New Testament
Matthew 26:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is informing His disciples that the Passover festival is just two days away.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
"You know that the Passover is 2 days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is informing His disciples that the Passover festival is just two days away. He emphasizes that during this time, He, referred to as the 'Son of Man,' will be betrayed and handed over to be crucified. This statement highlights the impending events of His suffering and death, which are central to the Christian faith. The Passover is a significant Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt, and Jesus' reference to it connects His upcoming sacrifice to the themes of redemption and deliverance. By mentioning the timing, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the gravity of what is about to happen, indicating that His death is not just a tragic event but a fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the narrative of the Gospels, as it sets the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection. Explore related atonement.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 26:2 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being aware of the significant events in our lives and their implications. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come, we too should prepare ourselves spiritually for challenges and changes, trusting in God's plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:2 say about the Passover?
In Matthew 26:2, Jesus tells His disciples that the Passover is just two days away. This highlights the significance of the timing of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, linking His sacrifice to the Passover festival, which commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt.
Why is the term 'Son of Man' important in this verse?
The term 'Son of Man' is a title Jesus often used for Himself, emphasizing His humanity and role in God's plan. In Matthew 26:2, it signifies His impending suffering and sacrifice, reinforcing the connection between His mission and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah.
How does this verse relate to the themes of redemption?
Matthew 26:2 connects Jesus' upcoming crucifixion to the Passover, a festival symbolizing redemption for the Israelites. By being betrayed and crucified, Jesus fulfills the role of the sacrificial lamb, offering redemption not just for Israel, but for all humanity, which is central to Christian belief.
What can we learn from Jesus' announcement in this verse?
Jesus' announcement in Matthew 26:2 teaches us the importance of being prepared for significant life events. It encourages us to reflect on our spiritual readiness and trust in God's overarching plan, especially during challenging times, just as the disciples were called to prepare for the events leading to the crucifixion.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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