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Selected Verse: Matthew 26:31 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Mt 26:31	Strong Concordance	Then [5119] saith [3004] Jesus [2424] unto them [846], All [3956] ye [5210] shall be offended [4624] because [1722] of me [1722] [1698] this [5026] night [3571]: for [1063] it is written [1125], I will smite [3960] the shepherd [4166], and [2532] the sheep [4263] of the flock [4167] shall be scattered abroad [1287].
	King James	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.

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Jesus foretells the fall of Peter - This is also recorded in Mar 14:27-31; Luk 22:31-34; Joh 13:34-38. Mat 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them - The occasion of his saying this was Peter's bold affirmation that he was ready to die with him, Joh 13:36 Jesus had told them that he was going away - that is, was about to die. Peter asked him whither he was going. Jesus replied that he could not follow him then, but should afterward. Peter, not satisfied with that, said that he was ready to lay down his life for him. Then Jesus distinctly informed them that all of them would forsake him that very night. All ye shall be offended because of me - See the notes at Mat 5:29. This language means, here, you will all stumble at my being taken, abused, and set at naught; you will be ashamed to own me as a teacher, and to acknowledge yourselves as my disciples; or, my being betrayed will prove a snare to you all, so that you will be guilty of the sin of forsaking me, and, by your conduct, of denying me. For it is written ... - See Zac 13:7. This is affirmed here to have reference to the Saviour, and to be fulfilled in him. I will smite - This is the language of God the Father. I will smite means either that I will give him up to be smitten (compare Exo 4:21 with Exo 8:15, etc.), or that I will do it myself. Both of these things were done. God gave him up to the Jews and Romans, to be smitten for the sins of the world Rom 8:32; and he himself left him to deep and awful sorrows - to bear "the burden of the world's atonement" alone. See Mar 15:34. The Shepherd - The Lord Jesus - the Shepherd of his people, Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14. Compare the notes at Isa 40:11. The sheep - This means here particularly "the apostles." It also refers sometimes to all the followers of Jesus, the friends of God, Joh 10:16; Psa 100:3. Shall be scattered abroad - This refers to their fleeing, and it was fulfilled in that. See Mat 26:56. Mat 26:32 But after I am risen ... - This promise was given them to encourage and support them, and also to give them an indication where he might be found. He did not deny that he would first appear to a part of them before he met them all together (compare Luke 24:13-31, Luk 24:34; Co1 15:5), but that he would meet them all in Galilee. This was done. See Mar 16:7; Mat 28:16. Galilee - See the notes at Mat 2:22. Mat 26:33 Peter answered ... Though all men ... - The word "men" is improperly inserted here by the translators. Peter meant only to affirm this of "the disciples." This confidence of Peter was entirely characteristic. He was ardent, sincere, and really attached to his Master. Yet this declaration was made evidently: 1. from true love to Jesus; 2. from too much reliance upon his own strength; 3. from ignorance of himself, and of the trials which he was soon to pass through. And it most impressively teaches us: 1. that no strength of attachment to Jesus can justify such confident promises of fidelity, made without dependence on him. 2. that all promises to adhere to him should be made relying on him for aid. 3. that we little know how feeble we are until we are tried. 4. that Christians may be left to great and disgraceful sins to show them their weakness. Luke adds that Jesus said to Peter that Satan had desired to have him, that he might sift him as wheat - that is, that he might thoroughly test him. But Jesus says that he had prayed for him that his faith should not fail, and charged him when he was "converted" - that is, when he was "turned" from this sin - to strengthen his brethren; to wit, by teaching them to take warning by his example. See the notes at Luk 22:31-33. Mat 26:34 This night - This was in the "evening" when this was spoken, after the observance of the Passover, and, we may suppose, near nine o'clock p.m. Before the cock crow - Mark and Luke add, before the cock crowed twice. The cock is accustomed to crow twice once at midnight, and once in the morning at break of day. The latter was commonly called cock-crowing. See Mar 13:35. This was the time familiarly known as "the cock-crowing," and of this Matthew and John speak, without referring to the other. Mark and Luke speak of the "second" crowing, and mean the same time, so that there is no contradiction between them. Deny me thrice - That is, as Luke adds, deny that "thou knowest" me. See Mat 26:74. Mat 26:35 Will I not deny thee - Will not deny my connection with thee, or that I knew thee. "All" the disciples said the same thing, and all fled at the approach of danger, "forsaking" their Master and Friend, and practically denying that they knew him, Mat 26:56.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Jesus foretells the fall of Peter - This is also recorded in Mar 14:27-31; Luk 22:31-34; Joh 13:34-38.

Mat 26:31

Then saith Jesus unto them - The occasion of his saying this was Peter's bold affirmation that he was ready to die with him, Joh 13:36

Jesus had told them that he was going away - that is, was about to die. Peter asked him whither he was going. Jesus replied that he could not follow him then, but should afterward. Peter, not satisfied with that, said that he was ready to lay down his life for him. Then Jesus distinctly informed them that all of them would forsake him that very night.

All ye shall be offended because of me - See the notes at Mat 5:29. This language means, here, you will all stumble at my being taken, abused, and set at naught; you will be ashamed to own me as a teacher, and to acknowledge yourselves as my disciples; or, my being betrayed will prove a snare to you all, so that you will be guilty of the sin of forsaking me, and, by your conduct, of denying me.

For it is written ... - See Zac 13:7. This is affirmed here to have reference to the Saviour, and to be fulfilled in him.

I will smite - This is the language of God the Father. I will smite means either that I will give him up to be smitten (compare Exo 4:21 with Exo 8:15, etc.), or that I will do it myself. Both of these things were done. God gave him up to the Jews and Romans, to be smitten for the sins of the world Rom 8:32; and he himself left him to deep and awful sorrows - to bear "the burden of the world's atonement" alone. See Mar 15:34.

The Shepherd - The Lord Jesus - the Shepherd of his people, Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14. Compare the notes at Isa 40:11.

The sheep - This means here particularly "the apostles." It also refers sometimes to all the followers of Jesus, the friends of God, Joh 10:16; Psa 100:3.

Shall be scattered abroad - This refers to their fleeing, and it was fulfilled in that. See Mat 26:56.

Mat 26:32

But after I am risen ... - This promise was given them to encourage and support them, and also to give them an indication where he might be found.

He did not deny that he would first appear to a part of them before he met them all together (compare Luke 24:13-31, Luk 24:34; Co1 15:5), but that he would meet them all in Galilee. This was done. See Mar 16:7; Mat 28:16.

Galilee - See the notes at Mat 2:22.

Mat 26:33

Peter answered ... Though all men ... - The word "men" is improperly inserted here by the translators. Peter meant only to affirm this of "the disciples." This confidence of Peter was entirely characteristic. He was ardent, sincere, and really attached to his Master. Yet this declaration was made evidently:

1. from true love to Jesus;

2. from too much reliance upon his own strength;

3. from ignorance of himself, and of the trials which he was soon to pass through.

And it most impressively teaches us:

1. that no strength of attachment to Jesus can justify such confident promises of fidelity, made without dependence on him.

2. that all promises to adhere to him should be made relying on him for aid.

3. that we little know how feeble we are until we are tried.

4. that Christians may be left to great and disgraceful sins to show them their weakness.

Luke adds that Jesus said to Peter that Satan had desired to have him, that he might sift him as wheat - that is, that he might thoroughly test him. But Jesus says that he had prayed for him that his faith should not fail, and charged him when he was "converted" - that is, when he was "turned" from this sin - to strengthen his brethren; to wit, by teaching them to take warning by his example. See the notes at Luk 22:31-33.

Mat 26:34

This night - This was in the "evening" when this was spoken, after the observance of the Passover, and, we may suppose, near nine o'clock p.m.

Before the cock crow - Mark and Luke add, before the cock crowed twice. The cock is accustomed to crow twice once at midnight, and once in the morning at break of day. The latter was commonly called cock-crowing. See Mar 13:35. This was the time familiarly known as "the cock-crowing," and of this Matthew and John speak, without referring to the other. Mark and Luke speak of the "second" crowing, and mean the same time, so that there is no contradiction between them.

Deny me thrice - That is, as Luke adds, deny that "thou knowest" me. See Mat 26:74.

Mat 26:35

Will I not deny thee - Will not deny my connection with thee, or that I knew thee.

"All" the disciples said the same thing, and all fled at the approach of danger, "forsaking" their Master and Friend, and practically denying that they knew him, Mat 26:56.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
All ye will be offended at me - Something will happen to me, which will occasion your falling into sin by forsaking me. Zac 13:7.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
All ye shall be offended - Or rather, Ye will all be stumbled - παντες υμεις σκανδαλισθησεσθε - ye will all forsake me, and lose in a great measure your confidence in me. This night - The time of trial is just at hand. I will smite the shepherd - It will happen to you as to a flock of sheep, whose shepherd has been slain - the leader and guardian being removed, the whole flock shall be scattered, and be on the point of becoming a prey to ravenous beasts.

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⁵⁶ But [1161] all [3650] this [5124] was done [1096], that [2443] the scriptures [1124] of the prophets [4396] might be fulfilled [4137]. Then [5119] all [3956] the disciples [3101] forsook [863] him [846], and fled [5343].

³⁵ Peter [4074] said [3004] unto him [846], Though [2579] I [3165] should [1163] die [599] with [4862] thee [4671], yet [3364] will I [533] not [3364] deny [533] thee [4571]. Likewise [3668] also [2532] said [2036] all [3956] the disciples [3101].

⁷⁴ Then [5119] began he [756] to curse [2653] and [2532] to swear [3660], saying, [3754] I know [1492] not [3756] the man [444]. And [2532] immediately [2112] the cock [220] crew [5455].

³⁵ Watch ye [1127] therefore [3767]: for [1063] ye know [1492] not [3756] when [4219] the master [2962] of the house [3614] cometh [2064], at even [3796], or [2228] at midnight [3317], or [2228] at the cockcrowing [219], or [2228] in the morning [4404]:

³⁴ Jesus [2424] said [5346] unto him [846], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto thee [4671], That [3754] this [1722] [5026] night [3571], before [4250] the cock [220] crow [5455], thou shalt deny [533] me [3165] thrice [5151].

³¹ And [1161] the Lord [2962] said [2036], Simon [4613], Simon [4613], behold [2400], Satan [4567] hath desired [1809] to have you [5209], that he may sift [4617] you as [5613] wheat [4621]:
³² But [1161] I [1473] have prayed [1189] for [4012] thee [4675], that [3363] thy [4675] faith [4102] fail [1587] not [3363]: and [2532] when [4218] thou [4771] art converted [1994], strengthen [4741] thy [4675] brethren [80].
³³ And [1161] he said [2036] unto him [846], Lord [2962], I am [1510] ready [2092] to go [4198] with [3326] thee [4675], both [2532] into [1519] prison [5438], and [2532] to [1519] death [2288].

³³ Peter [4074] answered [611] and [1161] said [2036] unto him [846], Though [1499] all [3956] men shall be offended [4624] because [1722] of thee [4671], yet will I [1473] never [3763] be offended [4624].

²² But [1161] when he heard [191] that [3754] Archelaus [745] did reign [936] in [1909] Judaea [2449] in the room [473] of his [846] father [3962] Herod [2264], he was afraid [5399] to go [565] thither [1563]: notwithstanding [1161], being warned of God [5537] in [2596] a dream [3677], he turned aside [402] into [1519] the parts [3313] of Galilee [1056]:

¹⁶ Then [1161] the eleven [1733] disciples [3101] went away [4198] into [1519] Galilee [1056], into [1519] a mountain [3735] where [3757] Jesus [2424] had appointed [5021] them [846].

⁷ But [235] go your way [5217], tell [2036] his [846] disciples [3101] and [2532] Peter [4074] that [3754] he goeth before [4254] you [5209] into [1519] Galilee [1056]: there [1563] shall ye see [3700] him [846], as [2531] he said [2036] unto you [5213].

⁵ And [2532] that [3754] he was seen [3700] of Cephas [2786], then [1534] of the twelve [1427]:

³⁴ Saying [3004], [3754] The Lord [2962] is risen [1453] indeed [3689], and [2532] hath appeared [3700] to Simon [4613].

³² But [1161] after [3326] I [3165] am risen again [1453], I will go before [4254] you [5209] into [1519] Galilee [1056].

³ Know [03045] ye that the LORD [03068] he is God [0430]: it is he that hath made [06213] us, and not we ourselves; we are his people [05971], and the sheep [06629] of his pasture [04830].

¹⁶ And [2532] other [243] sheep [4263] I have [2192], which [3739] are [2076] not [3756] of [1537] this [5026] fold [833]: them also [2548] I [3165] must [1163] bring [71], and [2532] they shall hear [191] my [3450] voice [5456]; and [2532] there shall be [1096] one [3391] fold [4167], and one [1520] shepherd [4166].

¹¹ He shall feed [07462] his flock [05739] like a shepherd [07462]: he shall gather [06908] the lambs [02922] with his arm [02220], and carry [05375] them in his bosom [02436], and shall gently lead [05095] those that are with young [05763].

¹⁴ I [1473] am [1510] the good [2570] shepherd [4166], and [2532] know [1097] my [1699] sheep, and [2532] am known [1097] of [5259] mine [1699].

¹¹ I [1473] am [1510] the good [2570] shepherd [4166]: the good [2570] shepherd [4166] giveth [5087] his [846] life [5590] for [5228] the sheep [4263].

³⁴ And [2532] at the ninth [1766] hour [5610] Jesus [2424] cried [994] with a loud [3173] voice [5456], saying [3004], Eloi [1682], Eloi [1682], lama [2982] sabachthani [4518]? which [3739] is [2076], being interpreted [3177], My [3450] God [2316], my [3450] God [2316], why [5101] hast [1519] thou forsaken [1459] me [3165]?

³² He that [3739] [1065] spared [5339] not [3756] his own [2398] Son [5207], but [235] delivered [3860] him [846] up [3860] for [5228] us [2257] all [3956], how [4459] shall he [5483] not [3780] with [4862] him [846] also [2532] freely give [5483] us [2254] all things [3956]?

¹⁵ But when Pharaoh [06547] saw [07200] that there was respite [07309], he hardened [03513] his heart [03820], and hearkened [08085] not unto them; as the LORD [03068] had said [01696].

²¹ And the LORD [03068] said [0559] unto Moses [04872], When thou goest [03212] to return [07725] into Egypt [04714], see [07200] that thou do [06213] all those wonders [04159] before [06440] Pharaoh [06547], which I have put [07760] in thine hand [03027]: but I will harden [02388] his heart [03820], that he shall not let the people [05971] go [07971].

⁷ Awake [05782], O sword [02719], against my shepherd [07462], and against the man [01397] that is my fellow [05997], saith [05002] the LORD [03068] of hosts [06635]: smite [05221] the shepherd [07462], and the sheep [06629] shall be scattered [06327]: and I will turn [07725] mine hand [03027] upon the little ones [06819].

²⁹ And [1161] if [1487] thy [4675] right [1188] eye [3788] offend [4624] thee [4571], pluck [1807] it [846] out [1807], and [2532] cast [906] it from [575] thee [4675]: for [1063] it is profitable [4851] for thee [4671] that [2443] one [1520] of thy [4675] members [3196] should perish [622], and [2532] not [3361] that thy [4675] whole [3650] body [4983] should be cast [906] into [1519] hell [1067].

³⁶ Simon [4613] Peter [4074] said [3004] unto him [846], Lord [2962], whither [4226] goest [5217] thou? Jesus [2424] answered [611] him [846], Whither [3699] I go [5217], thou canst [1410] not [3756] follow [190] me [3427] now [3568]; but [1161] thou shalt follow [190] me [3427] afterwards [5305].

³¹ Then [5119] saith [3004] Jesus [2424] unto them [846], All [3956] ye [5210] shall be offended [4624] because [1722] of me [1722] [1698] this [5026] night [3571]: for [1063] it is written [1125], I will smite [3960] the shepherd [4166], and [2532] the sheep [4263] of the flock [4167] shall be scattered abroad [1287].

³⁴ A new [2537] commandment [1785] I give [1325] unto you [5213], That [2443] ye love [25] one another [240]; as [2531] I have loved [25] you [5209], that [2443] ye [5210] also [2532] love [25] one another [240].
³⁵ By [1722] this [5129] shall [1097] all [3956] men know [1097] that [3754] ye are [2075] my [1699] disciples [3101], if [1437] ye have [2192] love [26] one to another [1722] [240].
³⁶ Simon [4613] Peter [4074] said [3004] unto him [846], Lord [2962], whither [4226] goest [5217] thou? Jesus [2424] answered [611] him [846], Whither [3699] I go [5217], thou canst [1410] not [3756] follow [190] me [3427] now [3568]; but [1161] thou shalt follow [190] me [3427] afterwards [5305].
³⁷ Peter [4074] said [3004] unto him [846], Lord [2962], why [1302] cannot [3756] [1410] I follow [190] thee [4671] now [737]? I will lay down [5087] my [3450] life [5590] for [5228] thy sake [4675].
³⁸ Jesus [2424] answered [611] him [846], Wilt thou lay down [5087] thy [4675] life [5590] for [5228] my sake [1700]? Verily [281], verily [281], I say [3004] unto thee [4671], The cock [220] shall [5455] not [3364] crow [5455], till [2193] [3739] thou hast denied [533] me [3165] thrice [5151].

²⁷ And [2532] Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto them [846], [3754] All ye [3956] shall be offended [4624] because of [1722] me [1722] [1698] this [5026] night [3571]: for [3754] it is written [1125], I will smite [3960] the shepherd [4166], and [2532] the sheep [4263] shall be scattered [1287].
²⁸ But [235] after [3326] that I [3165] am risen [1453], I will go before [4254] you [5209] into [1519] Galilee [1056].
²⁹ But [1161] Peter [4074] said [5346] unto him [846], Although [2532] [1487] all [3956] shall be offended [4624], yet [235] will not [3756] I [1473].
³⁰ And [2532] Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto him [846], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto thee [4671], That [3754] this day [4594], even in [1722] this [5026] night [3571], before [4250] [2228] the cock [220] crow [5455] twice [1364], thou shalt deny [533] me [3165] thrice [5151].
³¹ But [1161] he spake [3004] the more [3123] vehemently [1537] [4053], If [1437] I [3165] should [1163] die with [4880] thee [4671], I will not [3364] deny [533] thee [4571] in any wise [3364]. Likewise [5615] also [1161] [2532] said they [3004] all [3956].