What Does Matthew 26:20 Mean in the King James?

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

Matthew 26:20 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

“Sat down” also carries the Greek image of reclining at a meal, making shared closeness the scene’s first fact.

THE MEANING

Evening has come, and Jesus is settled with the twelve. You enter the scene at a shared meal, with the whole circle gathered before anything more is spoken.

THE ROOT

ἀνέκειτο

anekeito

GROWS FROM

κεῖμαι

keimai

To lie or be placed.

The Greek verb ⁨ἀνάκειμαι⁩ (anakeimai), meaning “recline at a meal,” gives “sat down” the added image of a guest settled at the table. Its base, ⁨κεῖμαι⁩ (keimai), meaning “lie” or “be placed,” keeps that resting posture visible in the scene.

ALSO GROWS

anakeimai: To recline as a guest at a meal.

ἀνάκειμαι

This is the verb used here: Jesus is settled at the table with the twelve.

apokeimai: To be laid aside or kept in reserve.

ἀπόκειμαι

It shares the base sense of being laid or placed; here that sense appears as Jesus settled among the twelve.

THE PATTERN

A shared table gathers intimacy and vulnerability in the same place.

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Exodus 12:8 · KJVThe meal is shared in the night, with deliverance drawing near.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalm 23:5 · KJVThe table offers welcome even while danger remains present.

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

Mark 14:18 · KJVThe shared meal holds the closeness of the table alongside the vulnerability of betrayal.

THE THREAD

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

John 13:23 · KJV

Matthew’s “sat down” and John’s “leaning” render forms of ⁨ἀνάκειμαι⁩ (anakeimai), meaning “recline at a meal.” The shared verb moves from Jesus gathered with the twelve to one disciple reclining close beside him.

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