Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 60
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῶν
though many
G4183
πολλῶν
though many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ψευδομάρτυρες
false witnesses
G5575
ψευδομάρτυρες
false witnesses
Strong's:
G5575
Word #:
6 of 14
a spurious witness, i.e., bearer of untrue testimony
προσελθόντες
came
G4334
προσελθόντες
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
7 of 14
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:15One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.Psalms 27:12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.Psalms 35:11False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.1 Peter 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.Titus 2:8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Historical Context
The difficulty finding consistent false testimony demonstrates Jesus's spotless life—His enemies couldn't manufacture credible charges because His ministry was transparently holy. This fulfilled 1 Peter 2:22: 'He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.' The two witnesses who finally testified distorted Jesus's temple-saying (John 2:19-21), changing 'I will raise' to 'I am able to destroy' and misunderstanding the resurrection reference as literal temple destruction. Truth twisted becomes lies; Jesus's words weaponized against Him demonstrate interpretive violence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the failure to find legitimate charges against Jesus demonstrate His sinless perfection, validating His atoning sacrifice?
- When have you seen truth twisted into apparent falsehood by deliberate misinterpretation or selective quotation?
Analysis & Commentary
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none (καὶ οὐχ εὗρον πολλῶν προσελθόντων ψευδομαρτύρων)—The verb εὑρίσκω (heuriskō, 'to find') in negative form shows their failure despite multiple attempts. Though many (πολλῶν) false witnesses (ψευδομάρτυρες) came forward (προσέρχομαι, proserchomai), they οὐχ εὗρον ('did not find' consistent testimony). The false witnesses contradicted each other (Mark 14:56, 59), failing to meet legal requirements. Truth is consistent; lies contradict. Jesus's integrity remained unassailable—even fabricated charges collapsed under scrutiny.
At the last came two false witnesses (ὕστερον δὲ προσελθόντες δύο)—Finally (ὕστερον, hysteron, 'lastly, at last') two (δύο) came forward, meeting the legal minimum. The law required 'two or three witnesses' (Deuteronomy 19:15), so two could technically suffice. Yet even these 'agreed' witnesses misrepresented Jesus's words (v. 61), showing the entire proceedings violated justice. God's providence protected Jesus from premature death—He died at the appointed time, for the appointed purpose, not merely at human whim.