And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

MATTHEW 26:18KJV
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Matthew 26:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:18 mean?

Matthew 26:18 records Jesus instructing his disciples to go into the city, find a certain man, and tell him that Jesus (“the Master”) will celebrate the Passover at that man’s house with his disciples because his appointed time is near. This verse shows Jesus making specific preparations for the Passover meal, knowing that significant events are about to unfold.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as they prepare for the Jewish festival of Passover in Jerusalem. Jesus refers to himself as “the Master” and says “my time is at hand,” indicating that he is aware of the coming events leading to his crucifixion. The verse sets up the location and context for the Last Supper, highlighting Jesus’ foreknowledge and deliberate planning.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:18

  • The word for “Master” is διδάσκαλος (didaskalos), which means “teacher.” Jesus identifies himself in a way that would be familiar and respectful to the man the disciples are to approach.
  • The phrase “my time” uses καιρός (kairos), which often means a specific, appointed time or season, not just any moment. Here, it suggests Jesus knows that a crucial moment in his mission is about to happen.
  • The word for “Passover” is πάσχα (pascha), referring to the important Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. This sets the stage for the significance of the meal Jesus is about to share.

Why Matthew 26:18 matters

  • This verse shows Jesus’ awareness and acceptance of what is about to happen, underlining that his death is not accidental but part of a larger plan.
  • The instructions to the disciples reveal Jesus’ authority and the trust his followers place in his words, even when details are not fully explained.
  • By connecting the Last Supper to the Passover, Matthew 26:18 ties Jesus’ actions to a major event in Jewish history, giving deeper meaning to what will follow in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“hand” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“Go” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
  • John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?