Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

MATTHEW 26:3KJV
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Matthew 26:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:3 mean?

Matthew 26:3 describes how the chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people gathered together at the residence of the high priest, named Caiaphas. This meeting sets the stage for their plans against Jesus, showing the organized effort of the Jewish leadership.

The verse takes place just before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. The “chief priests” were religious leaders, the “scribes” were experts in Jewish law, and the “elders” represented respected leaders among the people. Their gathering at Caiaphas’s palace signals a formal, deliberate council to decide how to deal with Jesus, highlighting the seriousness and unity of their intent.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:3

  • The word for “assembled together” is συνάγω (synagō), which means to gather or bring together. This emphasizes that the leaders were not acting alone but were coming together in a planned, united way.
  • The term for “palace” is αὐλή (aulē), which can mean a courtyard or the residence of someone important. Here, it points to the high priest’s official residence, underlining the authority and official nature of the meeting.
  • “Chief priests” is ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus), referring to those with the highest religious authority, not just one person but a group with significant influence.
  • “Caiaphas” (Καϊάφας, Kaiaphas) is named specifically, anchoring the event in a real historical figure known to have held the high priesthood at that time.

Why Matthew 26:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the decision to act against Jesus was not the idea of a single person but a coordinated plan by the top religious and community leaders.
  • Naming Caiaphas and specifying the location roots the story in a real historical context, showing the Gospel’s attention to detail.
  • The verse connects directly to the coming events of Jesus’ arrest and trial, making clear that what follows is the result of a deliberate and formal decision by those in power.

Where else these words appear

“Caiaphas” Greek G2533 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
  • John 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

“palace” Greek G833 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“together” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.