Matthew 26:24
What does Matthew 26:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:24 means
Jesus says the Son of Man goes as written, acknowledging that scriptures foresee his path, yet he pronounces woe upon the betrayer—saying it would be better if that man had never been born. Jesus accepts the fulfillment of prophecy about his suffering but condemns the moral horror of betraying him. The verse balances divine sovereignty (scripture fulfillment) with human culpability (the betrayer's guilt). It shows Jesus’ sorrow and the grave consequences of treachery against God’s messenger.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Son of man goes, even as the Writings say of him: but a curse is on that man through whom the Son of man is given up; it would have been well for that man if he had never come into the world.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the Son of Man doth indeed go, as it hath been written concerning him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is delivered up! good it were for him if that man had not been born.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed. It were better for him, if that man had not been born.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Son of man goes indeed, according as it is written concerning him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is delivered up; it were good for that man if he had not been born.
Context
This verse follows the identification of the betrayer and ties the event to scriptural destiny. It juxtaposes divine plan with human blame—God’s purposes and the sin of the betrayer both co-exist. The reader sees the theological point: Jesus’ path is necessary and foretold, but those who commit the evil deed remain morally responsible and will face judgment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.
- Acts 13:27
For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.
- Acts 4:28
to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass.
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
- Mark 9:12
And he said unto them, Elijah indeed cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be set at nought?
- John 19:36
For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
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