Matthew 26:4

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Matthew 26:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they made designs together to take Jesus by some trick, and put him to death.

Free Bible Version FBV

There they plotted to arrest Jesus on some deceitful pretext and kill him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And consulted together that they might take Iesus by subtiltie, and kill him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they consulted together that they might take Jesus by guile, and kill [him],

World English Bible WEB

They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they consulted together, that by subtilty they might apprehend Jesus, and put him to death.

Translation for Translators T4T

There they plotted how they could seize Jesus in some deceitful way so that they could have him executed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 26:4

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Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 26:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και συνεβουλευσαντο ινα τον ιησουν δολω κρατησωσιν και αποκτεινωσιν

και kai G2532 and Conj

συνεβουλευσαντο sumbouleuō G4823 to consult Verb-AMI-3P

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

ιησουν Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-ASM

δολω dolos G1388 deceit Noun-DSM

κρατησωσιν krateō G2902 to grasp/seize Verb-AAS-3P

και kai G2532 and Conj

αποκτεινωσιν apokteinō G615 to kill Verb-AAS-3P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 26:4

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

συνεβουλευσαντο sumbouleuō G4823 "to consult" Verb-AMI-3P

To consult means to give or take advice with others, as in Matthew 26:4. It is about discussing and deciding together, like in Acts 9:23.

Definition: 1. to advise, counsel , Lat. consulere alicui, with dative pers. et infinitive, to advise one to do a thing, (Herdotus Historicus), etc. 2. without the infinitive, ς. τινί τι (Herdotus Historicus); ς. τι to recommend a measure, (Herdotus Historicus), attic:—;Pass., τὰ συμβουλευόμενα the advice given , (Xenophon Historicus) 3. absolute to advise, give advice , (Sophocles Tragicus); ὁ συμβουλεύων or -εύσας, an adviser , Lat. auctor sententiae, (Aristotle Philosopher) 4. Mid. to consult with a person, i. e. ask his advice , Lat. consulere aliquem, with dative, (Herdotus Historicus), etc.: absolute to consult, deliberate , (Xenophon Historicus) (ML)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: consult, (give, take) counsel (together) See also: Acts 9:23; John 18:14; Revelation 3:18.

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιησουν Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-ASM

Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.

Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

δολω dolos G1388 "deceit" Noun-DSM

Deceit refers to the act of tricking or misleading someone, often using cunning or cleverness, as seen in Matthew 26:4 and 1 Peter 2:1. It involves using crafty methods to get what you want. This concept is viewed as negative in the Bible.

Definition: δόλος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מִרְמָה;]__1. in Hom., a bait. __2. a snare. __3. In the abstract, craft, deceit: Mat.26:4, Mrk.7:22 14:1, Jhn.1:47, Act.13:10, Rom.1:29, 2Co.12:16, 1Th.2:3, 1Pe.2:1 2:22 3:10" (LXX) (λαλῆσαι δ.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: craft, deceit, guile, subtilty See also: 1 Peter 2:1; Acts 13:10; 1 Peter 2:22.

κρατησωσιν krateō G2902 "to grasp/seize" Verb-AAS-3P

This word means to grasp or seize something, like in Matthew 9:25 and Acts 27:13. It is about using strength to take hold of or retain something. The Bible translates it as 'hold' or 'take'.

Definition: κρατέω, -ῶ (κράτος), [in LXX chiefly for חָזַק hi., also for אָחַז, etc. ;] __1. to be strong, mighty, hence, to rule, be master, prevail (so chiefly in cl.; in LXX: Est.1:1, I Est.4:38, Wis.14:19, al.). __2. to get possession of, obtain, take hold of (Hdt., Thuc., al.): with genitive of thing(s) (M, Pr., 65), Act.27:13; τ. χειρός, Mat.9:25, Mrk.1:31 5:41 9:27, Luk.8:54; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:11; with accusative of person(s), Mat.14:3 18:28 21:46 22:6 26:4, 48 ff., Mrk.3:21 6:17 12:12 14:1, 44 ff, Act.3:11 24:6, Rev.20:2 (cf. 2Ki.6:6). __3. to hold, hold fast (Æsch., Polyb., al.): with accusative of thing(s), ἐν τ. δεξιᾷ, Rev.2:1. Metaphorical: with accusative of person(s), pass., Act.2:24; with accusative of thing(s), Rev.2:13, 25 3:11; τ. κεφαλήν (i.e. Christ), Col.2:19; τ. παράδοσιν (-εις), λόγον, διδαχήν, Mrk.7:3-4, 8 9:10, 2Th.2:15, Rev.2:14-15; with genitive of thing(s), Heb.4:14 6:18; of sins, to retain, Jhn.20:23; of restraint, before ἵνα μή, Rev.7:1; pass., before τοῦ μή, Luk.24:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by) See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Mark 14:46; Hebrews 4:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αποκτεινωσιν apokteinō G615 "to kill" Verb-AAS-3P

To kill means to destroy or take someone's life, like in Matthew 14:5 where Herod had John the Baptist killed. It can also be used figuratively to describe spiritual destruction.

Definition: ἀπο-κτείνω (also in late forms -κτέννω, Mat.10:28, a1., LTTr., -κτεννύω, Mrk.12:5, WH), [in LXX for הָרַג, מוּת ;] to kill: Mat.14:5, al.; before instr. ἐν (which see), Eph.2:16, Rev.2:23, al. Metaphorical: Rom.7:11; τ. ἔχθραν, Eph.2:16; τὸ γράμμα ἀποκτείνει 2Co.3:6 (on the perfective force of this verb, see M, Pr., 114) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 72 NT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, slay See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Mark 6:19; Revelation 2:13.

Study Notes — Matthew 26:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 26:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 26:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 26:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 26:4
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 26:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 26:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 26:4
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 26:4
Sermons on Matthew 26:4

Context — The Plot to Kill Jesus

2“You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” 3At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,

4and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

5“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” 6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 12:14	But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
2	Psalms 2:2	The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
3	Acts 13:10	and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
4	Matthew 23:33	You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
5	Genesis 3:1	Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”
6	Acts 7:19	He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.
7	2 Corinthians 11:3	I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Matthew 26:4 Summary

[The chief priests and elders were making a plan to secretly arrest and kill Jesus, because they were afraid of what the people might do if they found out. This shows how much they opposed Jesus and His message, and it ultimately led to His death on the cross, as predicted in Matthew 20:18-19. Just like the chief priests and elders, we can sometimes try to handle problems or difficult situations in secret or on our own, but this can lead to more harm and trouble, as seen in Proverbs 28:13. Instead, we should seek to trust in God and His ways, and to act with honesty and integrity, as encouraged in Psalm 51:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the chief priests and elders want to arrest Jesus covertly?

The chief priests and elders wanted to arrest Jesus covertly because they feared a riot among the people, as mentioned in Matthew 26:5, and also to avoid drawing attention to themselves and their plot, as seen in John 11:47-53 where they previously tried to capture Jesus but were unsuccessful.

What does it mean to arrest Jesus 'covertly'?

Arresting Jesus covertly means to seize Him secretly, without the knowledge or attention of the general public, much like what is described in Matthew 2:13 where Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to avoid Herod's plot to kill Jesus.

Was it not during the Passover that they wanted to arrest Jesus?

According to Matthew 26:5, the chief priests and elders decided not to arrest Jesus during the feast of Passover to avoid a riot among the people, similar to the reasoning in Exodus 12:33 where the Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave quickly to avoid the death of all their firstborn sons.

How does this verse relate to the overall plan of God?

This verse shows how the plans of men, although evil in intention, can still be part of the larger plan of God, as mentioned in Acts 2:23 where it is stated that Jesus was delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I might be trying to 'covertly' deal with sin in my life, and how can I bring these things into the light?
How can I be more aware of the intentions and plans of those around me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
In what ways am I trying to control or manipulate situations, and how can I instead trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 103:19?
How can I be more mindful of the potential consequences of my actions, and seek to act in ways that bring peace and harmony, rather than conflict and division?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 26:4

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety,.... The Jews had often attempted his life, but he escaped out of their hands; they had sent officers to apprehend him, but to no purpose; they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 26:4

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 14:1-11.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 26:4

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 26:4

4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. Ver. 4. Take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him] Craft and cruelty go commonly coupled in the Church’ s adversaries. Neither of them "wants their mate," as the Scripture speaks of those birds of prey and desolation, Isaiah 34:16. These priests and elders were so bitterly bent against Christ, that nothing would satisfy them but his blood. All plants and other creatures have their growth and increase to a period, and then their declination and decay, except only the crocodile, who grows bigger and bigger, even till death. So have all passions and perturbations in man’ s mind their intentions and remissions, except only malicious revenge. This dies not, many times, but with the man (if that), as nothing can quench the combustible slime in Samosaris, nor the burning flame of the hill Chimaera, but only earth, 1 Peter 2:23. Saint Peter tells us, that our Saviour being reviled, did not only commit his cause to God, but himself to God: as expecting the increase of his enemies’ opposition, till they had put him to death.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 26:4

(4) That they might take Jesus by subtilty.—The plan implied in these words and in those that follow (“not on the feast day”) would seem to have been hastened in its accomplishment by the unexpected treachery of Judas. They had intended to wait till the feast was over, but the temptation thus offered was too great to be resisted, and they accordingly stepped out of the limits which their caution had suggested, and were content to run the risk even of an “uproar among the people” within the twenty-four hours of the Paschal Feast.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 26:4

Verse 4. And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty] The providence of God frustrated their artful machinations; and that event which they wished to conduct with the greatest privacy and silence was transacted with all possible celebrity, amidst the thousands who resorted to Jerusalem, at this season, for the keeping of the passover. It was, doubtless, of the very first importance that the crucifixion of Christ, which was preparatory to the most essential achievement of Christianity, viz. his resurrection from the grave, should be exhibited before many witnesses, and in the most open manner, that infidelity might not attempt, in future, to invalidate the evidences of the Christian religion, by alleging that these things were done in a corner. See WAKEFIELD in loco.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 26:4

4. consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty] It was no longer possible (1) to entrap Him by argument (Matthew 22:46); (2) to discredit Him with the Roman government (Matthew 22:22); or (3) to take Him by force.

Sermons on Matthew 26:4

	Sermon	Description
	Why Doesn't My Christianity Work at Home by Neil Rhodes	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of how we communicate with others. He highlights the power of our words and how they can either bring about good or corruptne
	Hearts Captive by the Savior's Love by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the tender and loving nature of Jesus as depicted in Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting that Christ came not with loud proclamations but with a quiet spirit
	Matthew 12 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby discusses the rejection of the nation of Israel and the transition to a new system under Christ, emphasizing that Jesus, as the Son of God, stands alone in a worl
	The Servant of the Lord by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Servant of the Lord, who fulfills God's will and represents Him to the world. He contrasts Israel's failure to serve as God
	The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a
	God of the Nations - Part 1 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical and ethnic background of the Slavic people who had become Muslims during an invasion four centuries ago. He highlights the warf
	Matthew 2:1-8. the Wise Men's Arrival at Jerusalem. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the account of the wise men seeking the King of the Jews, highlighting the divine guidance through a star and the fulfillment of prophecies regardin