Mark 15:5

KJV

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} yet {G3765} answered {G611} nothing {G3762}; so {G5620} that Pilate {G4091} marvelled {G2296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua made no further response, to Pilate's amazement.

Berean Standard Bible

But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.

American Standard Version

But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:5 captures a profoundly significant moment during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where Jesus maintains a complete and deliberate silence in the face of numerous, escalating accusations from the chief priests and elders. This unexpected and unprecedented refusal to defend Himself deeply astonished Pilate, highlighting Jesus' sovereign control, fulfillment of prophecy, and unique divine composure amidst intense pressure and injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Jesus' passion narrative, immediately following Pilate's direct interrogation of Jesus regarding His kingship in [Mark 15:2](/mark/15-2 "Mark 15:2 - Pilate Questions Jesus") and the subsequent, vehement accusations hurled by the chief priests and scribes (cf. [Mark 15:3-4](/mark/15-3-4 "Mark 15:3-4 - Accusations Against Jesus")). While Jesus had offered a brief, enigmatic affirmation to Pilate's initial question ("You have said so"), the escalating volume and severity of the charges from His Jewish accusers are met with an absolute and unwavering silence. This silence stands in stark contrast to the clamor of the crowd and the legal expectations of the Roman court, serving as a powerful narrative device that underscores Jesus' unique posture and the gravity of the moment. The preceding verses establish the chaotic and unjust nature of the trial, making Jesus' composed silence all the more striking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before Pilate took place in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea (26-36 AD), was responsible for maintaining order and administering Roman law. Roman legal proceedings typically involved a defendant's vigorous self-defense, and silence was often interpreted as an admission of guilt. Pilate, as a seasoned governor, would have been accustomed to defendants pleading their cases, arguing, and attempting to sway his judgment. The Jewish leaders, driven by religious and political animosity, were determined to secure Jesus' execution, presenting a multitude of charges. Jesus' refusal to engage in the expected legal discourse was therefore culturally and historically anomalous, profoundly challenging Pilate's understanding of justice and human behavior.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:5 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights the **sovereignty of Christ**, demonstrating that even in His apparent vulnerability and impending suffering, Jesus remains in complete control, submitting to the Father's will rather than succumbing to human pressure. His silence is not weakness but a deliberate act of divine purpose. Second, it underscores the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, particularly the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), which depict a lamb led to slaughter who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This deliberate silence confirms Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah who willingly embraces suffering for redemption. Finally, the verse emphasizes **Pilate's bewilderment and moral dilemma**, as Jesus' unique composure forces the Roman governor to confront an innocence and authority unlike any he had encountered, ultimately leading to his internal conflict and attempt to release Jesus (cf. [Mark 15:6-10](/mark/15-6-10 "Mark 15:6-10 - Pilate's Offer to Release Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai_):** From ἀπό and κρίνω, meaning "to conclude for oneself," and by implication, "to respond." In this context, it refers to Jesus' expected verbal reply to the accusations. The fact that He "answered nothing" emphasizes the complete absence of any verbal defense or counter-argument, a profound and deliberate choice.
* **nothing (Greek, _oudeís_):** From οὐδέ and εἷς, meaning "not even one (man, woman or thing)," or "none, nobody, nothing." This word intensifies the meaning of Jesus' silence, indicating an absolute lack of any response whatsoever, not just a brief or incomplete one. It highlights the stark contrast between the clamor of the accusers and Jesus' utter stillness.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō_):** From θαῦμα, meaning "to wonder" or "to admire." This term conveys Pilate's profound astonishment, bewilderment, and possibly a sense of awe or admiration. It suggests that Jesus' silence was not merely unexpected but deeply perplexing and impactful to the Roman governor, challenging his understanding of human behavior and legal proceedings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus yet answered nothing":** This clause highlights Jesus' deliberate and complete silence in the face of the mounting accusations from the chief priests and elders. The adverb "yet" (Greek, _oukéti_) emphasizes that He ceased to answer, even after His initial brief affirmation to Pilate. This refusal to engage in self-defense is extraordinary, defying the expectations of a defendant in a legal trial and underscoring His unique posture and divine resolve.
* **"so that Pilate marvelled":** This clause describes the profound effect of Jesus' silence on Pontius Pilate. The conjunction "so that" (Greek, _hṓste_) indicates a direct consequence. Pilate, accustomed to defendants vigorously pleading their cases, was utterly astonished by Jesus' composure and refusal to speak. His "marvelling" suggests a mixture of bewilderment, perhaps a dawning realization of Jesus' innocence, and an unsettling sense of His unusual authority, despite His bound and accused state.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately evident between the vociferous accusations of the chief priests and Jesus' absolute silence, highlighting the stark difference in their postures and purposes. This silence itself functions as a powerful **rhetorical device**, speaking volumes about Jesus' sovereignty and deliberate submission to God's will, rather than engaging in a futile defense. There is also an element of **irony** in Pilate, the powerful Roman governor, being "marvelled" or astonished by the prisoner, suggesting a reversal of expected power dynamics. Furthermore, Jesus' silence serves as a profound **foreshadowing** and **fulfillment of prophecy**, directly echoing the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah that describe one who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This literary connection enriches the theological depth of the moment, portraying Jesus as the preordained Lamb of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' profound silence in Mark 15:5 is a powerful theological statement, demonstrating His active submission to the Father's redemptive plan rather than a passive resignation. It underscores His divine sovereignty, revealing that His path to the cross was not a tragic accident but a deliberate, willed act of obedience and love. This silence is not born of fear or inability to defend Himself, but of a deeper, spiritual purpose—to fulfill prophecy and secure salvation. It speaks to the mystery of His suffering, where the Creator of the universe stands accused and chooses silence, embodying humility and perfect trust in God's ultimate justice.

* [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
Jesus' silence before Pilate offers a profound model for believers navigating moments of injustice, false accusation, or intense pressure. In a world that often demands immediate self-defense and vocal vindication, Jesus demonstrates the power and spiritual depth of choosing silence, not out of fear, but out of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. This does not mean silence is always the appropriate response, but it invites us to discern when surrendering our right to defend ourselves, in humble reliance on God, can be a more powerful witness than any words. It challenges us to reflect on whether our responses are driven by human instinct for self-preservation or by a deeper commitment to God's will and timing. Ultimately, Jesus' silence reminds us that our true vindication comes from God, and our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him, even in suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might silence be a more powerful and God-honoring response than immediate self-defense?**
* **How does Jesus' trust in the Father, even to the point of silent suffering, challenge my own desire for control and vindication?**
* **What does Jesus' silence reveal about His character and His mission that words might not have conveyed?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus remain silent when His life was on the line?**

Answer: Jesus' silence was not an act of weakness or resignation, but a deliberate and powerful choice rooted in His divine purpose and identity. First, it was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"), which describes the Suffering Servant as a lamb led to slaughter who "opened not his mouth." This demonstrated His identity as the Messiah. Second, His silence asserted His sovereignty and authority; He did not need to defend Himself against false accusations because His kingdom was "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Engaging in a verbal defense would have legitimized the false charges. Third, His silence was an act of profound humility and obedience to the Father's will, essential for His atoning sacrifice. By remaining silent, He willingly submitted to the unjust process, becoming the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:5, with Jesus' profound silence before Pilate, is a pivotal moment that powerfully foreshadows and embodies His Christ-centered fulfillment. His refusal to answer, which "marvelled" Pilate, is not merely a legal tactic but a divine act that perfectly aligns with His role as the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Like a lamb led to slaughter, He "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")), willingly embracing the path of humiliation and injustice for the sake of humanity's redemption. This silence underscores His unique authority and divine nature; He is not a mere man on trial, but the Son of God who, though innocent, chooses to bear the world's sin. His silence before Pilate ultimately leads to His crucifixion, the very act by which He "gave his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, Jesus' silence here is a profound declaration of His mission as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a silent yet eloquent testament to His sacrificial love and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.

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

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Zechariah 3:8

¶ Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

Psalms 71:7

I am as a wonder unto many; but thou [art] my strong refuge.

Matthew 27:14

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

John 19:9

And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Isaiah 8:18

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.