Matthew 28:12

12 And when they were gathered together with the elder men, and had taken their counsel, they gave to the knights much money,

Matthew 28:12 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 28:12

And when they were assembled with the elders
Upon this the grand sanhedrim was convened together, which consisted of the chief priests, Scribes, and elders;

and had taken counsel
among themselves what steps to take to stifle this matter, that it might not spread and be believed by the people; they agreed upon this, as the best expedient, to bribe the soldiers to give a false account of it, as they did:

they gave large money unto the soldiers,
or "sufficient money"; they gave large sums of money, as were enough to satisfy the soldiers; they gave them whatever they would have; for though these men were very covetous, yet upon this occasion gave liberally; and that perhaps which were for the sacrifices, or for the repair of the temple, or for the supply of the poor.

Matthew 28:12 In-Context

10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not ye dread; go ye, tell ye to my brethren, that they go into Galilee; there they shall see me.

11 And when they were gone [And when they had gone], lo! some of the keepers came into the city, and told to the princes of priests all things that were done.

12 And when they were gathered together with the elder men, and had taken their counsel, they gave to the knights much money,

13 and said, Say ye, that his disciples came by night, and have stolen him, while ye slept. [saying, Say ye, for his disciples came by night, and have stolen him, us sleeping.]

14 And if this be heard of the justice [And if this be heard of the president, or justice], we shall counsel him, and make you secure.