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“Jesus Before Pilate”· Matthew 27:11–25
Translation
King James Version
Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Complete Jewish Bible
Then Pilate said to him, "Don't you hear all these charges they are making against you?"
Berean Standard Bible
Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”
American Standard Version
Then saith Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
World English Bible Messianic
Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide Pilate vnto him, Hearest thou not howe many things they lay against thee?
Young's Literal Translation
then saith Pilate to him, `Dost thou not hear how many things they witness against thee?'
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Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Neither then nor now did Jesus make any reply to their accusations, for the word of God was not sent to them, as it was formerly to the Prophets. Neither was Pilate worthy of an answer, as he had no fixed or abiding opinion of Christ, but veered about to contradictory suppositions. Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Or, when asked by the High Priest whether He were Jesus the Christ, He answered, Thou hast said, because He had ever maintained out of the Law that Christ should come, but to Pilate who was ignorant of the Law, and asks if He were the King of the Jews, He answers, Thou sayest, because the salvation of the Gentiles is through faith of that present confession.
What then saith Pilate? "Hearest thou not how many things these witness against thee?" He wished that He should defend Himself and be acquitted, wherefore also he said these things; but since He answered nothing, he devises another thing again.
Of what nature was this? It was a custom for them to release one of the condemned, and by this means he attempted to deliver Him. For if you are not willing to release Him as innocent, yet as guilty pardon Him for the feast's sake.
Seest thou order reversed? For the petition in behalf of the condemned it was customary to be with the people, and the granting it with the rulers; but now the contrary hath come to pass, and the ruler petitions the people; and not even so do they become gentle, but grow more savage and bloodthirsty, driven to frenzy by the passion of envy. For neither had they whereof they should accuse Him, and this though He was silent, but they were refuted even then by reason of the abundance of His righteous deeds, and being silent He overcame them that say ten thousand things, and are maddened.
(Hom. Ixxxvi.) Pilate asked Christ that which His enemies were continually casting in His teeth, for because they knew that Pilate cared not for matters of their Law, they had recourse to a public charge.
He acknowledges Himself to be a King, but a heavenly one, as it is more expressly said in another Gospel, My kingdom is not of this world, (John 18:36.) so that neither the Jews nor Pilate were excusable for insisting on this accusation.
He said this out of a wish to release Him, if He should justify Himself in His answer. But the Jews, though they had so many practical proofs of His power, His meekness and humbleness, were yet enraged against Him, and urged on by a perverted judgment. Wherefore He answers nothing, or if He makes any answer He says little, that total silence might not be construed into obstinacy.
(Verse 13 and following) Then Pilate said to him: Do you not hear how many testimonies they speak against you? And he did not respond to him with any word, so that the governor wondered greatly. Now it was customary for the governor to release one prisoner to the people on the solemn day, whom they desired. Indeed, it is a Gentile who condemns Jesus, but he refers the matter to the Jewish people. Do you not hear how many testimonies they speak against you? But Jesus refused to respond, in order to not diminish the accusation from the governor, and to prevent the delay of the usefulness of the cross.
(in loc.) I have lately read in a Hebrew book given me by a Hebrew of the Nazarene sect, an apocryphal Hieremias, in which I find the very words here quoted. After all, I am rather inclined to think that the passage was taken by Matthew out of Zacharias, in the usual manner of the Apostles and Evangelists when they quote from the Old Testament, neglecting the words, and attending only to the sense.
But observe, that to Pilate who asked the question unwillingly He did answer somewhat; but to the Chief Priests and Priests He refused to answer, judging them unworthy of a word; And when he was accused by the Chief Priests and Elders, he answered nothing.
Thus though it is a Gentile who sentences Jesus, he lays the cause of His condemnation upon the Jews.
Or, Jesus would not make any answer, lest if He cleared Himself the governor should have let Him go, and the benefit of His cross should have been deferred.
It might seem remarkable to you, brothers, that the Lord should be accused by the chief priests before the procurator Pilate and should be silent and that he should not refute their wickedness by his response, since indeed a defense which follows quickly is the only way to refute a persistent accusation. It might seem remarkable, I say, brothers, that the Savior should be accused and should remain silent. Silence is occasionally understood as avowal, for when a person does not wish to respond to what is asked of him he appears to confirm what is raised against him. Does the Lord then confirm his accusation by not speaking? Clearly he does not confirm his accusation by not speaking; rather he despises it by not refuting it. For one who needs no defense does well to keep silent, but let one who fears to be overcome defend himself and one who is afraid of being vanquished hasten to speak. When Christ is condemned, however, he also overcomes, and when he is judged he also vanquishes, as the prophet says: “that you should be justified in your words and should vanquish when you are judged.” Why was it necessary for him therefore to speak before being judged, when for him judgment was a complete victory?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 27:13 records Pontius Pilate's incredulous question to Jesus, highlighting the Roman governor's astonishment and frustration at Jesus' steadfast silence in the face of numerous and grave accusations brought against Him by the Jewish religious authorities. This pivotal moment underscores the stark contrast between the clamor of false witnesses and the profound, deliberate composure of the innocent Christ, setting the stage for Pilate's ultimate, albeit reluctant, condemnation.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically during His trial before Pontius Pilate, as recounted in Matthew 27. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has been delivered to Pilate by the chief priests and elders after an unlawful night trial before the Sanhedrin. The Jewish leaders, unable to execute Jesus themselves under Roman law, sought Pilate's official sanction for a death sentence, shifting their accusations from religious blasphemy (which held no weight with a Roman governor) to political sedition, claiming Jesus was a rival king and a threat to Caesar. Pilate's question in Matthew 27:13 follows Jesus' initial silence in response to these many charges, a silence that deeply perplexed the governor, as noted in the subsequent verse, Matthew 27:14.
Historical & Cultural Context
Pontius Pilate served as the fifth Roman prefect of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea from 26 to 36 AD. As the Roman governor, he held the ultimate authority for capital punishment in the province. Jewish law allowed for trials and convictions but not executions under Roman occupation. The accusations against Jesus, particularly those of claiming to be "King of the Jews" and forbidding tribute to Caesar, were politically charged and designed to provoke Pilate into condemning Jesus for treason against Rome. Roman trials typically involved the accused defending themselves against charges. Jesus' silence was highly unusual and culturally perplexing to Pilate, who was accustomed to defendants vigorously pleading their case. This trial also occurred during the Passover festival, a time of heightened Jewish nationalistic fervor, which made Roman authorities particularly sensitive to any perceived threats to order.
Key Themes
Matthew 27:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the innocence of Jesus and the unjust nature of His trial. Despite the multitude of accusations, Jesus' silence is a powerful testament to His blamelessness, contrasting sharply with the malicious intent of His accusers, whom Pilate himself recognized as acting out of envy, as stated in Matthew 27:18. Secondly, it emphasizes Jesus' sovereign submission to God's will. His silence is not born of fear or inability but is a deliberate act of fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, particularly the suffering servant passages in Isaiah 53. Finally, the verse underscores Pilate's moral dilemma and weakness. Pilate's question reveals his bewilderment and perhaps a desire for Jesus to provide a defense that would justify His release, yet he ultimately succumbs to the crowd's pressure, demonstrating the corrupting influence of political expediency over justice, a theme evident throughout Matthew 27.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primary verb means "to lay forth" or "to relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates Pilate's direct and deliberate address to Jesus, not merely a casual utterance but a pointed, rhetorical question intended to elicit a response. His "saying" is born of a specific judicial context and a desire for clarification or defense.
A primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including "to give audience to" or "to understand." In this interrogative form, "Hearest thou not?" (οὐκ ἀκούεις), it expresses Pilate's astonishment and exasperation. He is not merely asking if Jesus' ears are functioning, but if Jesus comprehends the gravity of the accusations and the perilous situation He is in. It conveys a sense of incredulity that Jesus would remain silent given the stakes.
This verb, formed from katá (against) and martyréō (to testify), strongly emphasizes the act of testifying against someone. It highlights the adversarial nature of the proceedings and the condemnatory intent of the accusers. The prefix katá intensifies the action, indicating a testimony that is specifically directed to harm or condemn the accused.
Verse Breakdown
"Then said Pilate unto him,"
This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of the statement, setting the scene for Pilate's direct confrontation with Jesus. The adverb "Then" (G5119, tóte) marks a sequential progression in the narrative, indicating that this question follows a period of Jesus' silence and the barrage of accusations. Pilate, as the Roman authority, is exercising his judicial role, attempting to engage the accused.
"Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?"
This is a rhetorical question conveying Pilate's profound surprise and exasperation. The negative particle "not" (G3756, ou) in a question expects a "yes" answer, implying Pilate believes Jesus must be hearing the charges. The phrase "how many things" (G4214, pósos) emphasizes the sheer volume and perhaps the perceived weight of the accusations. Pilate is bewildered by Jesus' lack of defense in the face of such a multitude of testimonies "against thee" (G4675, soû), which are clearly hostile and condemnatory.
Literary Devices
Matthew 27:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?" Pilate doesn't expect a literal "yes" or "no" answer regarding Jesus' hearing ability; rather, he uses the question to express his astonishment, frustration, and perhaps a plea for Jesus to defend Himself. This rhetorical device highlights the dramatic tension and Pilate's perplexity. There is also significant Dramatic Irony at play. Pilate, the earthly judge, is questioning the silence of the divine Son of God, unaware that this very silence is a deliberate act of sovereign submission to a greater divine plan for humanity's redemption. The "many things they witness against thee" also functions as Hyperbole, emphasizing the overwhelming and relentless nature of the false accusations, underscoring the injustice of the trial. Finally, Jesus' silence, implicitly contrasted with the clamor of the accusers and Pilate's question, serves as Symbolism for His innocent suffering and His willingness to bear the weight of sin without protest, fulfilling prophetic imagery.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 27:13 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine innocence facing human injustice. Jesus' silence in the face of overwhelming false accusations is not a sign of guilt or fear, but a deliberate act of sovereign submission to God's redemptive plan. It demonstrates His perfect trust in the Father and His willingness to endure humiliation and condemnation for the sake of humanity. This moment highlights the stark contrast between the world's system of justice, often swayed by political pressure and popular opinion, and God's perfect righteousness. Jesus, the innocent Lamb, willingly goes to the slaughter, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating a self-sacrificial love that transcends human understanding. His silence speaks louder than any defense, testifying to His divine authority and His mission to atone for sin.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 27:13 challenges us to consider our own responses when faced with injustice, false accusations, or overwhelming pressure. Jesus' profound silence is a radical departure from our natural inclination to defend ourselves, argue our case, or retaliate. His example calls us to a deeper trust in God's ultimate vindication and sovereignty, reminding us that sometimes, the most powerful response is a quiet submission to God's will, even when it leads through suffering. It prompts us to reflect on the nature of truth and justice in a world often driven by noise and deception. We are encouraged to discern carefully, to stand for truth with integrity, and to remember that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human courts or public opinion. In moments of personal trial, Jesus' composure offers a model of peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in His unwavering commitment to His Father's purpose.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus remain silent when Pilate questioned Him?
Jesus' silence was not due to fear, guilt, or an inability to defend Himself, but was a deliberate and profound act of sovereign submission to God's will and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His silence confirmed His innocence and demonstrated His willingness to suffer for humanity's redemption. Prophets like Isaiah foretold that the suffering servant would "not open his mouth," like a lamb led to slaughter. By remaining silent, Jesus highlighted the injustice of the trial, exposed the malicious intent of His accusers, and underscored His role as the blameless sacrifice for sin. His silence spoke volumes, testifying to His divine composure and His commitment to the Father's plan, rather than engaging in a human defense that would have circumvented the very purpose of His coming.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 27:13, with Pilate's bewildered question at Jesus' silence, powerfully foreshadows the profound Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate silence is the ultimate expression of the Suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah 53, who "opened not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7). This silence is not weakness but divine strength, as the sinless Lamb of God willingly submits to an unjust condemnation to become the perfect sacrifice for a sinful humanity. His refusal to defend Himself before Pilate underscores His mission to bear the sins of the world, fulfilling the divine decree that "the Son of Man must suffer many things" (Luke 9:22). By remaining silent, Jesus silences the accusations of sin against us, offering Himself as the propitiation for our transgressions, as articulated in Romans 3:25. His silence before Pilate ultimately speaks of His victory over sin and death, paving the way for His resurrection and the justification of all who believe in Him, as proclaimed in Romans 4:25.