Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:65

What does Matthew 26:65 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:65 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:65 means

The high priest tears his clothes, declaring Jesus has blasphemed and no further witnesses are needed. In Jewish law, tearing clothes expressed horror at blasphemy. The high priest interprets Jesus’ words as a claim to divine status, meriting death. This dramatic reaction demonstrates how Jesus’ messianic claim is heard as blasphemy by the council. The verse captures the emotional and religious intensity of the moment, showing how Jesus’ affirmation of identity provokes official judgment and seals the case against him in their eyes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the high priest, violently parting his robes, said, He has said evil against God: what more need have we of witnesses? for now his words against God have come to your ears:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then the chief priest rent his garments, saying, --`He hath spoken evil; what need have we yet of witnesses? lo, now ye heard his evil speaking;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the high priest rent his garments, saying: He hath blasphemed: What further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He has blasphemed: what need have we any more of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy.

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ messianic declaration and shows the council’s immediate verdict: blasphemy. The high priest’s tearing of garments is both cultural and dramatic, marking the point of no return in the trial. For readers, the verse shows how Jesus’ claim is unacceptable to the religious leadership, who interpret it as a capital offense.

v.64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.

v.65This passage

v.66what think ye? They answered and said, He is worthy of death.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 36:24

    And they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.

  • Matthew 9:3

    And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

  • John 10:33

    The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

  • 1 Kings 21:10

    and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death.

  • Numbers 14:6

    And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that spied out the land, rent their clothes:

  • Mark 14:63

    And the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What further need have we of witnesses?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 26

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 26.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 26:65.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary