Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 57
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρατήσαντες
they that had laid hold
G2902
κρατήσαντες
they that had laid hold
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
3 of 17
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
on Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
on Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέα
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέα
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
10 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Caiaphas was Sadducee high priest, appointed by Roman prefect Valerius Gratus. He served longer than most (18 years), suggesting political acumen. His role in Jesus's execution demonstrated collaboration with Rome. The high priest's house was likely in Jerusalem's upper city, where wealthy lived. The Sanhedrin normally met in the temple's Hall of Hewn Stone, but this night session (illegal) met at the high priest's residence for secrecy. Archaeological remains suggest large courtyard where Peter later denied Jesus (v. 69).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the religious leaders' illegal night trial teach about the corrupting influence of power on religious institutions?
- How do modern church leaders sometimes resemble Caiaphas—using religious authority to oppose rather than serve God?
Analysis & Commentary
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled (Οἱ δὲ κρατήσαντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπήγαγον πρὸς Καϊάφαν τὸν ἀρχιερέα, ὅπου οἱ γραμματεῖς καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι συνήχθησαν)—The verb ἀπάγω (apagō, 'to lead away') was used of leading to execution (27:31; Acts 12:19). They brought Jesus to Καϊάφας (Caiaphas), ὁ ἀρχιερεύς (the high priest, AD 18-36). John 18:13 mentions a preliminary hearing before Annas (Caiaphas's father-in-law, former high priest). At Caiaphas's residence, the Sanhedrin (γραμματεῖς 'scribes' and πρεσβύτεροι 'elders') had assembled (συνάγω, synagō).
This night assembly violated Jewish law—trials for capital offenses couldn't occur at night or during festivals. But they orchestrated an illegal trial to achieve predetermined verdict. The συνήχθησαν (had gathered) shows premeditation—they assembled before Jesus arrived, revealing this was show-trial, not legitimate jurisprudence. The religious establishment that claimed to represent God now plotted to kill God's Son. Institutional religion can become greatest obstacle to true faith.