Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:53

What does Matthew 26:53 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:53 means

Jesus points out that he could ask the Father and receive more than twelve legions of angels to protect him, implying divine power is available but not used. This rhetorical statement underscores his voluntary submission: he does not call for angelic rescue because that would thwart the necessary fulfillment of Scripture. The verse emphasizes Jesus’ sovereignty and ability to avoid suffering, yet his choice to accept it. It deepens the theological point that Jesus’ suffering is chosen for redemptive ends, not imposed beyond his control.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Does it not seem possible to you that if I make request to my Father he will even now send me an army of angels?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

dost thou think that I am not able now to call upon my Father, and He will place beside me more than twelve legions of messengers?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me presently more than twelve legions of angels?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Or thinkest thou that I cannot now call upon my Father, and he will furnish me more than twelve legions of angels?

Context

This follows the admonition to put the sword away and shows why Jesus refuses violent defense—he could summon divine aid but chooses not to. It connects his restraint to scriptural fulfillment, indicating his acceptance of God’s plan. The verse helps readers understand that Jesus’ arrest is not a defeat but a voluntary step toward accomplishing redemption.

v.52Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

v.53This passage

v.54How then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Cross references

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

  • Jude 1:14

    And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones,

  • Matthew 10:1

    And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.

  • Matthew 4:11

    Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

  • Daniel 7:10

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7

    and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,

  • Luke 8:30

    And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many demons were entered into him.

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