Matthew 26:52
What does Matthew 26:52 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:52 means
Jesus tells the disciple to put the sword away, arguing that those who live by the sword will perish by it. He reproves violent protection and warns of reciprocal violence's destructive logic. Jesus’ statement discourages militant defense and points to the futility of using force to advance his kingdom. It reinforces his prior teaching about nonviolence and faith in God’s sovereign plan. The verse challenges followers to trust God rather than weapons, reminding that violence breeds death even if used in a purportedly noble cause.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then says Jesus to him, Put up your sword again into its place: for all those who take the sword will come to death by the sword.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then saith Jesus to him, `Turn back thy sword to its place; for all who did take the sword, by the sword shall perish;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then saith Jesus to him, Return thy sword to its place; for all who take the sword shall perish by the sword.
Context
This verse follows the sword attack and records Jesus’ rebuke. It clarifies the theological and ethical stance Jesus expects from his followers and explains why violent rescue is inappropriate. For readers, it emphasizes the distinction between Jesus’ redemptive, suffering mission and the disciples’ misguided attempts to secure it by force.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 13:10
If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
- Ezekiel 35:5
Because thou hast had a perpetual enmity, and hast given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end;
- Matthew 23:34
Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:
- Revelation 16:6
for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.
- Matthew 5:39
but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- 1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
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