But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

MATTHEW 21:46KJV
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Matthew 21:46 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:46 mean?

Matthew 21:46 describes how the religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus but were afraid to do so because the crowds believed Jesus was a prophet. The leaders hesitated to act against Jesus openly, fearing the reaction of the people who respected him.

In this scene, Matthew is narrating the response of the chief priests and Pharisees after Jesus tells a parable that criticizes them. The leaders are looking for a way to seize Jesus ("lay hands on him"), but the large crowd gathered around sees Jesus as a prophet, someone who speaks for God. This public opinion restrains the leaders, showing the tension between their authority and the people's admiration for Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:46

  • "Feared" (ἐφοβήθησαν, ephobēthēsan): This word means to be afraid or to have reverence. Here, it highlights that the leaders' fear of the crowd was strong enough to stop them from acting on their intentions.
  • "Multitude" (ὄχλον, ochlon): This refers to a large crowd or group of people. The presence and opinion of this crowd are what protect Jesus at this moment.
  • "Took...for a prophet" (εἶχον...ὡς προφήτην, eichon...hōs prophētēn): The Greek phrase means the crowd "held" or "regarded" Jesus as a prophet. This shows the high level of respect and spiritual authority the people believed Jesus had.

Why Matthew 21:46 matters

  • Matthew 21:46 clarifies that the leaders’ hesitation was not due to uncertainty about Jesus’ message, but because of the crowd’s strong support for him.
  • The verse highlights the growing divide between the religious authorities and the common people, which is a recurring theme in Matthew’s Gospel.
  • This moment sets the stage for the tension that will lead to Jesus’ eventual arrest, showing that public opinion played a significant role in the timing and manner of the leaders’ actions.

Where else these words appear

“because” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
  • Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

“hands” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“feared” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

“sought” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?