Matthew 27:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G3004} Pilate {G4091} unto him {G846}, Hearest thou {G191} not {G3756} how many things {G4214} they witness against {G2649} thee {G4675}?

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?

Commentary

### 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](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - Jesus Before Pilate and His Crucifixion"). 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](/matthew/27-13 "Matthew 27:13 - Pilate's Question to Jesus") 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](/matthew/27-14 "Matthew 27:14 - Jesus' Continued Silence").
* **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](/matthew/27-13 "Matthew 27:13 - Pilate's Question to Jesus") 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](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Discernment of Envy"). 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](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). 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](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** 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.
* **Hearest thou (Greek, _akoúō'_):** 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.
* **witness against (Greek, _katamartyréō'_):** 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.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering Silently")
* [Mark 15:5](/mark/15-5 "Pilate's Amazement at Jesus' Silence")

### 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
* **How does Jesus' silence in the face of accusations challenge my natural inclination to defend myself or argue my case when I feel wronged?**
* **What does Jesus' example in Matthew 27:13 teach me about trusting God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem unjust or overwhelming?**
* **In what situations might silence be a more powerful or God-honoring response than speaking, and how can I cultivate such discernment?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus remain silent when Pilate questioned Him?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence") 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](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). 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](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering")). 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](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation"). 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](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification").

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 26:62

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

Acts 22:24

The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

John 18:35

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?