Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

MATTHEW 20:18KJV
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Matthew 20:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:18 mean?

Matthew 20:18 records Jesus telling His disciples that they are going up to Jerusalem, where He—the "Son of man"—will be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes, who will condemn Him to death. Jesus is openly predicting His coming suffering and execution at the hands of the religious leaders.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to His closest followers as they travel toward Jerusalem. He uses the title "Son of man" for Himself, a phrase with roots in Jewish scripture, and plainly describes the betrayal and condemnation He will face. This is a moment where Jesus prepares His disciples for the difficult events that are about to unfold, showing that He knows what is coming and is going willingly.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:18

  • "Behold" (ἰδού, idou): This Greek word is often used to draw attention, almost like saying "look!" or "pay attention!" Jesus is emphasizing the importance of what He is about to say.
  • "Betrayed" (παραδοθήσεται, paradothēsetai): This word means to be handed over or delivered up, often with the sense of being betrayed by someone close. Jesus is highlighting that His suffering will begin with an act of betrayal.
  • "Condemn" (κατακρινοῦσιν, katakrinousin): This Greek verb means to judge as guilty or to sentence to punishment. The chief priests and scribes will officially declare Jesus deserving of death, not just disapprove of Him.
  • "Death" (θάνατος, thanatos): The word here means physical death, making clear that the condemnation is not just symbolic or spiritual, but will lead to Jesus’ actual execution.

Why Matthew 20:18 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus was caught off guard by His arrest and death; He predicts it in detail, showing foreknowledge and purpose.
  • By naming the chief priests and scribes, Matthew 20:18 emphasizes that the religious authorities, not just political leaders, play a central role in Jesus’ condemnation.
  • This prediction connects to earlier and later passages where Jesus prepares His disciples for His death, helping readers see the unity and intention in His journey to the cross.

Where else these words appear

“condemn” Greek G2632 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.