Matthew 26:3
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 20
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
συνήχθησαν
assembled together
G4863
συνήχθησαν
assembled together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
2 of 20
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 20
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβύτεροι
the elders
G4245
πρεσβύτεροι
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
10 of 20
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
of the people
G2992
λαοῦ
of the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
12 of 20
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐλὴν
the palace
G833
αὐλὴν
the palace
Strong's:
G833
Word #:
15 of 20
a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
17 of 20
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 18:24Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.Mark 14:54And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.John 11:57Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.John 18:28Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
Historical Context
Caiaphas's palace was located in the wealthy Upper City of Jerusalem. The high priesthood, originally a lifetime office from Aaron's line, had become a political appointment controlled by Rome. Caiaphas maintained his position by keeping peace with Roman authorities—Jesus threatened that delicate balance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unified opposition of religious leaders fulfill the prophetic pattern of 'the rulers take counsel together against the Lord' (Psalm 2:2)?
- What does the religious establishment's rejection of Jesus reveal about the danger of prioritizing institutional preservation over truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders—The Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme council of 71 members, convenes for conspiracy. These three groups represented the religious establishment: chief priests (Sadducees controlling the temple), scribes (legal experts, mostly Pharisees), and elders (aristocratic laymen).
Unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas—Joseph Caiaphas (Greek: Kaiaphas, Καϊάφας) served as high priest 18-36 AD under Roman appointment. His father-in-law Annas wielded significant power behind the scenes. John 11:49-50 records Caiaphas's chilling prophecy that one man should die for the nation—inadvertently declaring substitutionary atonement.