Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:68

What does Matthew 26:68 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:68 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:68 means

They demand that Jesus prophesy who hit him, taunting him to reveal the perpetrator as if he were a false prophet. This mocking challenge is ironic: by asking him to prophesy, they deride his messianic claim and test it in humiliating fashion. It is not a sincere request but an attempt to discredit him. The verse exposes their cruelty and contempt—rather than seeking truth, they gloat in his humiliation and use his silence as further evidence against him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ: who is he that struck thee?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ: who is he that struck thee?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be a prophet, O Christ, and say who gave you a blow!

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `Declare to us, O Christ, who he is that struck thee?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ. Who is he that struck thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

saying, Prophesy to us, Christ, Who is it who struck thee?

Context

This verse follows the spitting and striking and continues the pattern of mockery. The question is rhetorical and abusive, designed to humiliate Jesus further. For readers, the verse accentuates the injustice and degradation Jesus endures at the hands of his own religious leaders.

v.67Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands,

v.68This passage

v.69Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilæan.

Cross references

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

  • John 19:2

    And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment;

  • 1 Peter 2:4

    unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,

  • Judges 16:25

    And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made sport before them. And they set him between the pillars:

  • John 19:14

    Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King!

  • Mark 14:65

    And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of their hands.

  • Luke 22:63

    And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and beat him.

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