Matthew 26:63
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Matthew 26:63
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Chapter Context
Matthew 26 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, holiness, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-75: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 26:63
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Analysis
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God (ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἐσιώπα. καὶ ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Ἐξορκίζω σε κατὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος ἵνα ἡμῖν εἴπῃς εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ)—The imperfect ἐσιώπα ('He kept silent, He remained quiet') shows continued silence. The verb ἐξορκίζω (exorkizō, 'to adjure, to put under oath, to charge solemnly') invokes κατὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος ('by the living God'), making this oath-demand legally binding. Refusing to answer would constitute contempt; answering affirmatively would be 'blasphemy.'
The question is twofold: εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός ('if you are the Christ/Messiah') and ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ('the Son of God'). In Jewish understanding, 'Christ' (Χριστός, anointed one) primarily meant Davidic king. 'Son of God' could mean messianic king (Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14) but Jesus's usage implied unique divine sonship. Caiaphas's question cleverly forced Jesus either to deny His identity or confess it—knowing confession would be deemed blasphemy. Jesus was trapped between denial (apostasy) and affirmation ('blasphemy')—He chose truth.
Historical Context
Placing someone under oath 'by the living God' was highest form of adjuration (Leviticus 5:1; 1 Kings 22:16). Refusing to answer violated oath obligations. Jesus's submission to this oath shows He honored legitimate authority even while unjustly tried. 'The living God' (ὁ θεὸς ὁ ζῶν) distinguished Yahweh from dead idols—ironic, since they invoked the living God to kill Life incarnate. The question's phrasing shows Caiaphas suspected Jesus claimed deity; he forced confession to secure conviction. Jesus's answer (v. 64) confirmed His identity, sealing His death sentence.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's willing confession of truth despite knowing it would cost His life model integrity over self-preservation?
- When have you faced the choice between denying truth for safety or confessing truth despite persecution?
Word Studies
- Messiah: Χριστός (Christos) G5547 - Christ, Anointed One
Cross-References
- References Christ: Matthew 16:16
- Parallel theme: Matthew 27:12, Leviticus 5:1, 1 Samuel 14:26, Isaiah 53:7