Matthew 26:60

60 et non invenerunt cum multi falsi testes accessissent novissime autem venerunt duo falsi testes

Matthew 26:60 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 26:60

But found none
That were fit for their purpose;

yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none;
whose testimonies were sufficient to put him to death, which was what they were resolved upon, or whose witness were not alike and agreed; for according to their law, a man must not die by the mouth of one witness only, but by the mouth of two or three witnesses agreed in a point; and though they might be willing enough to dispense with the law in this case, yet might have some regard to their own character and reputation; and especially as they meant to deliver him to the Roman governor, in order to be condemned by him; they knew they must have a charge, and this supported with a proper evidence, or they could not hope to succeed; for which reason, they could not put up, as they otherwise willingly would, with any sort of witnesses:

at the last came two false witnesses;
who were agreed in a point, and whose testimonies were alike; at least, had a greater appearance of truth and agreement than the rest; though Mark says, "neither so did their witnesses agree together", ( Mark 14:59 ) , as to prove the point, for which it was given.

Matthew 26:60 In-Context

58 Petrus autem sequebatur eum a longe usque in atrium principis sacerdotum et ingressus intro sedebat cum ministris ut videret finem
59 principes autem sacerdotum et omne concilium quaerebant falsum testimonium contra Iesum ut eum morti traderent
60 et non invenerunt cum multi falsi testes accessissent novissime autem venerunt duo falsi testes
61 et dixerunt hic dixit possum destruere templum Dei et post triduum aedificare illud
62 et surgens princeps sacerdotum ait illi nihil respondes ad ea quae isti adversum te testificantur
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.