Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:46

What does Matthew 21:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:46 means

Despite their clear understanding that Jesus' words condemned them, the chief priests and Pharisees refrained from apprehending Him immediately. Their fear of the multitudes, who regarded Jesus as a prophet, restrained them. This reveals their continued prioritization of public opinion and self-preservation over confronting Jesus directly, temporarily delaying their evil intentions and showcasing His continued popular support.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And though they had a desire to take him, they were in fear of the people, because in their eyes he was a prophet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and seeking to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, seeing they were holding him as a prophet.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seeking to lay hands on him, they feared the multitudes, because they held him as a prophet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And seeking to lay hold of him, they were afraid of the crowds, because they held him for a prophet.

Context

This verse describes the immediate consequence of the religious leaders' realization regarding Jesus' parables: their desire to seize Him, tempered by their fear of the crowds. It concludes the chapter, ending on a note of sustained tension and opposition. This fear foreshadows their eventual clandestine efforts to arrest Jesus and underscores the volatile political-religious climate of Passion Week.

v.45And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

v.46This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 9:7

    He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

  • John 7:40

    Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.

  • John 7:7

    The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that its works are evil.

  • Matthew 21:11

    And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.

  • Proverbs 15:12

    A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

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