New Testament
Matthew 26:67
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then they spit in his face and punched him. Others slapped him,
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Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
What Matthew 26:67 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment of intense humiliation and violence against Jesus. After his arrest, he is subjected to physical abuse by those who oppose him. Spitting in someone's face is a profound insult, showing deep contempt. The act of punching and slapping him further emphasizes the brutality of the moment. This scene highlights the rejection and suffering that Jesus faced, fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah's suffering. It serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can arise from hatred and the lengths to which people will go to demean others. This moment is pivotal in the narrative of Jesus' passion, illustrating the depths of human sin and the fulfillment of his mission to bear the sins of the world. Despite this violence, Jesus remains silent, embodying strength in vulnerability and love in the face of hatred.
How to apply Matthew 26:67 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. It encourages us to respond to hatred with love and to stand against injustice. We can learn to show compassion and kindness, even in difficult situations, following Jesus' example of grace.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Before the High Priest (Matthew 26:57–68)
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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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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 26:67 mean?
Matthew 26:67 describes the physical abuse Jesus endured after his arrest. It highlights the humiliation and violence he faced from those who opposed him, fulfilling the prophecies about the suffering Messiah.
What is the significance of spitting in Jesus' face in Matthew 26:67?
Spitting in someone's face is a profound insult, symbolizing deep contempt. In Matthew 26:67, this act emphasizes the rejection and humiliation Jesus experienced during his trial.
What does the term 'buffeted' mean in Matthew 26:67?
In Matthew 26:67, 'buffeted' refers to being struck or hit repeatedly. This term illustrates the physical violence Jesus suffered at the hands of his accusers.
How does Matthew 26:67 relate to the theme of suffering?
This verse exemplifies the theme of suffering by showing the brutal treatment Jesus received. It highlights the extent of human cruelty and the fulfillment of his mission to bear the sins of the world.
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