Mark 15:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:10 offers a pivotal insight into the true motives behind the religious leaders' relentless pursuit of Jesus' crucifixion: their profound envy. This verse reveals Pontius Pilate's acute awareness of their malicious intentions, thereby underscoring the deep-seated injustice and moral corruption that characterized Jesus' trial before the Roman governor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately following Pilate's offer to release either Jesus or Barabbas to the crowd, a customary Passover amnesty. Mark 15:6-9 sets up this choice, highlighting Pilate's initial inclination to release Jesus, whom he found innocent. Verse 10 then provides the crucial explanation for why Pilate was even considering releasing Jesus: he understood the underlying, corrupt motivation of the chief priests. This discernment by Pilate contrasts sharply with the manipulated crowd's subsequent demand for Barabbas, further emphasizing the perversion of justice at play. The verse serves as a narrative pivot, explaining Pilate's actions and the chief priests' machinations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' trial occurred during the Jewish Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor in Jerusalem. The Roman governor, Pilate, was acutely aware of the volatile political climate and the potential for riots, especially during such a significant feast. The chief priests and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, held significant religious and social authority but lacked the power to execute a capital sentence under Roman occupation. Thus, they needed Pilate to ratify their death sentence. Their envy stemmed from Jesus' growing popularity, His challenges to their authority and interpretations of the Law, and His perceived threat to their established order and relationship with Rome. The crowd's presence and their ability to influence Pilate through a customary release tradition further contextualize the pressure Pilate faced.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **destructive power of human sin**, specifically [envy](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh"), as a driving force behind the rejection of God's Messiah. The chief priests' envy represents a profound spiritual blindness and moral corruption. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' innocence and the injustice of His trial**. Pilate's recognition of their envy implicitly affirms that Jesus was being persecuted not for any crime, but for who He was and the threat He posed to the religious establishment. This aligns with the broader theme of the [righteous suffering of the Servant](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, it touches upon the **sovereignty of God** amidst human wickedness. Despite the malicious intentions of the chief priests and the compromised justice system, God's ultimate plan for redemption through the crucifixion of His Son was unfolding, demonstrating that even human evil can be woven into His divine purposes, as seen in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan and Human Responsibility").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This term signifies a deep, experiential understanding or recognition, rather than merely superficial awareness. Pilate didn't just suspect; he had a profound, informed comprehension of the chief priests' true motives. It implies an insight into their character and intentions gained through observation and experience, making his subsequent actions all the more morally compromising.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** While often translated as "betray" in the context of Judas, here it means "to surrender," "yield up," or "hand over." It accurately describes the action of the chief priests, who formally handed Jesus over to Pilate for judgment and execution. This word emphasizes their active role in instigating and facilitating Jesus' condemnation, surrendering Him to the Roman authorities.
* **envy (Greek, _phthónos'_):** This is a strong term denoting malicious jealousy or ill-will. It describes a resentful displeasure at another's success, advantage, or superiority, often accompanied by a desire to harm or diminish them. The chief priests were not just coveting something Jesus had; they were deeply resentful of His popularity, authority, and perceived threat to their own status, leading them to actively seek His destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he knew":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Pilate's awareness and insight into the situation. It highlights that his subsequent actions were not born of ignorance but of a conscious understanding of the underlying dynamics. His knowledge makes his eventual decision to condemn Jesus even more morally culpable.
* **"that the chief priests":** This specifies the primary antagonists and instigators of Jesus' trial and condemnation. The "chief priests" represent the entrenched religious establishment, those who held significant power and influence within the Jewish community and were most threatened by Jesus' ministry and teachings.
* **"had delivered him":** This clause describes the specific action taken by the chief priests. They were the ones who formally handed Jesus over to the Roman authority, indicating their direct responsibility for bringing Him to Pilate's court and seeking His death. It underscores their active role in the unfolding events.
* **"for envy":** This crucial phrase reveals the core motivation behind the chief priests' actions. Their relentless pursuit of Jesus' death was not based on justice, truth, or genuine concern for the Law, but on a corrupt, self-serving emotion: malicious jealousy. They envied His popularity, His wisdom, His miracles, and the devotion of the people, seeing Him as a rival to their authority and position.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:10 employs **Irony** by portraying Pilate, a pagan Roman governor, as having a clearer understanding of the chief priests' corrupt motives than the religious leaders themselves had of their own spiritual state or of Jesus' true identity. This highlights the spiritual blindness of those who should have been most discerning. The verse also uses **Characterization** to subtly expose the chief priests' moral depravity, showing that their actions were driven not by piety or justice, but by the base human sin of envy. This serves to further underscore the **Pathos** of Jesus' situation, as He is condemned not for wrongdoing, but for the malicious jealousy of His accusers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:10 profoundly illustrates the destructive nature of envy, a sin that often lurks beneath the surface of religious piety and political maneuvering. The chief priests' envy of Jesus' popularity, authority, and divine favor led them to reject the very Messiah they ostensibly served. This verse serves as a stark reminder that human sin, even in its most subtle forms, can blind individuals to truth and lead to profound injustice, ultimately opposing God's redemptive plan. Despite their malicious intent, God sovereignly used their sin to accomplish His greater purpose of atonement through Christ's sacrifice.

* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - The Cruelty of Envy")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28-32 "Romans 1:28-32 - The Depravity of Humanity")
* [James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "James 3:14-16 - Earthly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:10 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts. The chief priests, ostensibly guardians of God's law, were so consumed by envy that it distorted their judgment, corrupted their actions, and ultimately led them to condemn the innocent Son of God. This should prompt us to consider how often our own decisions, criticisms, or resentments might be subtly fueled by jealousy—whether of another's gifts, success, or perceived favor. Recognizing the insidious nature of envy is the first step toward repentance and spiritual healing. Furthermore, this verse calls us to cultivate discernment, not only in understanding the motives of others but, more importantly, in scrutinizing our own. It reminds us that true righteousness is not merely outward adherence to rules, but an inward purity of heart that is free from destructive vices like envy, allowing us to embrace truth and justice, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or personal interests.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might envy subtly influence your thoughts or actions toward others?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart of contentment and genuine joy for the success of others, rather than succumbing to envy?**
* **What steps can you take to develop greater discernment regarding the motives behind criticism or opposition, both from others and within yourself?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate, knowing the chief priests' motives, still condemn Jesus?**

Answer: Pilate's decision to condemn Jesus, despite knowing the chief priests' motivation was envy and not justice, highlights his moral cowardice and political expediency. As the Roman governor, he was primarily concerned with maintaining order and avoiding a riot, especially during the volatile Passover festival. The chief priests skillfully manipulated the crowd and threatened to report Pilate to Caesar if he released Jesus, accusing Jesus of sedition against Rome ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations Against Jesus before Pilate")). Pilate prioritized his own political standing and the stability of the region over true justice, ultimately washing his hands of the matter ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")) and yielding to the crowd's demands. His knowledge of their envy only underscores his culpability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:10, revealing the chief priests' condemnation of Jesus "for envy," powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the very nature of Christ's atoning work. The sin of envy, a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, drove the religious elite to reject and crucify the sinless Son of God. Yet, in God's divine wisdom, this act of ultimate human depravity became the very means of salvation. Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, was delivered up not because of His own sin, but because of humanity's sin, including the envy that consumed His accusers. His death, therefore, was not a tragic accident but a purposeful sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")). The envy that led to His crucifixion ultimately served to demonstrate the depth of human sin and the even greater depth of God's love and grace, as He provided a way for reconciliation through the very act intended to destroy His Son ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Christ's willing surrender to the cross, even at the hands of envious men, stands as the ultimate act of self-giving love that conquers sin and death, offering redemption to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.