Matthew 26:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus warns that this very night all of them will stumble, fulfilling Zechariah: the shepherd struck, the sheep scattered.
What Does Matthew 26:31 Mean?
On the way to the mount, Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered. All of them, He says -- not only Judas, not only Peter -- will stumble because of Him this night.
He tells them of their failure before it happens, so that when it happens they will know He knew -- and loved them still. The scattering of the sheep is written into scripture itself; their worst night is not outside the story God is telling. Foreknown failure is not final failure.
Matthew 26:31 in the Original Language
skandalizo (σκανδαλίζω), 'offended' -- caused to stumble, to fall away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 26:31
What does Matthew 26:31 mean?
Jesus warns that this very night all of them will stumble, fulfilling Zechariah: the shepherd struck, the sheep scattered.