And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

MATTHEW 26:47KJV
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Matthew 26:47 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:47 mean?

Matthew 26:47 describes the moment when Judas, who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders, to arrest Jesus. This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The verse takes place while Jesus is still speaking to his other disciples. Judas, who had already agreed to betray Jesus, leads a group sent by the religious leaders. The mention of "a great multitude" with weapons shows the seriousness and tension of the situation, highlighting how the authorities viewed Jesus as a significant threat.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:47

  • The word "multitude" (ὄχλος, ochlos) often refers to a crowd, but the Greek here (πολύς, polus, meaning "great" or "many") emphasizes that this was not just a small group, but a large, organized assembly.
  • "Swords" (μάχαιρα, machaira) and "staves" (ξύλον, xylon) show that the group came prepared for violence or resistance, underlining the authorities’ expectation of trouble.
  • The phrase "from the chief priests and elders of the people" (ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ πρεσβυτέρων τοῦ λαοῦ, apo tōn archiereōn kai presbyterōn tou laou) makes it clear that this was an official action, not a spontaneous mob.

Why Matthew 26:47 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that Judas was acting as an insider, one of the twelve closest to Jesus, which adds to the sense of betrayal.
  • The presence of a large, armed group sent by religious leaders shows the level of opposition Jesus faced from the authorities.
  • Matthew 26:47 sets the stage for the events that follow—Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion—by showing how the betrayal was carried out in a public and forceful way.

Where else these words appear

“staves” Greek G3586 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
  • Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

“swords” Greek G3162 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
  • Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
  • Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

“Judas” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

“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.