Matthew 27:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But when he was accused by the head cohanim and elders, he gave no answer.

Berean Standard Bible:

And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.

American Standard Version:

And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} when^{G1722} he^{G846} was accused^{G2723} of^{G5259} the chief priests^{G749} and^{G2532} elders^{G4245}, he answered^{G611} nothing^{G3762}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Matthew 27:12

Matthew 27:12 is a verse set within the broader narrative of the Passion of Christ in the New Testament. This particular verse captures a moment during Jesus' trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. In the verse, Jesus is being accused by the chief priests and elders—the religious leaders of the Jewish people at the time. These accusations are part of the culmination of a series of events where Jesus' teachings and actions have increasingly put him at odds with the religious establishment.

The historical context of this verse is the Roman occupation of Judea, where the Jewish population was governed by a combination of Roman law and local Jewish customs. The chief priests and elders, who held significant religious authority, are depicted as hostile towards Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their power and to the stability of their relationship with the Roman authorities. Their accusations likely revolve around blasphemy, messianic claims, and potential insurrection—charges that would be serious under Roman law.

The theme of the verse is one of silence and stoicism. Jesus' refusal to answer the accusations is consistent with other Gospel accounts where he remains mostly silent during the trials, a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7) and an embodiment of the Suffering Servant archetype. His silence can be interpreted in various ways: as a legal strategy to avoid self-incrimination, as a form of passive resistance against an unjust proceeding, or as a profound expression of his willing submission to the divine plan of redemption through suffering.

This verse also highlights the contrast between the earthly powers, represented by the chief priests and elders, and the heavenly authority embodied by Jesus. It underscores the theme of injustice, as Jesus, whom Christians believe to be innocent, faces a trial that is deeply flawed and politically motivated. The silence of Jesus in the face of these accusations serves to heighten the dramatic tension and sets the stage for the subsequent events of his crucifixion, which are central to Christian faith and theology.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2723
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατηγορέω
   Transliteration: katēgoréō
   Pronunciation: kat-ay-gor-eh'-o
   Description: from κατήγορος; to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence:--accuse, object.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5259
   There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑπό
   Transliteration: hypó
   Pronunciation: hoop-o'
   Description: a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately.
   
6. Strong's Number: G749
   There are 120 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀρχιερεύς
   Transliteration: archiereús
   Pronunciation: ar-khee-er-yuce'
   Description: from ἀρχή and ἱερεύς; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest:--chief (high) priest, chief of the priests.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4245
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πρεσβύτερος
   Transliteration: presbýteros
   Pronunciation: pres-boo'-ter-os
   Description: comparative of (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter":-- elder(-est), old.
   
8. Strong's Number: G611
   There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποκρίνομαι
   Transliteration: apokrínomai
   Pronunciation: ap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee
   Description: from ἀπό and ; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected):--answer.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3762
   There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐδείς
   Transliteration: oudeís
   Pronunciation: oo-den'
   Description: from οὐδέ and εἷς; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing:--any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought.