And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

MATTHEW 26:57KJV
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Matthew 26:57 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:57 mean?

Matthew 26:57 marks the move from Jesus’ arrest to his appearance before the high priest. The people who seized Jesus take him to Caiaphas, where other Jewish leaders are already gathered. The verse sets the scene for their questioning of Jesus.

Matthew tells the story as a narrator. The mention of the assembled scribes and elders shows that Caiaphas is not acting alone in the scene. Scribes were trained in the Jewish law, while elders were recognized leaders among the people.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:57

  • “had laid hold on” — κρατέω (krateō): This word can mean to seize or take hold of someone. Here it identifies the people bringing Jesus as the ones who had taken him into custody.
  • “scribes” — γραμματεύς (grammateus): This word can refer to people trained in writing and interpreting legal texts. In this setting, the scribes were associated with the study of Jewish law.
  • “elders” — πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros): The word can mean an older person, but it can also refer to a recognized leader. Here it points to members of the community who held a position of authority.

Why Matthew 26:57 matters

  • The gathering is already in place when Jesus arrives. The phrase “were assembled” prepares the reader for the leaders’ action together in the following verses.
  • The setting leads into a search for testimony against Jesus. Matthew 26:59 says the chief priests and council sought witnesses whose words could be used against him.

Where else these words appear

“Caiaphas” Greek G2533 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
  • John 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

“away” Greek G520 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

“hold” 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.

“assembled” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.