Matthew 26:5
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
they said
G3004
ἔλεγον
they said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γένηται
there be
G1096
γένηται
there be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 27:24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.Matthew 14:5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.Matthew 21:26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Mark 14:27And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.Mark 14:2But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.Mark 14:12And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
Historical Context
During Passover, Roman prefects came from Caesarea to Jerusalem with extra troops to prevent riots. The city was a tinderbox of messianic expectation and nationalist fervor. The religious leaders feared losing their positions if Rome suppressed an uprising sparked by Jesus's arrest (John 11:48).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty work through human decisions—even evil ones—to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
- What does the leaders' fear of the crowd reveal about the difference between worldly power and true spiritual authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people—Their political calculation shows fear of popular uprising (thorubos, θόρυβος, 'tumult' or 'riot'). The leaders recognize Jesus's popularity with the crowds, especially pilgrims from Galilee. Yet God's sovereign plan overrules their scheming—Jesus will die precisely on Passover as the true Lamb.
This reveals divine irony: they plan to avoid the feast, but God orchestrates Christ's death during Passover to fulfill all the typology. The leaders plot in vain (Psalm 2:1-4)—God laughs at their conspiracy while accomplishing His eternal redemptive purpose.