Mark 15:2

KJV

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Pilate {G4091} asked {G1905} him {G846}, Art {G1488} thou {G4771} the King {G935} of the Jews {G2453}? And {G1161} he answering {G611} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Thou {G4771} sayest {G3004} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pilate put this question to him: "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "The words are yours."

Berean Standard Bible

So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

American Standard Version

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering saith unto him, Thou sayest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:2 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where the Roman governor directly confronts Jesus with the politically charged question, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus' concise and enigmatic response, "Thou sayest [it]," serves as a profound affirmation of His true identity and kingship, subtly re-contextualizing the nature of His reign from a worldly political threat to a spiritual and divine reality, even as He stands condemned by human authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Mark's passion narrative, immediately following Jesus' condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin in [Mark 14:53-65](/mark/14-53-65 "Mark 14:53-65 - Jesus before the Sanhedrin"). Having been found guilty of blasphemy, Jesus is then handed over to the Roman authorities, as the Jewish leaders lacked the power to execute Him. The charge against Jesus shifts dramatically from a religious one (blasphemy, claiming to be the Son of God) to a political one (claiming to be a king, which would be an act of sedition against Caesar). Pilate's question in [Mark 15:2](/mark/15-2 "Mark 15:2 - Pilate Questions Jesus") is the first direct interaction between the Roman governor and Jesus in Mark's Gospel, setting the stage for the Roman trial that will ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion. The brevity of Jesus' response here, characteristic of Mark's Gospel, underscores His sovereign control even in His suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea from AD 26-36, a period marked by frequent Jewish unrest and Roman efforts to maintain order. Roman governors were acutely sensitive to any claims of kingship or messianic movements that could incite rebellion against imperial rule, as such claims directly challenged Caesar's authority. The title "King of the Jews" carried significant political weight, distinct from the Jewish spiritual expectation of a Messiah. While many Jews anticipated a Davidic king who would liberate them from Roman oppression, Pilate would have understood this title purely in terms of a worldly, insurrectionist leader. Jesus' trial before Pilate, therefore, was not merely a legal proceeding but a clash of kingdoms: the earthly Roman Empire versus the divine Kingdom of God, a theme explored in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **The Nature of Jesus' Kingship**, contrasting Pilate's worldly understanding of a king with Jesus' true, spiritual authority. Although Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah and King, His kingdom is "not of this world," as He clarifies in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"). Secondly, the exchange underscores the tension between **Human Authority and Divine Sovereignty**. Pilate, representing the ultimate human power of his time, believes he holds the power of life and death over Jesus, yet he is unwittingly fulfilling God's redemptive plan, a concept echoed in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan"). Finally, Jesus' composure and concise response exemplify **Jesus' Poise and Witness Under Pressure**. Despite facing unjust accusation and the imminent threat of crucifixion, Jesus maintains His dignity and unwavering commitment to His divine identity and mission, even in the face of mockery and suffering, as described later in [Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16-20 "Mark 15:16-20 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb, G1905, means "to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek." Pilate's question is a direct inquiry, seeking to ascertain the political threat Jesus poses. It is not merely a casual question but a formal interrogation aimed at determining a capital offense.
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** This noun, G935, refers to "a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)." In this context, Pilate uses it with a worldly, political connotation, implying a rival ruler to Caesar. However, for Jesus, it signifies His divine, spiritual, and ultimate authority over all creation, a kingship far surpassing any earthly dominion.
* **sayest (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb, G3004, means "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean." Jesus' use of "Thou sayest it" (Greek: _Su légeis_) is a common Semitic idiom that functions as an affirmation, often with the nuance of "Yes, that is what you say, and it is true," or "You have said it correctly." It acknowledges the truth of the statement from the questioner's perspective without necessarily embracing all the implications the questioner attaches to it, allowing for a deeper, spiritual understanding of His kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews?"**: This opening clause establishes the direct confrontation between Roman authority and Jesus. Pilate's question is precise and politically charged, aiming to confirm whether Jesus' claims align with sedition against the Roman Empire. The title "King of the Jews" is the specific accusation brought by the Jewish leaders, shifting the focus from religious blasphemy to a civil crime punishable by Rome.
* **"And he answering said unto him, "Thou sayest [it]."**: Jesus' response is remarkably concise, yet deeply profound. The idiom "Thou sayest it" (Greek: _Su légeis_) is a nuanced affirmation. It is not a simple "yes," which might imply agreement with Pilate's worldly understanding of kingship, nor is it a denial, which would be untrue to His identity. Instead, it acknowledges the truth of the statement from Pilate's perspective while simultaneously inviting a deeper understanding of the nature of His kingship—one that transcends earthly political power and is rooted in divine authority and spiritual reality. This response maintains Jesus' dignity and truthfulness without submitting to the false premises of His accusers.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in Mark 15:2 is rich with **Irony**. Pilate, representing the might of the Roman Empire, unwittingly questions the true King of the universe. His concern is with a political usurper, while Jesus' kingship is spiritual and eternal, a truth that remains hidden to Pilate. Jesus' response, "Thou sayest [it]," also employs **Understatement** and **Ambiguity**. While an affirmation, it is not an enthusiastic declaration, subtly challenging Pilate's narrow definition of "King." This ambiguity allows for a deeper theological meaning, inviting the reader to grasp the true, divine nature of Jesus' authority beyond the political realm. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Pilate's question and Jesus' subsequent crucifixion under the charge "King of the Jews" (as inscribed on the cross in [Mark 15:26](/mark/15-26 "Mark 15:26 - The Inscription on the Cross")) paradoxically confirm Jesus' true identity as the sovereign King, even in His apparent defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:2 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' unwavering identity and the unique nature of His kingdom. In this brief exchange, we witness the collision of earthly power and divine truth. Pilate's question, born of political concern, inadvertently elicits a profound declaration from Jesus regarding His true status. Jesus' response, "Thou sayest [it]," is not a mere concession but a subtle yet firm affirmation that His kingship is real, though fundamentally different from what Pilate, or even many of the Jewish people, might have expected. It underscores that Jesus' authority is not derived from human institutions or military might, but from God, establishing a spiritual reign that transcends all worldly dominion. This encounter foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers, even through the path of suffering and apparent defeat.

* [John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")
* [Matthew 27:11](/matthew/27-11 "Matthew 27:11 - Parallel Account of Pilate's Question")
* [1 Timothy 6:13](/1_timothy/6-13 "1 Timothy 6:13 - Jesus' Good Confession Before Pilate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:2 invites us to deeply consider the nature of Jesus' kingship and, by extension, the nature of our own allegiance. In a world often preoccupied with worldly power, political influence, and material gain, Jesus' quiet affirmation before Pilate reminds us that His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is profoundly real and transformative. His kingship is defined by truth, humility, and self-sacrificial love, culminating in the cross. For believers, this means our primary allegiance must be to Christ's spiritual kingdom, which may often put us at odds with the values and systems of the world. We are called to embody His truth, even when it leads to misunderstanding or opposition, trusting that God's sovereign plan unfolds even through human injustice. This verse challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie and to live as citizens of His eternal kingdom, reflecting His character in a world that desperately needs His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' understated response, "Thou sayest [it]," challenge our own assumptions about what a "king" or "ruler" should look like?**
* **In what ways might our pursuit of worldly power or influence distract us from focusing on the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom?**
* **How can we, like Jesus, stand firm in our identity and truth, even when facing misunderstanding or opposition from the world's systems?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate ask if Jesus was "the King of the Jews" instead of asking about blasphemy?**

Answer: Pilate, as the Roman governor, was primarily concerned with maintaining Roman order and preventing political unrest. The Jewish Sanhedrin had condemned Jesus for blasphemy, a religious charge, but they lacked the authority to execute Him. To secure a death sentence from Pilate, they reframed the charge into a political one: claiming to be a king, which would be an act of sedition against Caesar. Pilate's question in [Mark 15:2](/mark/15-2 "Mark 15:2 - Pilate Questions Jesus") directly addresses this political accusation, as a rival king would pose a direct threat to Roman imperial authority and stability in Judea. He was not interested in Jewish religious law but in Roman law and order.

**What did Jesus mean by "Thou sayest [it]"? Was it a "yes" or a "no"?**

Answer: Jesus' response, "Thou sayest [it]" (Greek: _Su légeis_), is a common Semitic idiom that functions as an affirmation, but with a significant nuance. It is more than a simple "yes." It acknowledges the truth of Pilate's statement from Pilate's own perspective, essentially saying, "That is indeed what you say, and it is true." However, it subtly distinguishes Jesus' understanding of "King" from Pilate's worldly, political interpretation. It affirms His kingship without endorsing the political implications Pilate attached to the title. This same phrase is used by Jesus in [Matthew 26:64](/matthew/26-64 "Matthew 26:64 - Jesus' Response to Caiaphas") when asked by the high priest if He is the Christ, the Son of God, indicating it is a profound and truthful affirmation of His identity, even if the questioner's understanding is limited.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:2, with Pilate's loaded question and Jesus' enigmatic affirmation, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus' kingship. Though standing as a prisoner before an earthly ruler, Jesus' quiet "Thou sayest [it]" is a powerful declaration of His true identity as the promised Messiah and sovereign King, a truth that would be fully revealed through His suffering, death, and resurrection. The very title "King of the Jews," intended as a charge of sedition and later mocked on the cross (as seen in [Mark 15:26](/mark/15-26 "Mark 15:26 - The Inscription on the Cross")), paradoxically becomes the banner of His divine reign. His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is the eternal kingdom established by God, over which He reigns supreme. The cross, seemingly a defeat, is the throne from which He exercises His redemptive power, conquering sin and death. This is the King who, though humiliated, is now exalted "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship")), demonstrating that His kingship, affirmed in this pivotal moment, is not merely a historical claim but an eternal reality that governs all creation and offers salvation to all who believe.

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

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

1 Timothy 6:13

¶ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and [before] Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Matthew 27:11

¶ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

Matthew 27:14

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Mark 15:26

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Mark 15:18

And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

Mark 15:9

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?