New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:60

The Last Supper

But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Matthew 26:60 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:60, in plain English

Many false witnesses come forward, but none of their stories match up. Finally, two witnesses step forward.

Why it's here

They needed at least two witnesses to agree, and they could not find them — because Jesus had done nothing wrong. The truth kept getting in the way of their plan.

Who's speaking

The narrator shows the desperate search for any accusation that will stick.

Where it sits in the story

Lie after lie falls apart. The prosecution is failing because they are trying to convict an innocent man, and reality will not cooperate.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Despite many false witnesses coming forward, the council cannot find consistent testimony until finally two witnesses emerge with an accusation.

Language and setting

Jewish law required a minimum of two agreeing witnesses (Deut 17:6). The parade of failed testimonies underscores both the prosecution's desperation and the integrity of Jesus' character.

Voice

The narrator describes the failed attempts to build a case, until two witnesses finally come forward.

Significance

The most powerful court in Israel cannot find two people who agree on a single crime — because no crime was ever committed.

In context

Matthew 26:58–62

58But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

59Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.

60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

61and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

62So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”

Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad