And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

MATTHEW 26:1KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:1 mean?

Matthew 26:1 marks a turning point where Jesus, having finished teaching, directly addresses his disciples to prepare them for what is coming next. This verse signals the end of a major section of Jesus’ teachings and sets the stage for the events leading to his arrest and crucifixion.

In this scene, Jesus is the speaker, and he is talking to his closest followers, the disciples. The verse acts as a transition: after delivering a series of important teachings, Jesus now shifts the focus to his final days. This moment is significant because it shows Jesus’ awareness of the timeline and his intention to prepare his disciples for what is about to unfold.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:1

  • τελέσας (telēsas, "finished"): This word means to bring something to completion or fulfillment. Its use here emphasizes that Jesus has fully completed a major portion of his teaching before moving on to the next phase.
  • πάντα (panta, "all"): This word means "all" or "everything," highlighting that Jesus has not left anything out in his teachings up to this point.
  • εἶπεν (eipen, "said"): This is the standard Greek word for "said," but in this context, it signals a deliberate and significant statement, marking a shift from teaching to action.

Why Matthew 26:1 matters

  • Matthew 26:1 clearly marks the end of Jesus’ public teaching ministry and the beginning of the narrative about his suffering and death, helping readers track the structure of the Gospel.
  • The verse shows Jesus’ control and awareness of events, as he intentionally finishes his teachings before addressing what is to come.
  • By noting that Jesus spoke to "his disciples," the verse highlights the private, intimate nature of the conversation that follows, setting it apart from his earlier public teachings.

Where else these words appear

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“finished” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“when” Greek G3753 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
  • Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.