When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Despite having already condemned Jesus, the chief priests and elders immediately reconvened at dawn. This shows their desperate haste to execute Jesus, even before Pilate's judgment, highlighting their fear of Roman authority while pushing to bypass it. They are not just seeking confirmation, but a way to legally achieve their already decided outcome.
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders convene again at dawn. Their focus now shifts from determining guilt to figuring out how to execute him, since they lack the legal authority to impose a death sentence under Roman rule. They decide to present Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, with new charges that would be more likely to result in a death sentence from him.
As the sun rises on Jerusalem, the religious leaders aren't resting. They're already planning Jesus' death.
Matthew 27:1 tells us that 'When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.' This wasn't a spontaneous decision; it was a deliberate continuation of their plan. After condemning Jesus overnight, they reconvened at first light.
Why the Hurry?
Despite their religious titles, these leaders made a chilling choice that reveals a deep corruption.
The eagerness of the chief priests and elders to condemn Jesus, even after their overnight 'trial,' shows a profound moral compromise. Benson notes that they 'resolved to carry him before Pilate... loaded with chains, that he likewise might give sentence against him. For, indeed, otherwise they could not accomplish their purpose; the power of life and death being now taken out of their hands.'
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The Cost of Power
Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
Those who served as the highest religious authorities in Israel, including the high priest and heads of priestly families, responsible for temple worship and representing the people before God.
presbyteros · Greek Noun
An honored title for respected leaders in the Jewish community, often serving in the Sanhedrin, who provided governance and legal oversight based on the Torah.
symboulion poieō · Greek Verb phrase
To take counsel, deliberate, or reach a collective decision; in a legal or conspiratorial sense, it implies a formal agreement or plan.
thanatoō · Greek Verb
To deprive of life; a formal legal or judicial execution, which in this context refers to the goal of the Jewish authorities to end Jesus’ life.
This verse captures a critical moment where the Jewish religious authorities, having already condemned Jesus in their own council, shift their strategy from religious accusation to political accusation to achieve their goal of execution under Roman law.
c. AD 30, early morning— this verse
Sanhedrin Convenes Formal Session
Following Jesus's condemnation for blasphemy during the night, the chief priests and elders reconvened at first light. This formal meeting was necessary to finalize their decision and determine the next steps, particularly how to proceed with a Roman governor who held the authority to execute.
c. AD 30, morning
Jesus Presented to Pilate
The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who resided in Jerusalem during festivals. They sought his judgment and execution, as their own authority to put someone to death had been curtailed by Roman rule.
c. AD 30, morning
Pilate's Wife's Warning
While Pilate was presiding over the trial, his wife sent him a message, warning him to 'have nothing to do with that righteous man.' This intervention added to Pilate's unease and his desire to avoid condemning Jesus.
c. AD 30, morning
The Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas
To appease the crowd and avoid personal responsibility, Pilate offered them a choice: release Jesus or release the notorious prisoner Barabbas. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, demanded Barabbas's release and Jesus's crucifixion.
c. AD 30, morning
Pilate Condemns Jesus
Despite recognizing Jesus's innocence and succumbing to the pressure from the crowd and religious leaders, Pilate washed his hands symbolically to absolve himself of responsibility. He then ordered Jesus to be scourged and handed over for crucifixion.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 27:1, describing the council gathering in the morning and deliberating about Jesus.
John 18:28This verse shows the Jewish leaders bringing Jesus to Pilate at the same time (early morning) after their council, highlighting the continuation of their plot.
Acts 4:5This passage shows the same group – the chief priests and elders – convening as a council, demonstrating their continued authority and their opposition to Jesus' followers.
Matthew 26:59This verse shows the Sanhedrin gathering to seek false testimony against Jesus earlier, setting the stage for the morning council described in Matthew 27:1 to finalize their deadly plan.
Zechariah 11:12While not a direct parallel in action, this Old Testament prophecy speaks of the shepherds (religious leaders) valuing the flock (Jesus) at a price, echoing the corrupt motives behind the council's actions in Matthew 27:1.
bensonMatthew 27:1: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:"
Matthew 27:1-2 . When the morning was come — As soon as the day dawned, the chief priests and elders took counsel against Jesus, &c. — It seems they separated for the space of an hour or two, and at daybreak came together again to consult what method they should take to carry into execution the sentence they had passed against him, namely, to put him to death…
henryMatthew 27:1-10: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:"
27:1-10 Wicked men see little of the consequences of their crimes when they commit them, but they must answer for them all. In the fullest manner Judas acknowledged to the chief priests that he had sinned, and betrayed an innocent person. This was full testimony to the character of Christ; but the rulers were hardened. Casting down the money, Judas departe…
Despite having already condemned Jesus, the chief priests and elders immediately reconvened at dawn. This shows their desperate haste to execute Jesus, even before Pilate's judgment, highlighting their fear of Roman authority while pushing to bypass it. They are not just seeking confirmation, but a way to legally achieve their already decided outcome.
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders convene again at dawn. Their focus now shifts from determining guilt to figuring out how to execute him, since they lack the legal authority to impose a death sentence under Roman rule. They decide to present Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, with new charges that would be more likely to result in a death sentence from him.
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders convene again at dawn. Their focus now shifts from determining guilt to figuring out how to execute him, since they lack the legal authority to impose a death sentence under Roman rule. They decide to present Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, with new charges that would be more likely to result in a death sentence from him.
"When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death." — Despite having already condemned Jesus, the chief priests and elders immediately reconvened at dawn. This shows their desperate haste to execute Jesus, even before Pilate's judgment, highlighting t…
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Last reviewed October 2026