Matthew 26, side by side

Two versions of the same chapter. Each row is one verse, so you can see how the wording changes.

Modern

1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples,

Classic

1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Modern

2“You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Classic

2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Modern

3At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,

Classic

3Then 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,

Modern

4and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Classic

4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

Modern

5“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

Classic

5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Modern

6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,

Classic

6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

Modern

7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.

Classic

7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

Modern

8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste?

Classic

8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

Modern

9This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”

Classic

9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

Modern

10Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.

Classic

10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

Modern

11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.

Classic

11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Modern

12By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial.

Classic

12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

Modern

13Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Classic

13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Modern

14Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

Classic

14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Modern

15and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Classic

15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Modern

16So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Classic

16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Modern

17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

Classic

17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

Modern

18He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’”

Classic

18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

Modern

19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

Classic

19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

Modern

20When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples.

Classic

20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

Modern

21And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”

Classic

21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Modern

22They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Classic

22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

Modern

23Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me.

Classic

23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

Modern

24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Classic

24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Modern

25Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”

Classic

25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Modern

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”

Classic

26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

Modern

27Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

Classic

27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

Modern

28This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Classic

28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Modern

29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Classic

29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Modern

30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Classic

30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Modern

31Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Classic

31Then 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.

Modern

32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Classic

32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Modern

33Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”

Classic

33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

Modern

34“Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

Classic

34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Modern

35Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.

Classic

35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Modern

36At that time Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

Classic

36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Modern

37He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.

Classic

37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Modern

38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

Classic

38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Modern

39Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Classic

39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Modern

40Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.

Classic

40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Modern

41“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Classic

41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Modern

42A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”

Classic

42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Modern

43And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy.

Classic

43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

Modern

44So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.

Classic

44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Modern

45Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Classic

45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Modern

46Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!”

Classic

46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Modern

47While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Classic

47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Modern

48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”

Classic

48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Modern

49Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Classic

49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Modern

50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.

Classic

50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Modern

51At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

Classic

51And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.

Modern

52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Classic

52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Modern

53Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Classic

53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Modern

54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

Classic

54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Modern

55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

Classic

55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Modern

56But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Classic

56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Modern

57Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.

Classic

57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

Modern

58But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

Classic

58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

Modern

59Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.

Classic

59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

Modern

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

Classic

60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

Modern

61and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Classic

61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

Modern

62So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”

Classic

62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

Modern

63But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Classic

63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Modern

64“You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Classic

64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Modern

65At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.

Classic

65Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

Modern

66What do you think?” “He deserves to die,” they answered.

Classic

66What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Modern

67Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him

Classic

67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

Modern

68and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?”

Classic

68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Modern

69Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said.

Classic

69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Modern

70But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.”

Classic

70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

Modern

71When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

Classic

71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

Modern

72And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!”

Classic

72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

Modern

73After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.”

Classic

73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Modern

74At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

Classic

74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Modern

75Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Classic

75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

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