Matthew 27:12

KJV

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G1722} he {G846} was accused {G2723} of {G5259} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245}, he answered {G611} nothing {G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when he was accused by the head cohanim and elders, he gave no answer.

Berean Standard Bible

And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.

American Standard Version

And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:12 captures a profound moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where, despite facing fervent accusations from the chief priests and elders, He chose to remain completely silent. This deliberate non-response was not an admission of guilt or a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of His divine sovereignty, a fulfillment of ancient prophecy, and a stark indictment of the baseless and malicious charges leveled against Him by the religious authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' appearance before the Sanhedrin, where He was condemned for blasphemy, and His subsequent delivery to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The Jewish leaders, lacking the authority to execute a capital sentence under Roman occupation, brought Jesus to Pilate, shifting their accusations from religious blasphemy to political insurrection (claiming to be King of the Jews, forbidding tribute to Caesar). Matthew's narrative emphasizes the relentless pressure exerted by the chief priests and elders on Pilate, contrasting sharply with Jesus' composed and dignified silence. This scene sets the stage for Pilate's internal conflict and his eventual capitulation to the crowd's demands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before Pilate occurred during the Roman occupation of Judea. Roman law required a formal trial for capital offenses, and Pilate, as the governor, held the ultimate authority for such judgments. The Jewish Sanhedrin, while possessing significant religious and judicial power, had their authority curtailed by Rome, particularly concerning executions. The chief priests and elders represented the highest echelons of Jewish religious and political power, fiercely protective of their traditions and deeply threatened by Jesus' growing influence. Their accusations were strategically framed to appeal to Roman concerns about rebellion and maintaining order, rather than the true religious charges they had against Him. The cultural expectation was that an accused person would vehemently defend themselves, making Jesus' silence particularly astonishing to those present.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** as Jesus, though seemingly a helpless prisoner, maintains ultimate control through His deliberate silence, confounding His accusers and Pilate alike, as seen in [Pilate's astonishment at Jesus' lack of response](/john/19-10 "John 19:10 - Pilate Marvels at Jesus' Silence"). This act also deeply underscores the theme of the **Suffering Servant**, echoing the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:7, which foretold a lamb led to slaughter who would not open his mouth](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"). Furthermore, the verse starkly portrays the **Injustice of the World's Judgment** against God's truth, as the religious leaders, blinded by their own prejudices and fear, relentlessly pursue the condemnation of the innocent Son of God. This narrative also foreshadows the **Ultimate Sacrifice** Jesus is about to make, where His passive endurance is an active step towards atonement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **accused (Greek, _katēgoréō'_):** From *katēgoros*, meaning "a plaintiff." This word signifies a formal, legal charge, to bring an accusation against someone in a court of law. It highlights the judicial nature of the proceedings, emphasizing that the chief priests and elders were acting as formal prosecutors, leveling specific charges against Jesus before Pilate.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** Comparative of "elderly," meaning "older; as noun, a senior." In this context, it refers to the senior members of the Jewish Sanhedrin, a council composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders. These were respected and influential figures within Jewish society, indicating the gravity and official nature of the opposition Jesus faced.
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** From *apo* and *krino*, meaning "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond." By Hebraism, it can also mean "to begin to speak (where an address is expected)." The use of this verb, followed by "nothing," underscores the complete absence of any verbal defense or counter-argument from Jesus, despite the expectation that an accused person would speak.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders":** This clause establishes the setting and the primary action. Jesus, having been handed over to the Roman authorities by the Jewish religious elite, is now subjected to a formal legal process. The "chief priests and elders" are identified as the accusers, signifying the official and collective opposition from the highest echelons of Jewish religious and political power. Their accusations were not mere murmurs but formal charges presented to the Roman governor.
* **"he answered nothing":** This second clause describes Jesus' profound and impactful response—or lack thereof. Despite the gravity of the accusations and the expectation of a defense, Jesus chose complete silence. This was not an inability to speak, but a deliberate act of restraint and sovereignty, confounding His accusers and Pilate. His silence speaks volumes, demonstrating His control over the situation and His willingness to submit to the Father's will without protest.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing the vehement, formal accusations of the religious leaders with Jesus' absolute silence. This stark opposition highlights the malicious intent of the accusers against the innocent and sovereign Christ. **Symbolism** is also present in Jesus' silence, which symbolizes His role as the Suffering Servant, willingly enduring injustice without complaint, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Furthermore, His silence carries an element of **Irony**, as the one who is the very embodiment of Truth offers no verbal defense against false charges, thereby exposing the inherent corruption and spiritual blindness of His accusers. The lack of a verbal response also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to His ultimate passive submission to the crucifixion, a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:12 profoundly illustrates the divine sovereignty of Jesus amidst His human vulnerability. His silence is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of His control over the unfolding events, fulfilling prophecies and willingly submitting to the Father's redemptive plan. This act underscores the theme of the innocent suffering for the guilty, a cornerstone of Christian theology. It highlights the world's rejection of truth and the profound spiritual blindness of those who, despite being confronted with divine light, choose darkness. Jesus' silence before His accusers is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His mission, even unto death, and His trust in God's ultimate vindication.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")
* [John 19:9-11](/john/19-9-11 "John 19:9-11 - Pilate and Jesus' Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' profound silence in Matthew 27:12 offers a powerful and counter-intuitive model for believers facing injustice, false accusations, or overwhelming opposition. It challenges the natural human inclination to defend oneself vigorously, instead inviting us to consider the strength found in patient endurance and trust in God's ultimate justice and timing. His silence was not born of fear or resignation, but of sovereign purpose and unwavering commitment to His Father's will. For us, this means discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, understanding that sometimes our quiet trust in God speaks more powerfully than any defense. It encourages us to surrender our need for immediate vindication, knowing that God is our ultimate defender and that His purposes will prevail. This passage also prompts us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to accuse, or do we patiently seek truth and justice, even when it is difficult?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I feel the most pressure to defend myself, and how might Jesus' silence challenge my immediate reaction?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when facing unjust accusations or difficult circumstances?**
* **What does Jesus' silence teach me about the nature of true strength and humility?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose to remain silent when accused?**

Answer: Jesus' silence was a deliberate and multifaceted act, not a sign of fear or inability to defend Himself. Theologically, it fulfilled ancient prophecies, particularly that of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"), who would be led "like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent." It also demonstrated His divine sovereignty and control over the situation, confounding His accusers and even surprising Pilate, as noted in [John 19:10](/john/19-10 "John 19:10 - Pilate's Question to Jesus"). His silence exposed the baselessness and malicious intent of the accusations, highlighting the profound injustice of the trial. Ultimately, it was an act of obedience to His Father's will, a necessary step in His redemptive mission to suffer and die for humanity's sins.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:12 powerfully illustrates Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Suffering Servant who willingly submits to injustice for the redemption of humanity. His silence before His accusers is a direct fulfillment of the prophetic portrait found in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), particularly the verse that declares, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This deliberate non-response underscores His unique role as the sinless Lamb of God, who, rather than defending Himself, offers Himself as a blameless sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His silence is an active demonstration of His obedience to the Father's redemptive plan, a path that leads directly to the cross where He would bear the full weight of human sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In His quiet endurance, Jesus perfectly embodies the divine humility and self-sacrificial love that characterizes His entire mission, ultimately securing salvation and offering a model for all who follow Him to endure suffering with grace, knowing that their ultimate vindication rests in God ([1 Peter 2:23-24](/1_peter/2-23-24 "1 Peter 2:23-24 - Christ's Example in Suffering")).

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 26:63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

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.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

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.

John 19:11

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Mark 15:3

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.