Then the high-priest rent his clothes— Though the high-priest was forbidden to rend his clothes in some cases, when others were allowed to do it, (Leviticus 10:6; Leviticus 21:10.) yet in case of blasphemy or any public calamity it was thought allowable. Caiaphas therefore, by this action, expressed in the strongest and most artful manner his horror at hearing so vile a wretch, as he pretended our Lord was, thus claiming the sovereignty over Israel, and a seat at the right-hand of God, and this when adjured upon oath on so solemn an occasion. That the high-priest was clothed in ordinary apparel on this occasion, appears from Exodus 29:29-30 where the pontifical garments are ordered to descend from father to son, and therefore were to be worn only at their consecration, and when they ministered.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 26:65
Matthew 26:65
65 Then 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.