Matthew 26:31
What does Matthew 26:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:31 means
Jesus warns that all the disciples will be offended (i.e., stumble or be caused to fail) that night because scripture says the shepherd will be struck and the sheep scattered. He anticipates abandonment by his followers, linking it to prophetic fulfillment and the destiny of the shepherd-figure (himself). 'Offended' here conveys their temporary falling away under pressure. The verse prepares the painful scene of desertion and points to scriptural inevitability, showing Jesus’ awareness of both human weakness and covenantal patterns.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended in me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended in me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then said Jesus to them, All of you will be turned away from me this night: for it is said in the Writings, I will put to death the keeper of the sheep, and the sheep of the flock will be put to flight.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then saith Jesus to them, `All ye shall be stumbled at me this night; for it hath been written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Jesus saith to them: All you shall be scandalized in me this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd: and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then saith Jesus to them, All ye shall be offended in me during this night. For it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Context
This follows their leaving the supper and introduces themes of failure and fulfillment. Jesus connects his suffering to scripture and forecasts the disciples’ collapse into fear. The verse frames the disciples’ imminent flight as part of scriptural drama, not mere chance, helping readers see how personal failure and divine purpose interlace in the passion narrative.
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.
- Mark 14:27
And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.
- Job 19:13
He hath put my brethren far from me, And mine acquaintance are wholly estranged from me.
- John 16:32
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
- Ezekiel 34:5
And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered.
- Job 6:15
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, As the channel of brooks that pass away;
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