Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 67

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

Original Language Analysis

Τότε Then G5119
Τότε Then
Strong's: G5119
Word #: 1 of 12
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐνέπτυσαν did they spit G1716
ἐνέπτυσαν did they spit
Strong's: G1716
Word #: 2 of 12
to spit at or on
εἰς in G1519
εἰς in
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 3 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον face G4383
πρόσωπον face
Strong's: G4383
Word #: 5 of 12
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτόν, him G846
αὐτόν, him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 6 of 12
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
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκολάφισαν buffeted G2852
ἐκολάφισαν buffeted
Strong's: G2852
Word #: 8 of 12
to rap with the fist
αὐτόν, him G846
αὐτόν, him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 9 of 12
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
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ and G1161
δὲ and
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 11 of 12
but, and, etc
ἐῤῥάπισαν, others smote him with the palms of their hands G4474
ἐῤῥάπισαν, others smote him with the palms of their hands
Strong's: G4474
Word #: 12 of 12
to slap

Analysis & Commentary

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands (Τότε ἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐκολάφισαν αὐτόν, οἱ δὲ ἐράπισαν)—After conviction came abuse. The verb ἐμπτύω (emptýō, 'to spit upon') was ultimate insult in ancient Near East, expressing contempt and rejection (Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9; Job 30:10). They spat εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον ('into His face')—personal, degrading. The verb κολαφίζω (kolaphizō, 'to strike with the fist, to beat, to buffet') indicates violent beating. The verb ῥαπίζω (rhapizō, 'to slap, to strike with palm') describes slapping with open hands.

This fulfilled Isaiah 50:6: 'I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.' And Isaiah 53:3: 'He was despised and rejected by men.' The religious leaders, having secured legal verdict, now vented personal hatred through physical abuse. Their actions exposed the violence lurking beneath religious respectability. The Creator endured creature's contempt; the Judge suffered criminal's abuse. The scene reveals both human depravity's depth and divine love's height.

Historical Context

Spitting and striking were recognized forms of shameful abuse (Isaiah 50:6; Job 16:10; 30:10; Lamentations 3:30). Roman and Jewish sources attest to this treatment of condemned criminals. The Sanhedrin members, Israel's religious elite, personally participated in degrading Jesus—showing mob mentality can infect even educated, religious people when hatred replaces reason. Their behavior contrasts with their self-perception as righteous—religiosity without regeneration produces self-righteous cruelty. This abuse was merely prelude to Roman scourging and crucifixion's greater torture.

Questions for Reflection