Matthew 26:54
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Original Language Analysis
πῶς
But how
G4459
πῶς
But how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
1 of 9
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
πληρωθῶσιν
be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῶσιν
be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
3 of 9
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφαὶ
shall the scriptures
G1124
γραφαὶ
shall the scriptures
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
5 of 9
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.Matthew 26:24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.Acts 1:16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.John 10:35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Historical Context
First-century Jews knew their Scriptures but misinterpreted messianic prophecies, emphasizing conquering king (Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6-7) while ignoring suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Jesus consistently taught both (Luke 24:25-27, 44-46), showing one Messiah in two comings. His submission to arrest demonstrates that biblical authority governed His choices—He lived (and died) sola scriptura. Early Christians defended the gospel by showing Jesus fulfilled prophecy, arguing His death wasn't defeat but divine plan (Acts 2:22-36; 8:32-35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's subordination of self-preservation to scriptural fulfillment challenge your submission to biblical authority?
- What comfort does the fulfillment of Scripture at Christ's arrest provide when your own suffering seems chaotic and purposeless?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? (πῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ γραφαὶ ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι;)—The conjunction οὖν (therefore, then) draws conclusion: resisting arrest would prevent Scripture's fulfillment. The verb πληρόω (plēroō, 'to fulfill, to complete') indicates divine plan revealed in αἱ γραφαί (the Scriptures). The impersonal δεῖ ('it is necessary, it must be') conveys divine necessity, not mere fate. The adverb οὕτως ('thus, in this way') shows the manner of fulfillment—arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection—was prophetically specified.
Jesus subordinated self-preservation to scriptural fulfillment. He valued God's Word's accuracy above His own comfort. References include Isaiah 53 (suffering servant), Psalm 22 (crucifixion details), Zechariah 13:7 (striking the shepherd), and numerous passion predictions. The rhetorical question assumes Peter should know Scripture requires Messiah's suffering. Jesus's passion demonstrates that providence and prophecy, divine sovereignty and human freedom, converge at the cross—wicked hands fulfilling God's predetermined plan (Acts 2:23).