What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

MATTHEW 26:66KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:66 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:66 mean?

Matthew 26:66 records the Jewish council’s response to Jesus after His trial before them: they judge Him deserving of death. The council members answer the high priest’s question by declaring Jesus guilty and worthy of execution.

The scene takes place during Jesus’ trial before the Jewish religious leaders, known as the Sanhedrin. The high priest has just asked the council for their judgment after Jesus affirms He is the Messiah. Their answer, “He is guilty of death,” shows their decision to condemn Jesus, setting the stage for His crucifixion by the Roman authorities.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:66

  • “guilty” (ἔνοχος, enochos): This word means “liable to” or “deserving of” a penalty. Here, it emphasizes that the council is not just accusing Jesus, but formally declaring Him responsible for a crime punishable by death.
  • “death” (θάνατος, thanatos): This is the standard Greek word for physical death. The council is calling for the ultimate penalty, showing the seriousness of their verdict.

Why Matthew 26:66 matters

  • Matthew 26:66 clarifies that the religious leaders themselves did not have the authority to carry out a death sentence, but their verdict was necessary to bring Jesus before the Roman governor for execution.
  • The verse highlights the charge of blasphemy, as the council believes Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah is a crime worthy of death under their law.
  • This moment is a turning point in the narrative, as it marks the official decision to seek Jesus’ death, leading directly to the events of the crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“guilty” Greek G1777 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

“think” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.