Mark 15:4

KJV

And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Pilate {G4091} asked {G1905} him {G846} again {G3825}, saying {G3004}, Answerest thou {G611} nothing {G3756}{G3762}? behold {G2396} how many things {G4214} they witness {G2649} against thee {G4675}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Pilate again inquired of him, "Aren't you going to answer? Look how many charges they are making against you!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!”

American Standard Version

And Pilate again asked him, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they accuse thee of.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:4 captures a pivotal and perplexing moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where the Roman governor, accustomed to defendants vigorously defending themselves, expresses profound astonishment at Jesus' resolute silence in the face of numerous and vehement accusations. This verse underscores Pilate's bewilderment as he confronts the extraordinary composure of Jesus amidst the clamor of false witnesses, setting the stage for his subsequent attempts to release Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the chief priests and elders have brought a multitude of charges against Jesus, as recorded in [Mark 15:3](/mark/15-3 "Mark 15:3 - Accusations Against Jesus"). Having been handed over by the Jewish authorities to the Roman governor, Jesus is now undergoing an official Roman inquiry. Pilate has already questioned Jesus regarding His claim to be "King of the Jews" in [Mark 15:2](/mark/15-2 "Mark 15:2 - Pilate Questions Jesus"), to which Jesus gave a cryptic "Thou sayest it." The current verse highlights Pilate's second direct engagement with Jesus, prompted by the escalating accusations from the Jewish leadership. Jesus' silence here stands in stark contrast to the vociferous clamor of His accusers and Pilate's expectation of a defense, intensifying the dramatic tension of the trial narrative. This moment also foreshadows Pilate's growing unease and conviction that Jesus is innocent, leading to his later attempts to release Him, as seen in [Mark 15:9](/mark/15-9 "Mark 15:9 - Pilate Offers to Release Jesus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before Pilate took place during the Jewish Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was bustling with pilgrims and Roman authorities were particularly vigilant to maintain order. Pontius Pilate, as the Roman prefect of Judea, held ultimate judicial and executive authority, including the power of capital punishment, which the Jewish Sanhedrin lacked under Roman rule. Roman trials typically involved the accused presenting a defense, and silence was often interpreted as an admission of guilt. However, Jesus' silence here is not born of guilt but of sovereign purpose. Furthermore, the Jewish leaders' insistence on a Roman trial highlights their desire to ensure Jesus' death by crucifixion, a Roman method of execution, rather than stoning, the Jewish method, thereby fulfilling prophecy and avoiding direct responsibility in the eyes of the populace. Pilate's question reflects his Roman legal background and his surprise at Jesus' deviation from expected courtroom behavior.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:4 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' sovereign control and deliberate submission** to God's will. His silence is not passive but an active choice, fulfilling the prophetic depiction of the suffering servant who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This highlights His identity as the Messiah who came to suffer and die. Secondly, the verse underscores **the injustice and baselessness of the accusations** leveled against Jesus. Despite the "many things" witnessed, Pilate's reaction suggests a lack of credible evidence, leading him to question the proceedings. This theme of false witness is prevalent throughout Jesus' trials, as seen in [Mark 14:56-59](/mark/14-56-59 "Mark 14:56-59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"). Lastly, it reveals **Pilate's perplexity and internal conflict**, as he struggles to comprehend Jesus' demeanor and discern the truth amidst the religious and political pressures. His bewilderment sets the stage for his subsequent efforts to release Jesus, highlighting the unique and compelling nature of Jesus' person even to His Roman judge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This word, derived from `epi` (upon) and `erōtaō` (to ask), signifies to "ask for," "inquire," or "demand." Pilate's use of this word indicates a direct and probing inquiry, seeking a response from Jesus. His question is not merely rhetorical but an attempt to elicit a defense or explanation, reflecting his expectation that any accused person would speak in their own behalf.
* **Answerest thou (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb means "to conclude for oneself" or "to respond." In this context, it refers to Jesus' expected reply to the accusations. The negative framing of Pilate's question ("Answerest thou nothing?") underscores his astonishment at Jesus' complete lack of verbal defense, which was highly unusual in Roman legal proceedings.
* **witness against (Greek, _katamartyréō'_):** A compound word from `kata` (against) and `martyreō` (to bear witness), meaning "to testify against." This precisely describes the action of the chief priests and elders, who were bringing numerous, often contradictory, testimonies intended to condemn Jesus. Pilate's observation of "how many things they witness against thee" highlights the sheer volume of these accusations, which nevertheless failed to move Jesus to speak.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pilate asked him again, saying,"**: This phrase indicates a continuation of Pilate's interrogation, emphasizing his persistence and perhaps growing frustration or curiosity. The word "again" (G3825, _pálin_) suggests a previous attempt to elicit a response, highlighting Jesus' consistent silence. Pilate is actively seeking a dialogue or defense from Jesus, which is not forthcoming.
* **"Answerest thou nothing?"**: This is a direct, incredulous question from Pilate. It conveys his astonishment and bewilderment at Jesus' complete lack of response to the barrage of accusations. In a Roman court, silence was often interpreted as an admission of guilt, yet Jesus' dignified silence here confounds Pilate, suggesting a deeper meaning than mere acquiescence.
* **"behold how many things they witness against thee."**: Pilate draws Jesus' attention to the sheer volume and vehemence of the accusations being leveled by the Jewish leaders. The imperative "behold" (G2396, _íde_) serves as an exclamation, emphasizing Pilate's surprise and perhaps his attempt to provoke a self-preservation instinct in Jesus. He is highlighting the gravity of the situation and the overwhelming nature of the testimony, yet Jesus remains silent.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Answerest thou nothing?", which Pilate poses not necessarily to elicit an answer he expects, but to express his astonishment and to highlight the unusual nature of Jesus' silence. This question serves to underscore the dramatic tension of the scene. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the clamor and multitude of accusations from the chief priests and elders and Jesus' profound and deliberate silence. This stark opposition emphasizes Jesus' unique composure and sovereign control in the face of immense pressure. Furthermore, Jesus' silence can be seen as an act of **Symbolism**, representing His complete submission to the Father's will and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant, who would not open His mouth in defense. This silent dignity also serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of His ultimate sacrifice, made without protest or resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:4 offers a profound theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission. His silence before Pilate is not a sign of weakness or inability to defend Himself, but a deliberate act of submission to the divine will, fulfilling the prophetic image of the suffering servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). This sovereign silence underscores His role as the Lamb of God, who willingly goes to the slaughter for the sins of humanity, choosing self-sacrifice over self-preservation. It highlights the profound spiritual truth that His kingdom is not of this world, and His defense is not reliant on human words or legal maneuvering, but on the divine plan of redemption. This moment also reveals the blindness and spiritual darkness of those who falsely accuse Him, unable to comprehend the divine purpose unfolding before their eyes.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")
* [John 19:8-11](/john/19-8-11 "John 19:8-11 - Pilate's Fear and Jesus' Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:4 challenges believers to consider the power of intentional silence in a world often saturated with noise and the clamor for self-defense. Jesus' example teaches us that there are moments when the most profound and impactful response to injustice, accusation, or misunderstanding is not to speak, but to trust in God's sovereign plan and allow Him to vindicate. This requires immense faith, humility, and a deep understanding of one's identity in Christ. It calls us to surrender our need for control and our desire to be understood, embracing the truth that God's purposes are often accomplished through means that defy human logic. In our own lives, when we face false accusations, criticism, or are tempted to retaliate, Jesus' silence provides a powerful model for enduring suffering with dignity and allowing God to be our ultimate defender. It reminds us that our vindication comes from Him, not from our own arguments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I feel the greatest urge to defend myself, and how might Jesus' silence challenge that impulse?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with unjust accusations or difficult circumstances?**
* **What does Jesus' deliberate silence reveal about the nature of true power and spiritual authority?**
* **When might silence be a more powerful witness than words in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose to remain silent before Pilate, especially when His life was at stake?**

Answer: Jesus' silence before Pilate was a deliberate and profound act, not a sign of weakness or inability to defend Himself. Theologically, it fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, particularly the description of the suffering servant in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"), who "opened not his mouth." This silence underscored His willing submission to the Father's plan for redemption, demonstrating His sovereign control even in His apparent vulnerability. It also served as a powerful testimony to the baselessness of the accusations against Him, highlighting the spiritual blindness of His accusers and the futility of human justice against divine purpose. His kingdom was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His defense was rooted in divine truth, not human argumentation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:4, with Jesus' profound silence before Pilate, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the willing Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is the very foundation of salvation. His refusal to defend Himself, despite the overwhelming accusations, powerfully anticipates His role as the atoning sacrifice, who "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). This silence is not passivity but an active, sovereign choice, echoing the prophetic imagery of the Suffering Servant who "was led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Acts 8:32](/acts/8-32 "Acts 8:32 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch")). By bearing the false accusations without protest, Jesus embodies the one "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth; when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1_peter/2-22-23](/1-peter/2-22-23 "1 Peter 2:22-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His silence before Pilate, therefore, is a pivotal moment in His journey to the cross, where He would ultimately take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating His perfect obedience and the depth of His love for humanity.

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

John 19:10

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Matthew 27:13

Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Matthew 26:62

And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?