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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/26-59.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/40_Mat_26_59.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 26:59 - Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nkjv/matthew/26.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, <a href="/nasb_/matthew/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. <a href="/nasb/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death; <a href="/lsb/matthew/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. <a href="/amp/matthew/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) tried to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might [have a reason to] put Him to death. <a href="/csb/matthew/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death, <a href="/hcsb/matthew/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. <a href="/asv/matthew/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; <a href="/cev/matthew/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The chief priests and the whole council wanted to put Jesus to death. So they tried to find some people who would tell lies about him in court. <a href="/erv/matthew/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; <a href="/gwt/matthew/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The chief priests and the whole council were searching for false testimony to use against Jesus in order to execute him. <a href="/gnt/matthew/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> The chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some false evidence against Jesus to put him to death; <a href="/isv/matthew/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, the high priests and the whole Council were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order to have him put to death. <a href="/net/matthew/26.htm">NET Bible</a> The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were trying to find false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. <a href="/nheb/matthew/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus so they could put him to death; <a href="/wbt/matthew/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now the chief priests and elders, and all the council, sought false testimony against Jesus, to put him to death; <a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Meanwhile the High Priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. <a href="/web/matthew/26.htm">World English Bible</a> Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the chief priests, and the elders, and all the council, were seeking false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death, <a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false evidence against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. <a href="/ylt/matthew/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the chief priests, and the elders, and all the council, were seeking false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death, <a href="/slt/matthew/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the chief priests, and the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put him to death;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the leaders of the priests and the entire council sought false testimony against Jesus, so that they might deliver him to death. <a href="/nabre/matthew/26.htm">New American Bible</a> The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now the high priests and the elders and the whole council were seeking witnesses against Jesus, so that they might put him to death. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But the Chief Priests and the Elders and all the assembly were seeking witnesses against Yeshua, so that they might put him to death.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the chief priests and the elders, and the whole Sanhedrin, sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death, <a href="/godbey/matthew/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the high priests and all the sanhedrim were seeking false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might kill Him. <a href="/haweis/matthew/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now the chief priests and elders and the whole sanhedrim, sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; <a href="/mace/matthew/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. <a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Meanwhile the High Priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death; <a href="/worrell/matthew/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the high priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death; <a href="/worsley/matthew/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now the chief priests and elders, and the whole council sought false-witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death: but found none. <a href="/parallel/matthew/26-59.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=8372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin</a> …58But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/749.htm" title="749: archiereis (N-NMP) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">chief priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3650.htm" title="3650: holon (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; whole or all, i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.">whole</a> <a href="/greek/4892.htm" title="4892: synedrion (N-NNS) -- A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. ">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: ezētoun (V-IIA-3P) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">were seeking</a> <a href="/greek/5577.htm" title="5577: pseudomartyrian (N-AFS) -- False testimony, false witness. From pseudomartur; untrue testimony.">false testimony</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">in order to</a> <a href="/greek/2289.htm" title="2289: thanatōsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To put to death, subdue; pass: To be in danger of death, be dead to, be rid of, be parted from. From thanatos to kill.">put Him to death.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> 60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. <a href="/john/18-19.htm">John 18:19-24</a> Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. / “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. / Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.” ... <a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13</a> where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. <a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a> Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. <a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Psalm 35:11</a> Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. <a href="/luke/22-66.htm">Luke 22:66-71</a> At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, / “If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. ... <a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a> Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ... <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-9</a> We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ... <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15-21</a> A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. ... <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a> He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Mark 15:1</a> Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-16</a> From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... <a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Acts 7:57-58</a> At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. <a href="/psalms/109-2.htm">Psalm 109:2-3</a> For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. / They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. <a href="/jeremiah/26-8.htm">Jeremiah 26:8-11</a> and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! / How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. / When the officials of Judah heard these things, they went up from the king’s palace to the house of the LORD and sat there at the entrance of the New Gate. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;sought.<a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-21</a> If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; … <a href="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8-13</a> So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth… <a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a> Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Council</a> <a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/matthew/26-58.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/26-58.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/matthew/25-10.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/matthew/26-56.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/acts/24-20.htm">Sanhedrim</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/matthew/26-16.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/matthew/26-16.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/matthew/22-35.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/matthew/26-13.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-62.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Council</a> <a href="/matthew/26-66.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/matthew/26-62.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/26-62.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/26-63.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/mark/3-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Sanhedrim</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/mark/1-37.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/matthew/26-62.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/matthew/26-62.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 26</div>1. <a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">Jesus foretells his own death.</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">The rulers conspire against him.</a> 6. <a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">The woman anoints his feet.</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Judas bargains to betray him.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Jesus eats the Passover;</a> 26. <a href="/matthew/26-26.htm">institutes his holy supper;</a> 30. <a href="/matthew/26-30.htm">foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">prays in the garden;</a> 47. <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">and being betrayed by a kiss,</a> 57. <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">is carried to Caiaphas,</a> 69. <a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">and denied by Peter.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Sanhedrin consisted of 71 members, including the high priest, elders, and scribes, and was responsible for religious and legal matters. This assembly was located in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life, and played a crucial role in maintaining Jewish law and order under Roman occupation. The involvement of the entire Sanhedrin highlights the gravity of the situation and the unified opposition against Jesus.were seeking false testimony against Jesus The act of seeking false testimony indicates a premeditated effort to convict Jesus, despite the lack of legitimate evidence. This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a> and <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>, which speak of the Messiah being falsely accused and oppressed. The religious leaders' willingness to subvert justice underscores their fear of Jesus' growing influence and their desire to maintain their authority. This also connects to the broader biblical theme of truth versus falsehood, as seen in the trials of other biblical figures like Daniel.in order to put Him to death The ultimate goal of the chief priests and the Sanhedrin was to execute Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their power and the status quo. This desire for His death fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, who would be "cut off from the land of the living" for the transgressions of the people. The death of Jesus is central to Christian theology, as it represents the atoning sacrifice for sin, prefigured by the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. The leaders' actions also highlight the tension between human authority and divine purpose, as God's redemptive plan unfolds through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests.htm">Chief Priests</a> Religious leaders in Jerusalem who held significant power and influence. They were responsible for temple rituals and were often involved in political matters. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a> The highest Jewish council and court in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes. It held authority over religious and some civil matters. 3. <a href="/topical/f/false_testimony.htm">False Testimony</a> The act of providing untrue statements or evidence. In this context, it refers to the deliberate attempt to find false witnesses against Jesus. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Messiah and Son of God. At this point in the account, He is facing trial and eventual crucifixion. 5. <a href="/topical/d/death_sentence.htm">Death Sentence</a> The ultimate goal of the chief priests and Sanhedrin was to have Jesus executed, which they sought to achieve through false testimony.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_false_witness.htm">The Danger of False Witness</a> Bearing false witness is a serious sin that can lead to grave injustice. Christians are called to uphold truth and integrity in all circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_corruption_of_power.htm">The Corruption of Power</a> The chief priests and Sanhedrin abused their authority for personal and political gain. Believers should be wary of how power can corrupt and lead to moral compromise. <a href="/topical/j/jesus'_innocence_and_sacrifice.htm">Jesus' Innocence and Sacrifice</a> Despite the false accusations, Jesus remained innocent and willingly faced death for the salvation of humanity. This underscores His role as the sacrificial Lamb. <a href="/topical/s/standing_firm_in_truth.htm">Standing Firm in Truth</a> Like Jesus, Christians are encouraged to stand firm in truth, even when facing false accusations or persecution. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The events leading to Jesus' crucifixion were foretold in Scripture, affirming the divine plan and purpose in His suffering and death.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26</a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_purpose_of_the_sanhedrin.htm">What was the purpose of the Sanhedrin?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_gospels_differ_on_jesus'_arrest.htm">Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_rumors_impact_trust.htm">How do rumors affect relationships and trust?</a> <a href="/q/how_might_'two_witnesses'_fail_in_deut._17_6.htm">Under Deuteronomy 17:6, how could the requirement of “two or three witnesses” fail to prevent false accusations or collusion? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(59) Sought false witness.--The tense of the Greek verb implies a continued process of seeking. The attempt to draw the materials for condemnation from the lips of the accused had failed. The law of Moses required at least two witnesses (<a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" title="At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" title="One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>), and these, it is natural to believe, were examined independently of each other. The haste which marked all the proceedings of the trial had probably prevented previous concert, and the judges could not, for very shame, convict in the face of a glaring discrepancy, probably as to time and place, between the witnesses who thus offered themselves.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 59. - The chief priests, [and elders,] and all the council. The words in brackets are probably spurious; they are omitted by the best uncials and the Vulgate. The words cannot imply strictly that the whole Sanhedrin was present and consenting to the present proceedings; for we know that such members as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea did not consent to the infamous deeds of the rest (<a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Luke 23:51</a>; <a href="/john/19-39.htm">John 19:39</a>). Sought (ἐζήτουν, were seeking) false witness. The Sanhedrists had decided on Christ's death; it only remained to find such a charge against him as would compel the Roman authorities to deal summarily with him. For their purpose the truth of the accusation was immaterial, so long as it was established, according to Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>), by two or three witnesses examined apart. They knew well that Christ could be condemned on no true testimony, hence they scrupled not to seek false. If they had meant to deal fairly, they would have allowed some who knew him to speak in his favour; but this was the very last thing which they desired or would have sanctioned. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/26-59.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chief priests ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. whole ὅλον (holon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3650.htm">Strong's 3650: </a> All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb. Sanhedrin συνέδριον (synedrion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4892.htm">Strong's 4892: </a> A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. were seeking ἐζήτουν (ezētoun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. false testimony ψευδομαρτυρίαν (pseudomartyrian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5577.htm">Strong's 5577: </a> False testimony, false witness. From pseudomartur; untrue testimony. against κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. in order to ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). put Him to death. θανατώσωσιν (thanatōsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2289.htm">Strong's 2289: </a> To put to death, subdue; pass: To be in danger of death, be dead to, be rid of, be parted from. From thanatos to kill. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests the elders (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/26-58.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 26:58"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:58" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/26-60.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 26:60"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:60" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>