But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

MATTHEW 26:54KJV
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Matthew 26:54 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:54 mean?

Matthew 26:54 shows Jesus explaining that the events happening to him are necessary to fulfill what the Scriptures have said must take place. Jesus is pointing out that if things did not happen this way, the promises and prophecies in the Scriptures would not be completed as intended.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter has just tried to defend Jesus with a sword, but Jesus stops him, saying that the situation must unfold as the Scriptures have foretold. The verse highlights Jesus’ awareness that his suffering and arrest are not accidents but are part of a larger plan described in the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:54

  • γραφαί (graphai, "scriptures"): This word refers to the sacred writings, especially the prophetic parts of the Hebrew Bible. Here, Jesus is emphasizing that what is happening is directly tied to these ancient texts.
  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, "be fulfilled"): This verb means to fill up or complete. Jesus is saying that the events must happen so that the Scriptures reach their full meaning or completion.
  • δεῖ (dei, "must"): This word carries a strong sense of necessity. Jesus is not saying these things might happen, but that they are required—there is a divine necessity behind the events.

Why Matthew 26:54 matters

  • Matthew 26:54 clarifies that Jesus’ arrest and suffering were not a surprise or a failure, but the fulfillment of a long-expected plan described in Scripture.
  • This verse helps readers see that Jesus willingly submits to what is happening, knowing it is part of a larger story that God has already set in motion.
  • It connects the events of Jesus’ life directly to the prophecies and promises of the Hebrew Bible, showing continuity between Jesus’ actions and the Scriptures his audience would have known.

Where else these words appear

“scriptures” Greek G1124 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

“must” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.