New Testament
Matthew 26:55
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Jesus spoke to the crowd: "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a thief? I sat teaching in the temple day after day, and you never arrested me."
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In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
What Matthew 26:55 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the crowd that has come to arrest him, questioning their motives and methods. He points out the irony of their approach, comparing it to that of a thief. Jesus had been openly teaching in the temple every day, yet they chose to come at night with weapons, suggesting fear and dishonor in their actions. His words highlight the contrast between his peaceful teachings and their violent intentions. This moment underscores the injustice of his arrest, as he had not hidden from them but had been accessible and transparent in his ministry. Jesus' calm demeanor in the face of aggression reveals his understanding of the situation and his commitment to fulfilling his mission, even in the face of betrayal and violence.
How to apply Matthew 26:55 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It reminds us that truth and integrity are powerful, and we should not be intimidated by those who may come against us with force. Trust in God’s plan, even in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Arrest (Matthew 26:47–56)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:55 mean?
In Matthew 26:55, Jesus questions the crowd's approach to arrest him, highlighting the irony of their violent methods against his peaceful teachings. He emphasizes that he had been openly teaching in the temple, suggesting that their actions were unjust and cowardly.
What is the significance of Jesus comparing himself to a thief in Matthew 26:55?
By comparing himself to a thief, Jesus points out the absurdity of the crowd's aggressive tactics. He had been openly accessible, teaching daily, which makes their nighttime arrest with weapons seem dishonorable and unjust.
What themes are present in Matthew 26:55?
Key themes in Matthew 26:55 include injustice, courage, truth, betrayal, and authority. The verse illustrates the conflict between Jesus' peaceful teachings and the violent intentions of those arresting him.
How can we apply Matthew 26:55 to our lives today?
Matthew 26:55 encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs when facing opposition. It reminds us that integrity and truth are powerful, and we should not be intimidated by those who use force against us.
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