What is the meaning of Matthew 26:4?

They conspired

- Matthew 26:3–4 sets the scene: “Then the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him”.

- “Conspired” highlights deliberate planning, echoing earlier plots such as John 11:53 where the Sanhedrin “plotted to kill Him.”

- Psalm 2:2 foretold this kind of alliance: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed.”

- Their conspiracy shows hardened hearts in spite of undeniable miracles (Matthew 12:22–24; John 12:37).

- Takeaway: human scheming cannot undermine God’s sovereign plan (Acts 2:23; Isaiah 46:10).

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to arrest Jesus

- The leaders target Jesus’ physical freedom, intending to silence His public ministry (John 7:32, 45–46).

- Earlier attempts failed because “His hour had not yet come” (John 8:20). Now, the prophetic timetable (Daniel 9:26; Matthew 20:18) reaches fulfillment.

- The arrest underscores Jesus’ willingness to submit; He could summon legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) but chooses the path foretold in Isaiah 53:7.

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covertly

- They plan to seize Him “in secret,” fearing the crowds who regarded Jesus as a prophet (Matthew 21:46; Luke 20:19).

- Darkness assists evil deeds (John 3:19–20). Their covert tactic contrasts with Jesus’ open teaching in the temple (John 18:20).

- Judas’ betrayal supplies the inside access they need (Matthew 26:14–16), fulfilling Psalm 41:9.

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and kill Him

- The objective isn’t merely a trial; it is death (Mark 14:1). Hatred escalates to murder, matching the pattern in Matthew 21:38 where the tenants said, “Come, let us kill Him.”

- This fulfills numerous prophecies: Isaiah 53:8, Zechariah 12:10, and Jesus’ own predictions (Matthew 16:21; 17:22–23).

- Their intent, though wicked, becomes the means by which God provides atonement (Acts 4:27–28; 1 Peter 2:24).

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summary

Matthew 26:4 reveals calculated hostility: religious leaders join forces to seize Jesus quietly and have Him executed. Their plot underscores humanity’s rebellion yet simultaneously advances God’s redemptive plan foretold in Scripture. Their conspiracy could not thwart, but instead accomplished, the sovereign purpose of God for our salvation.