Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

MATTHEW 26:67KJV
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Matthew 26:67 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:67 mean?

Matthew 26:67 describes how, after Jesus was arrested and brought before the Jewish council, some of the people there spat in his face, struck him, and slapped him with their hands. This verse shows the physical and public humiliation that Jesus endured during his trial.

The scene takes place in the high priest’s house, where Jesus stands before religious leaders and others after his arrest. The actions described—spitting, striking, and slapping—were meant to shame and degrade Jesus, showing both hostility and contempt. This moment is part of a larger sequence where Jesus is mocked and abused before his crucifixion.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:67

  • The word for “spit” is ἐμπτύω (emptyō), which means to spit upon someone, a gesture of deep insult and disgrace in that culture. This act was not just physical but also symbolic of utter rejection.
  • The word for “buffeted” is κολαφίζω (kolaphizō), which means to strike with the fist. This is a stronger word than just hitting; it suggests a harsh, violent blow, emphasizing the brutality Jesus faced.
  • The phrase “smote him with the palms of their hands” uses ῥαπίζω (rhapizō), meaning to slap or strike with an open hand. This was another form of public humiliation, often used to shame someone rather than injure them seriously.

Why Matthew 26:67 matters

  • This verse makes clear the level of contempt and abuse Jesus endured even before his official sentencing, highlighting the injustice of his treatment.
  • The specific actions—spitting, striking, and slapping—fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being mocked and mistreated (such as Isaiah 50:6), connecting Jesus’ suffering to a larger biblical story.
  • Seeing the details of this mistreatment helps readers understand the depth of Jesus’ humiliation and the hostility he faced from those in power, setting the stage for the events of the crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“hands” Greek G4474 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

“buffeted” Greek G2852 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

“spit” Greek G1716 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
  • Mark 10:34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: