew 27:62

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

Matthew 27:64

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Matthew 27:1

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

Matthew 27:2

And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

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].

Acts 4:5

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,