Matthew 26:65
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 21
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 21
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ,
his
G846
αὐτοῦ,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Ἐβλασφήμησεν·
He hath spoken blasphemy
G987
Ἐβλασφήμησεν·
He hath spoken blasphemy
Strong's:
G987
Word #:
10 of 21
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
13 of 21
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχομεν
have we
G2192
ἔχομεν
have we
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μαρτύρων
of witnesses
G3144
μαρτύρων
of witnesses
Strong's:
G3144
Word #:
15 of 21
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
ἴδε
G1492
ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
17 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 36:24Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.Matthew 9:3And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.John 10:33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.John 10:36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?Numbers 14:6And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
Historical Context
Jewish law defined blasphemy as cursing God using the divine Name (Leviticus 24:11-16). Jesus didn't curse God or pronounce the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), but He claimed divine sonship and authority—which Caiaphas deemed blasphemy. The high priest's garment-rending was dramatic gesture signaling horror, securing Sanhedrin agreement. Rabbis later taught high priests shouldn't rend garments, but perhaps this applied only to official vestments, not personal clothing. Regardless, Caiaphas's theatrics achieved desired effect—unanimous condemnation (v. 66).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Caiaphas calling truth 'blasphemy' warn against religious authorities who label biblical teaching heretical because it challenges their power?
- When have you seen those who claim to defend God actually opposing Him by rejecting His revealed truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy (τότε ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς διέρρηξεν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ λέγων, Ἐβλασφήμησεν)—The verb διαρρήγνυμι (diarrhēgnymi, 'to tear apart, to rend') describes the high priest tearing his ἱμάτια (garments)—traditional expression of horror at blasphemy (2 Kings 18:37; 19:1; Acts 14:14). Ironically, the high priest's garments weren't to be torn (Leviticus 21:10), but he prioritized theatrical outrage over law. The accusation Ἐβλασφήμησεν ('He has blasphemed') meant Jesus spoke against God's honor—punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16).
What further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy (τί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων; ἴδε νῦν ἠκούσατε τὴν βλασφημίαν)—The rhetorical question declares the trial's end: τί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων; ('What further need of witnesses do we have?'). Jesus's own testimony sufficed for conviction. The ἴδε ('behold, look') and νῦν ('now') emphasize immediacy—they heard the βλασφημία (blasphemy) personally. But was it blasphemy? Only if Jesus wasn't who He claimed. If He is God's Son, His claim was truth, not blasphemy. Their verdict revealed unbelief, not injustice's correction.