In Greek they found none is more literally “they did not find”; however, most languages will require the express inclusion of an object (New English Bible “they failed to find one”). The translation should not say “they couldn’t find anyone.” They did find plenty of people who would lie, but they couldn’t find the kind of evidence they were looking for. “They couldn’t find anything” is a common translation. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch entirely restructures: “but this did not happen.”

“Even though many people came forward and told lies about him” of Good News Translation translates a Greek participial construction: though many false witnesses came forward. Since verse 59 specifically indicates that they were actually seeking testimony that was “false,” that word need not be repeated: “even though a series of witnesses came forward” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). It is often helpful to restructure this verse by saying “but even though many people appeared before the Council and told lies about Jesus, they didn’t say things that gave the Council reasons to have Jesus put to death.”

Came forward is used fifty-one times in Matthew’s Gospel (first in 4.3), twice with Jesus as subject (at the Transfiguration, 17.7, and in the giving of the Great Commission, 28.18). In both occurrences in this verse, “appeared before the Council” or “went to give testimony” will express the meaning.

Matthew specifically indicates the number of witnesses: two. This is important inasmuch as it was necessary to have two witnesses whose testimony agreed, in order to convict someone on serious charges.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .