Matthew 26:65

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τότε
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#4
διέῤῥηξεν
rent
to tear asunder
#5
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἱμάτια
clothes
a dress (inner or outer)
#7
αὐτοῦ,
his
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
#8
λέγων
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#10
Ἐβλασφήμησεν·
He hath spoken blasphemy
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
#11
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
ἔτι
further
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#13
χρείαν
need
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
#14
ἔχομεν
have we
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
μαρτύρων
of witnesses
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
#16
ἴδε
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#17
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#18
ἠκούσατε
ye have heard
to hear (in various senses)
#19
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
βλασφημίαν
blasphemy
vilification (especially against god)
#21
αὐτοῦ,
his
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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