Matthew 26:60

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

Matthew 26:60 in Other Translations

KJV
60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
ESV
60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward
NLT
60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward
MSG
60 But even though many stepped up, making up one false accusation after another, nothing was believable.
CSB
60 But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward

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 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.
60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11; Acts 6:13
  • 2. Deuteronomy 19:15
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