Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

MATTHEW 26:2KJV
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Matthew 26:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:2 mean?

Matthew 26:2 records Jesus telling his disciples that in two days, the Passover feast will arrive, and at that time, he—the "Son of man"—will be betrayed and handed over to be crucified. Jesus is openly predicting both the timing and the manner of his impending death.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers, preparing them for what is about to happen. The verse sets the stage for the events of his arrest and crucifixion, connecting them to the Jewish festival of Passover. By mentioning both the betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus shows he knows what is coming and that these events are part of a larger plan.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:2

  • "know" (οἴδατε, oidate): This word is often used for certain, factual knowledge. Jesus assumes his disciples are aware of the timing of Passover, but he adds new information about his betrayal.
  • "betrayed" (παραδίδοται, paradidotai): This Greek word means to hand over or deliver up, often with the sense of being given into the hands of enemies. Here, it highlights that Jesus will be intentionally delivered to those who will crucify him.
  • "crucified" (σταυρωθῆναι, staurōthēnai): This word specifically refers to execution by being nailed to a cross, a Roman method of punishment. Jesus is clear about the exact way he will die, which would have been shocking to his listeners.

Why Matthew 26:2 matters

  • This verse shows that Jesus is not caught off guard by his death; he predicts it with precision, which emphasizes his awareness and control over the situation.
  • By linking his crucifixion to Passover, Matthew highlights a deeper connection between Jesus' death and the themes of sacrifice and deliverance found in the Passover story.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the coming narrative of betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion, making clear that these events unfold according to a known and purposeful timeline.

Where else these words appear

“passover” Greek G3957 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 26:17 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?
  • 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.

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“betrayed” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?