But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

MATTHEW 26:56KJV
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Matthew 26:56 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:56 mean?

Matthew 26:56 says that everything happening to Jesus was necessary so that the words written by the prophets in Scripture would come true. After this, all of Jesus’ disciples abandoned him and ran away.

In this verse, Jesus is being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He tells those present that his arrest is not a surprise, but something that fulfills what the prophets had written long before. The verse then notes that, at this crucial moment, every one of his closest followers left him, highlighting both the fulfillment of prophecy and the isolation Jesus faced.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:56

  • γραφαὶ (graphai, "scriptures"): This word refers to the sacred writings, especially those considered authoritative in the Jewish tradition. Here, it emphasizes that what is happening to Jesus is rooted in God’s longstanding promises and plans.
  • προφητῶν (prophētōn, "prophets"): This word points to the Old Testament prophets whose messages included predictions about the Messiah. The mention here stresses that Jesus’ suffering and abandonment were foreseen.
  • ἐπληρώθη (eplērōthē, "fulfilled"): This Greek verb means to bring to completion or to make full. It underlines that these events are not random but are the realization of what was foretold.
  • ἀφέντες (aphentes, "forsook"): This word means to leave behind or abandon. Its use here highlights the total desertion by the disciples, not just a temporary absence.

Why Matthew 26:56 matters

  • Matthew 26:56 clarifies that Jesus’ arrest and the disciples’ flight were not unexpected failures but events that fulfilled ancient prophecies, showing a sense of divine purpose even in moments of apparent defeat.
  • The verse emphasizes the loneliness and abandonment Jesus experienced, which is a key theme in the story of his suffering.
  • This verse connects the events of Jesus’ arrest directly to the larger story of the Bible, showing that the New Testament sees itself as the continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Where else these words appear

“fled” Greek G5343 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“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.

“all” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: