Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

MATTHEW 26:31KJV
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Matthew 26:31 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:31 mean?

Matthew 26:31 records Jesus telling His disciples that all of them will fall away or be shaken because of Him that very night, fulfilling a prophecy that says when the shepherd is struck, the sheep will scatter. Jesus is warning His closest followers that they will soon abandon Him, not out of hatred, but out of fear and confusion.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples just after the Last Supper, as they walk toward the Mount of Olives. He quotes a prophecy from the Hebrew Scriptures, showing that what is about to happen—His arrest and the disciples’ scattering—is not a surprise, but part of God’s plan. This moment sets the stage for the events of Jesus’ arrest and the disciples’ reactions, highlighting both Jesus’ foreknowledge and the human weakness of His followers.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:31

  • The word "offended" is from σκανδαλισθήσεσθε (skandalisthēsesthe), which is often understood as "to stumble" or "to fall away." It carries the sense of being shocked or shaken in faith, not just being upset.
  • The phrase "I will smite the shepherd" uses πατάξω (pataxō), meaning "I will strike." This is a strong word for a forceful blow, emphasizing the severity of what will happen to Jesus, the shepherd.
  • "Sheep" (πρόβατα, probata) and "flock" (ποίμνης, poimnēs) both reinforce the image of the disciples as vulnerable followers who depend on their leader for guidance and safety.

Why Matthew 26:31 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the disciples’ failure was unexpected or outside God’s plan; Jesus shows it was foretold and understood in advance.
  • Matthew 26:31 emphasizes Jesus’ role as the shepherd and the disciples as His flock, making their coming fear and confusion more understandable and relatable.
  • By quoting prophecy, Jesus connects His suffering and the disciples’ actions to a bigger story, helping readers see the events of the Passion as part of God’s larger purpose.

Where else these words appear

“flock” Greek G4167 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  • John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

“abroad” Greek G1287 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“smite” Greek G3960 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
  • Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
  • Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

“shepherd” Greek G4166 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.