Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

MATTHEW 26:20KJV
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Matthew 26:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:20 mean?

Matthew 26:20 describes Jesus sitting down to eat with his twelve closest followers when evening arrived. This verse sets the scene for the Last Supper, marking the beginning of a significant moment in Jesus’ final hours with his disciples.

In this passage, Jesus and the twelve disciples are gathered together in a private room in Jerusalem as night falls. The verse highlights the intimacy and importance of this gathering, as Jesus prepares to share a meal and deliver important teachings and revelations to those closest to him before his arrest.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:20

  • The word "even" (ὀψία, opsia) refers specifically to the evening, indicating the time of day when this meal took place. This detail helps us understand the timing of the Last Supper in relation to the Passover celebration.
  • The word "with" (μετά, meta) emphasizes that Jesus was not alone but intentionally gathered together with the twelve, underlining the closeness and unity of this group at a pivotal moment.

Why Matthew 26:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that all twelve disciples were present with Jesus at the start of the Last Supper, even though betrayal would soon be revealed among them.
  • The mention of evening and the act of sitting down together connects this event to the traditional Passover meal, anchoring it in Jewish custom and prophecy.
  • By setting the scene so specifically, Matthew 26:20 prepares the reader for the significant teachings and events that will unfold in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“down” Greek G345 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

“even” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.