Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:65

"Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:" — Matthew 26:65 (ASV)

Rending garments was an expression of indignation or grief (cf. 2 Kings 18:37; Acts 14:14). Whether the Sanhedrin thought Jesus was blaspheming because he claimed to be Messiah, because he put himself on the Mighty One’s right hand, or because God had not especially attested who Jesus was is uncertain. The decision of the assembled members of the Sanhedrin appears to have been by acclamation. Jesus is “worthy” of the death penalty, mandated for “blasphemy” (GK 1059–1060; cf. Leviticus 24:16).