Matthew 26:30

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

And {G2532} when they had sung an hymn {G5214}, they went out {G1831} into {G1519} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}.

After singing the Hallel, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Commentary

Matthew 26:30 marks a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, immediately following the institution of the Lord's Supper. It describes Jesus and His disciples concluding their Passover meal with worship before departing for the Mount of Olives, where Jesus would face His deepest anguish and ultimate betrayal.

Context

This verse takes place at the culmination of the Last Supper, an event detailed in Matthew 26:26-29. As part of the traditional Passover Seder, it was customary for participants to sing a series of psalms known as the "Hallel" (Psalms 113-118) at the end of the meal. The singing of "an hymn" (Greek: hymnēsantes, meaning "having sung praises") indicates that Jesus and His disciples observed this tradition, even in the shadow of the immense suffering that awaited Him. Their departure to the Mount of Olives sets the scene for the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of intense prayer and spiritual struggle for Jesus.

Key Themes

  • Worship Before Suffering: The act of singing praises immediately before heading to Gethsemane highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to God's will, even as He faced the cross. It demonstrates the power of worship as an act of faith and submission, even in the face of impending doom.
  • Transition to Solitude and Struggle: The journey "into the mount of Olives" signifies a shift from the intimate fellowship of the supper to the solitary spiritual battle Jesus would endure. This location, a familiar retreat for Jesus, would become the scene of His agony and arrest.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This departure also sets in motion the events leading directly to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "hymn" here (from the verb hymnēsantes) simply means "having sung praises." While the text doesn't specify which hymn, it is widely understood to refer to the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were traditionally sung during the Passover celebration. These psalms often express themes of deliverance, God's faithfulness, and trust in the Lord, making them profoundly significant given the circumstances.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:30 offers a powerful example for believers today: to engage in worship and praise even when facing life's most challenging trials. Just as Jesus sang a hymn before His greatest agony, we are called to find strength and express our trust in God's sovereignty, even amidst fear or uncertainty. This verse encourages us to maintain a spirit of worship and submission to God's will, recognizing that even in suffering, God is present and worthy of our praise. It reminds us that preparation for difficult times can include spiritual disciplines like worship and prayer, as exemplified by Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of peace that surpasses understanding through prayer and thanksgiving.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 22:39 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

  • Matthew 21:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

  • Ephesians 5:19 (3 votes)

    Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

  • Ephesians 5:20 (3 votes)

    Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

  • John 18:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

  • John 18:4 (2 votes)

    Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

  • Colossians 3:16 (2 votes)

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.