Matthew 26:55
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.
Matthew 26:55 · King James Version
Meaning
Jesus spoke these words to the crowds who had come to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He questioned whether they truly believed he was a criminal who needed to be apprehended with such force, as if he were a threat. He reminded them that he had been openly teaching in the temple every day, and they had not made any attempt to seize him there. This statement highlights Jesus' innocence and the unjust treatment he was about to face. It serves as a powerful illustration of the betrayal and misunderstanding he experienced from those around him. Despite his peaceful intentions and teachings, he was being treated like a criminal. This verse underscores the irony and injustice of the situation, setting the stage for the events that would soon unfold in the final hours of Jesus' life. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative leading to his crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Jesus' frustration with the way he was being treated during his arrest. The use of swords and staves by the multitude to apprehend Jesus suggests a violent and unjust manner in which he was being seized. Jesus emphasizes the contrast between his peaceful teachings in the temple and the aggressive tactics used against him. This scene underscores the injustice of Jesus' arrest and reflects the themes of betrayal and persecution that are prevalent in his ministry. The word "thief" also carries spiritual significance, as Jesus implies that he is being treated like a criminal despite his innocence. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the persecution and suffering Jesus endured as he fulfilled his mission on earth.
Matthew 26:55 in other translations
American Standard Version
In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not.
World English Bible
In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me.
Douay-Rheims
In that same hour, Jesus said to the multitudes: You are come out, as it were to a robber, with swords and clubs to apprehend me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple: and you laid not hands on me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The same houre sayde Iesus to the multitude, Ye be come out as it were against a thiefe, with swordes and staues to take mee: I sate daily teaching in the Temple among you, and yee tooke me not.