Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
MATTHEW 26:67KJVWhat 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.