And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

MATTHEW 26:4KJV
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Matthew 26:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:4 mean?

Matthew 26:4 describes how some religious leaders secretly plotted together to find a way to arrest Jesus without drawing attention, with the goal of having him killed. The verse highlights that their plan involved trickery or cunning rather than an open accusation.

The setting is just before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. The chief priests and elders are meeting in secret, concerned about public reaction if they act openly against Jesus. This verse shows the deliberate and covert nature of their intentions, setting the stage for the events of Jesus’ betrayal and death.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:4

  • "συνβουλεύω" (sumbouleuō; "consulted"): This word means to take counsel together or plot. It suggests a deliberate, joint decision rather than a spontaneous idea.
  • "δόλος" (dolos; "subtilty"): This Greek word refers to deceit, trickery, or craftiness. The use of "δόλος" emphasizes that the leaders were not planning to act justly or openly, but intended to use underhanded methods.
  • "κρατέω" (krateō; "take"): This word means to seize or take control of someone. It often implies force or overpowering, showing their intent to physically capture Jesus.

Why Matthew 26:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the religious leaders’ opposition to Jesus was not just disagreement but involved a secret, premeditated plan to kill him.
  • The mention of "subtilty" reveals the leaders’ fear of public backlash and their willingness to use deceit, which contrasts with Jesus’ openness throughout the Gospel.
  • Understanding this plot helps explain the tension and urgency in the following chapters, as Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion unfold according to this hidden plan.

Where else these words appear

“consulted” Greek G4823 · used in 5 verses

  • John 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
  • Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

“subtilty” Greek G1388 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
  • 1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

“take” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“kill” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: