Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

MATTHEW 26:64KJV
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Matthew 26:64 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:64 mean?

Matthew 26:64 records Jesus telling the high priest that, although they are judging him now, they will one day see him—referred to as the "Son of man"—in a position of ultimate authority, sitting at the right hand of God and coming with the clouds of heaven. This statement points to Jesus’ future vindication and divine authority, even as he stands on trial.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to the high priest during his trial before the Jewish council. The phrase "Son of man sitting on the right hand of power" uses language from Jewish scriptures to claim a unique, exalted status. By saying "coming in the clouds of heaven," Jesus refers to imagery often associated with God’s presence and judgment, signaling that those judging him now will one day see his true identity and authority revealed.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:64

  • "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase, using G5207 (Son) and G444 (man), is a title Jesus often uses for himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13, where a heavenly figure receives authority from God. Here, it highlights both his humanity and his unique, God-given authority.
  • "Sitting on the right hand of power" (ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως, ek dexiōn tēs dynameōs): The word for "power" (δύναμις, dynamis, G1411) is a respectful way to refer to God without naming him directly. "Right hand" (δεξιὰ, dexia, G1188) is a symbol of highest honor and authority, showing Jesus’ claim to share in God’s rule.
  • "Coming in the clouds of heaven" (ἐρχόμενον ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, erchomenon epi tōn nephelōn tou ouranou): The word for "clouds" (νεφέλη, nephelē, G3507) connects to Old Testament visions of God’s presence. This phrase signals a future, visible display of Jesus’ divine authority.

Why Matthew 26:64 matters

  • Matthew 26:64 clarifies that Jesus openly claims a unique, exalted role that goes far beyond being a teacher or prophet; he identifies himself with the heavenly figure in Jewish prophecy.
  • This verse helps explain why the religious leaders saw Jesus’ words as blasphemous and reacted so strongly, since he was claiming a status reserved for God’s chosen ruler.
  • Matthew 26:64 connects Jesus’ suffering and apparent defeat at his trial with his future vindication and authority, showing that the story does not end with his condemnation.

Where else these words appear

“clouds” Greek G3507 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
  • Luke 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“nevertheless” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“Hereafter” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,