Mark 15:10

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

For {G1063} he knew {G1097} that {G3754} the chief priests {G749} had delivered {G3860} him {G846} for {G1223} envy {G5355}.

For it was evident to him that it was out of jealousy that the head cohanim had handed him over.

For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.

For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.

Commentary

Mark 15:10 reveals a crucial insight into the motivation behind the chief priests' relentless pursuit of Jesus' crucifixion: their deep-seated envy. This verse highlights Pilate's awareness of their true intentions, underscoring the profound injustice of Jesus' trial.

Context

This verse is situated during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, after questioning Jesus and finding no fault in Him (Luke 23:4), sought to release Him. He presents a choice to the crowd—release Jesus or Barabbas (Mark 15:9). Pilate's discernment here is key; he understood that the religious leaders were not acting out of genuine concern for justice or truth, but from a darker motive.

Key Themes

  • Envy as a Driving Force: The primary theme is the destructive power of envy. The chief priests saw Jesus' growing popularity, His teaching, and His miracles as a threat to their authority, influence, and traditional religious system. This perceived threat fueled their desire to eliminate Him.
  • Innocence and Injustice: Pilate's recognition of their envy implicitly affirms Jesus' innocence. The trial was a façade; the verdict was predetermined by the malicious intent of His accusers, not by any wrongdoing on Jesus' part.
  • Human Opposition to Divine Truth: This verse illustrates how human sin, specifically envy, can stand in direct opposition to God's truth and the manifestation of His Son. The religious leaders, who should have recognized the Messiah, instead condemned Him out of jealousy.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "envy" is phthonos (φθόνος). This term denotes a malicious jealousy or ill-will, a grudging of another's superiority or possessions. It's not merely a desire for what someone else has, but a resentful displeasure at their success or advantage, often leading to a desire to harm them. Pilate's use of ginōskō (γινώskō) for "knew" implies a deep, experiential understanding or recognition of their underlying motive, rather than just a superficial awareness.

Practical Application

Mark 15:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the insidious nature of envy:

  • Self-Examination: It prompts us to examine our own hearts for any traces of envy, recognizing its potential to corrupt judgment and lead to harmful actions, just as it did with the chief priests. The Bible consistently warns against this vice (e.g., Galatians 5:21 lists envy as a work of the flesh).
  • Discerning Motives: We are encouraged to be discerning about the motives behind opposition, whether in spiritual or secular contexts. Not all criticism or opposition is based on truth or justice.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Despite the profound injustice driven by human envy, God's sovereign plan for redemption through Christ's sacrifice was being accomplished. This reminds us that even through the darkest human actions, God remains in control, working all things for His ultimate purpose (Romans 8:28).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 27:4

    Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

  • Matthew 27:18

    For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

  • Genesis 4:4

    And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

  • Genesis 4:6

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • 1 Samuel 18:8

    And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom?

  • 1 Samuel 18:9

    And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
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