Matthew 26:3-5
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While the text uses the word "palace," it actually refers to the court or open central area of the high priest's home. This detail is significant because it highlights that this wasn't necessarily a formal, public session of the Sanhedrin, but a more clandestine meeting place for plotting. It underscores their desire for secrecy as they conspired to arrest Jesus.
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Jesus is teaching his disciples about his impending death and betrayal, the religious and political leaders of Jerusalem are secretly convening in the high priest Caiaphas's residence. They are plotting how to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar, particularly wanting to avoid acting during the Passover feast. This secret meeting sets the stage for the opposition Jesus will face in his final days.
We hear 'palace' and picture grand halls, but the original word here points to something more practical – a place for community and counsel.
The word translated 'palace' in Matthew 26:3 isn't about royal luxury. It refers to the central courtyard of a large house, an open space surrounded by rooms. This space was common in ancient homes and often served as a meeting place.
Think of it like a modern-day shared living room or common area. It was here, in this accessible space within the high priest's residence, that the religious and political leaders of Jerusalem convened.
Who exactly were these 'chief priests, scribes, and elders'? Discover the powerful council that felt threatened by Jesus.
This gathering wasn't just a random group; it represented the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. It was composed of:
Together, they held significant religious and civil authority. Their meeting in Caiaphas's courtyard wasn't a casual chat; it was a strategic session to deliberate how to arrest and silence Jesus, whom they saw as a threat to their power and the religious order.
Ask a follow-up
Why does Matthew mention Caiaphas by name? His role and reputation were central to this conspiracy.
Joseph Caiaphas, the high priest, wasn't just a figurehead; he was a key player. Appointed by Roman authorities, his tenure was marked by political maneuvering rather than spiritual devotion.
He was known for his pragmatism, even ruthlessness. His father-in-law, Annas, a former high priest, still wielded considerable influence, and Caiaphas's marriage to Annas's daughter likely cemented his power. The gospel of John records Caiaphas uttering a remarkable prophecy, unintentionally declaring that Jesus would die for the nation (John 11:50). This meeting at his 'palace' was where the plan to eliminate Jesus, seen as a threat to their stability and power, solidified.
Understand the original words
archiereis · Greek Noun
The religious leaders responsible for the administration of the Temple and the Jewish legal system in Jerusalem; they often acted as the primary opposition to Jesus' ministry.
presbyteroi · Greek Noun
The senior or authoritative members of the Jewish community or governing body (Sanhedrin), representing the social and religious leadership of the people.
Kaiaphas · Greek Noun
The high priest appointed by Roman authorities who presided over the Sanhedrin during the trial of Jesus; he represents the institutional opposition to the Messianic claims of Jesus.
krateō · Greek Verb
To seize or apprehend someone; in a judicial context, it implies an official action to restrict liberty and bring the accused to trial.
dolos · Greek Noun
Doing something in a hidden, crafty, or deceptive manner to avoid detection or interference from the general public.
heortē · Greek Noun
An annual religious celebration or set of days designated for communal worship, joy, or remembrance before God.
This meeting in Caiaphas's house wasn't a spontaneous reaction, but the culmination of escalating fear and political maneuvering by the religious elite, desperate to maintain order and their own authority.
c. AD 27
Caiaphas Appointed High Priest
Valerius Gratus, the Roman procurator, appoints Joseph Caiaphas as the new high priest, deposing previous officeholders. Caiaphas would hold this influential position throughout Jesus' ministry.
c. AD 30-33
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, a powerful miracle that draws many to believe in Him. This event deeply alarms the Jewish religious leaders, prompting them to decide Jesus must die.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, hailed by crowds as a king. This public display further increases the anxiety of the chief priests and elders, who fear unrest and Roman intervention.
Just before Passover— this verse
Plotting Jesus' Death
The chief priests, scribes, and elders gather in Caiaphas's courtyard to strategize how to arrest and kill Jesus discreetly. They are concerned about causing a public disturbance during the Passover festival.
During Passover Week
Betrayal by Judas
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples, approaches the religious leaders and offers to betray Jesus to them for money, facilitating His arrest.
Passover Night
Arrest and Trial of Jesus
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and subjected to a series of hasty and irregular trials before the Jewish council and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
This passage describes the very council meeting that resulted from Jesus' popularity after raising Lazarus, showing the established animosity of the chief priests and Pharisees toward Jesus and their fear of His influence.
Luke 22:2Luke also mentions the chief priests and scribes plotting against Jesus around this same time, highlighting their persistent desire to find a way to get rid of Him, even as Passover approached.
Acts 4:5-6This shows Caiaphas, along with other leaders like Annas (his father-in-law and former high priest), actively involved in the persecution of Peter and John, demonstrating their continued authority and opposition to Jesus' followers.
Matthew 26:14-16This immediately follows the account of the rulers' meeting and shows Judas Iscariot making his pact with the chief priests, directly linking the conspiracy to the betrayal of Jesus.
vincentMatthew 26:3: "Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,"
Palace (αὐλὴν)But the word never means palace in the New Testament. It is the court, the open court or hall, forming the centre of an oriental building, and often used as a meeting-place. Rev., court. Wyc., hall.
bensonMatthew 26:3: "Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,"
Matthew 26:3-5 . The chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders — They together constituted the sanhedrim, or great council, which had the supreme authority both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs. Assembled together unto the palace of the high-priest — Namely, to deliberate how they might take Jesus, and put him to death; an…
While the text uses the word "palace," it actually refers to the court or open central area of the high priest's home. This detail is significant because it highlights that this wasn't necessarily a formal, public session of the Sanhedrin, but a more clandestine meeting place for plotting. It underscores their desire for secrecy as they conspired to arrest Jesus.
While Jesus is teaching his disciples about his impending death and betrayal, the religious and political leaders of Jerusalem are secretly convening in the high priest Caiaphas's residence. They are plotting how to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar, particularly wanting to avoid acting during the Passover feast. This secret meeting sets the stage for the opposition Jesus will face in his final days.
While Jesus is teaching his disciples about his impending death and betrayal, the religious and political leaders of Jerusalem are secretly convening in the high priest Caiaphas's residence. They are plotting how to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar, particularly wanting to avoid acting during the Passover feast. This secret meeting sets the stage for the opposition Jesus will face in his final days.
"Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there…" — While the text uses the word "palace," it actually refers to the court or open central area of the high priest's home. This detail is significant because it highlights that this wasn't necessarily…
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Last reviewed October 2026
