Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

MATTHEW 26:68KJV
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Matthew 26:68 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:68 mean?

Matthew 26:68 shows people mocking Jesus by challenging Him to "prophesy" and identify who struck Him, calling Him "Christ" in a sarcastic way. The verse records the taunts of those abusing Jesus after His arrest, questioning His identity and abilities.

The scene takes place during Jesus’ trial before the Jewish council. The people speaking are the guards and others present, who have blindfolded Jesus and are hitting Him. Their demand for Jesus to "prophesy" is not a sincere request but a way to ridicule His claim to be the Messiah, as they challenge Him to prove supernatural knowledge by naming His attacker.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:68

  • προφήτευσον (prophēteuson, "Prophesy" – G4395): This Greek word means to speak forth or reveal hidden things, often with divine insight. Here, it is used mockingly, as the abusers challenge Jesus to demonstrate prophetic power.
  • Χριστός (Christos, "Christ" – G5547): This is the Greek word for "Anointed One" or "Messiah." The use here is sarcastic, as the speakers do not believe Jesus is truly the Christ.
  • ἔτυπσέν (etupsen, "smote" – G3817): This verb means to strike or hit. The question "Who is he that smote thee?" is meant to ridicule Jesus’ supposed prophetic abilities, since He has been blindfolded and cannot see who hit Him.

Why Matthew 26:68 matters

  • This verse highlights the depth of mockery and disbelief Jesus faced from those around Him, especially regarding His identity as the Christ.
  • The challenge to "prophesy" connects to earlier claims about Jesus’ prophetic role and shows how His opponents twisted these claims to humiliate Him.
  • Understanding this moment helps clarify the severity of Jesus’ suffering, not just physically but also in terms of public humiliation and rejection.

Where else these words appear

“smote” Greek G3817 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
  • Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

“Prophesy” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.