Matthew 26:17
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
Original Language Analysis
Τῇ
G3588
Τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀζύμων
day of the feast of unleavened bread
G106
ἀζύμων
day of the feast of unleavened bread
Strong's:
G106
Word #:
5 of 19
unleavened, i.e., (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the passover week
προσῆλθον
came
G4334
προσῆλθον
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
6 of 19
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ποῦ
Where
G4226
Ποῦ
Where
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
13 of 19
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
θέλεις
wilt thou
G2309
θέλεις
wilt thou
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
14 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Historical Context
During the first century, Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000 during Passover week. Every Jewish male was required to participate in the Passover meal within Jerusalem's walls. The Temple priests would slaughter thousands of lambs on Nisan 14, and families would prepare the ritual meal in borrowed upper rooms throughout the city.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus fulfilling the Passover lamb typology affect your understanding of Old Testament sacrificial law?
- What does the disciples' practical preparation teach about spiritual readiness for Christ's work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The first day of the feast of unleavened bread (πρώτῃ τῶν ἀζύμων, prōtē tōn azymōn)—Technically Nisan 14, when all leaven was removed from Jewish homes before Passover began at sundown. The disciples' question reflects their practical concern: Where wilt thou that we prepare? They expected Jesus to arrange a proper Passover seder, requiring a lamb slaughtered at the Temple, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and the four cups of wine.
This synchronization of Jesus's death with Passover is theologically intentional—as Paul declares, Christ our passover is sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). The timing transforms the entire passion narrative into a new Exodus, with Jesus as the Lamb whose blood marks the doorposts of believers' hearts.