Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

MATTHEW 26:17KJV
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Matthew 26:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:17 mean?

Matthew 26:17 shows Jesus’ disciples taking practical steps to arrange a Passover meal with him. They ask Jesus to choose where they should make it ready, placing the decision about the location in his hands.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a Jewish festival when bread was made without yeast. Passover recalled Israel’s departure from Egypt, and the meal brought people together to remember that event. The disciples’ question leads into Jesus’ directions for the meal.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:17

  • “bread” — ἄζυμος (azymos): The Greek word means “unleavened,” or made without a rising agent. It describes the kind of bread that gave the feast its name.
  • “passover” — πάσχα (pascha): The word can refer to Passover or to the Passover meal. Here, “eat the passover” points to the meal the disciples are preparing.

Why Matthew 26:17 matters

  • The disciples expect Jesus to direct the arrangements. Their question, “Where wilt thou,” asks for his choice of location rather than announcing one they have chosen.
  • The meal has a particular setting and purpose. The words “the passover” connect the gathering to a Jewish remembrance, not just an ordinary supper.
  • The preparations lead directly to the meal Jesus shares with the twelve. Matthew 26:19–20 says the disciples made the meal ready and Jesus sat down with them that evening.

Where else these words appear

“bread” Greek G106 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 14:1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
  • Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
  • Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

“passover” Greek G3957 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
  • Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
  • John 11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

“prepare” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

“Where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?