Matthew 27:18

KJV

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he knew {G1492} that {G3754} for {G1223} envy {G5355} they had delivered {G3860} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he understood that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over.

Berean Standard Bible

For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

American Standard Version

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:18 offers a profound glimpse into the corrupt motives behind Jesus' condemnation, revealing Pontius Pilate's astute awareness that the Jewish chief priests and elders were driven not by justice or truth, but by deep-seated envy. This verse underscores the moral bankruptcy of Jesus' accusers and highlights the unjust nature of His trial, setting the stage for His ultimate delivery to crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately following the Jewish Sanhedrin's condemnation of Jesus and their subsequent delivery of Him to the Roman governor. Having no authority to execute a death sentence themselves, the religious leaders sought Roman validation for their verdict. Pilate's attempts to navigate this politically charged situation, including his offer to release either Jesus or Barabbas to the crowd (as detailed in [Matthew 27:15-17](/matthew/27-15-17 "Matthew 27:15-17 - Pilate's Custom and Offer")), are framed by his clear understanding of the underlying malice. Matthew presents Pilate's internal discernment as a key element, contrasting it with the public facade of the religious leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. As the Roman governor of Judea, Pilate held ultimate judicial authority, including the power of capital punishment. Jewish law permitted the Sanhedrin to try religious cases, but not to execute a death sentence without Roman approval, especially for charges that could be construed as sedition against Rome. The religious leaders' accusation of Jesus claiming to be "King of the Jews" was a deliberate attempt to frame a religious dispute as a political threat to Rome, thereby compelling Pilate to act. Pilate, likely weary of Jewish religious disputes and keen to maintain order during the volatile Passover, sought to avoid executing an innocent man, a sentiment perhaps influenced by his wife's dream (recorded in [Matthew 27:19](/matthew/27-19 "Matthew 27:19 - Pilate's Wife's Dream")).

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **destructive power of envy**, portraying how this insidious sin can corrupt even religious leaders, blinding them to truth and justice, and leading them to commit the most heinous act imaginable—the murder of the innocent Son of God. Secondly, it highlights **Pilate's reluctant discernment**; despite being a pagan Roman official, he possesses a clearer moral compass regarding Jesus' innocence than the very people who claimed to be God's chosen. This theme of **innocence delivered** is paramount, emphasizing that Jesus was condemned not for any wrongdoing of His own, but as a result of the sin and malice of others, a crucial element in understanding His atoning work (as foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, G1492, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), is used in its perfect tense to signify "to know" or "to be aware." Here, it indicates Pilate's clear, settled understanding and perception of the situation. It's not a mere suspicion, but a definite, internal recognition of the true state of affairs. Pilate had seen through their pretense and understood their real motivation.
* **envy (Greek, _phthónos'_):** The Greek word G5355, _phthónos_, denotes a malicious grudging or ill-will arising from the perceived superiority, success, or possessions of another. It is a bitter jealousy that desires to pull others down, rather than to elevate oneself. This term accurately captures the deep-seated resentment the Jewish leaders harbored against Jesus due to His popularity, teachings, and miraculous works, which challenged their authority and influence.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb, G3860, from _pará_ (beside) and _dídōmi_ (to give), means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to entrust," or "to transmit." In this context, it specifically refers to the act of handing Jesus over to Pilate for judgment, implying a betrayal or a formal surrender into the custody of another authority. It underscores the active role the Jewish leaders played in orchestrating Jesus' condemnation and eventual crucifixion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he knew":** This opening clause immediately establishes Pilate's awareness and insight into the situation. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that what follows is the reason or explanation for Pilate's actions or thoughts in the preceding narrative (e.g., his attempts to release Jesus). Pilate was not naive; he possessed a clear understanding of the underlying dynamics at play.
* **"that for envy":** This phrase directly states the core motive behind the Jewish leaders' actions. The preposition "for" (G1223, _diá_) here signifies the cause or reason. Pilate discerned that the driving force behind their accusations was not genuine concern for justice or truth, but rather a bitter, malicious jealousy of Jesus' influence and popularity. This reveals the spiritual corruption of those who claimed to represent God.
* **"they had delivered him.":** This final clause identifies the agents of the delivery—"they," referring to the chief priests and elders—and the action itself: handing Jesus over. The perfect tense "had delivered" emphasizes that this act was a completed past event with ongoing consequences, confirming their active role in orchestrating His fate, driven by the aforementioned envy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:18 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the religious leaders, who should have been guardians of truth and justice, are revealed to be motivated by the base sin of envy, ultimately delivering an innocent man to death. This stands in stark contrast to Pilate, a pagan Roman official, who, despite his ultimate failure to release Jesus, demonstrates a surprising degree of discernment. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Pilate's recognition of their envy hints at the unjust nature of Jesus' impending crucifixion, which will be a result of human malice rather than divine judgment for sin on Jesus' part. The verse also uses **Contrast** between the outward religious piety of the Jewish leaders and their inward corruption, exposed by Pilate's insight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:18 powerfully exposes the destructive nature of human sin, particularly envy, and its capacity to pervert justice and truth. The theological significance lies in demonstrating that Jesus' suffering and death were not due to any fault of His own, but were the direct result of human depravity and malice. Yet, even this profound injustice was woven into God's sovereign plan for salvation, transforming an act of human wickedness into the means of divine redemption. Pilate's discernment, though ultimately insufficient to prevent the crucifixion, highlights the universal witness to Jesus' innocence, even from those outside the covenant. This verse serves as a stark reminder that even religious zeal can be corrupted by unrighteous motives, leading to actions profoundly contrary to God's will.

* [Galatians 5:21](/galatians/5-21 "Galatians 5:21 - Works of the Flesh") lists "envyings" among the "works of the flesh" that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God, underscoring its severe spiritual consequences.
* [James 3:16](/james/3-16 "James 3:16 - Wisdom from Above and Below") warns, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work," vividly illustrating the chaos and wickedness that envy produces, as seen in Jesus' trial.
* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - The Cruelty of Wrath and Envy") states, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" highlighting the particularly insidious and destructive power of envy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:18 serves as a potent and sobering mirror for self-examination. It compels us to consider the hidden motives that might drive our own actions, particularly within religious or communal contexts. The envy displayed by the chief priests and elders, leading them to deliver the innocent Son of God to death, is a stark warning against allowing bitterness, jealousy, or resentment to fester in our hearts. It demonstrates how such sins can blind us to truth, pervert justice, and lead to egregious actions, even under the guise of piety or righteousness. For believers today, this verse urges us to cultivate genuine love, humility, and contentment, ensuring that our service to God and others is motivated by pure intentions rather than by comparison, competition, or ill-will. It also reminds us that even in the face of profound human corruption and injustice, God's sovereign plan is at work, as Jesus' unjust delivery ultimately led to His atoning death and resurrection, fulfilling prophecy and bringing salvation to mankind. We are called to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when human systems fail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might envy subtly influence my thoughts or actions, particularly in relation to others' successes or perceived advantages?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of contentment and genuine joy for others' blessings, rather than succumbing to the temptation of envy?**
* **What does Pilate's discernment, contrasted with the religious leaders' blindness, teach me about the importance of seeking truth and justice, even when it challenges established norms or personal biases?**

### FAQ

**Why was Pilate aware of the Jewish leaders' envy?**
Answer: Pilate was a shrewd Roman governor accustomed to political maneuvering and the complexities of local religious disputes. He likely observed the persistent, irrational animosity of the chief priests and elders toward Jesus, which seemed disproportionate to any actual crime Jesus might have committed against Roman law. Their inability to articulate a clear, legitimate charge beyond vague accusations of sedition, coupled with their relentless insistence on Jesus' death despite Pilate finding no fault in Him ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")), would have made their true, malicious motive of envy evident to an experienced administrator like Pilate.

**If Pilate knew they were acting out of envy, why didn't he simply release Jesus?**
Answer: While Pilate recognized their envy, he was also a pragmatic politician whose primary concern was maintaining order and avoiding a riot, especially during the volatile Passover festival. The Jewish leaders skillfully manipulated the situation, threatening to accuse Pilate of disloyalty to Caesar if he released Jesus, who they claimed made Himself a king ([John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar")). This political pressure, combined with the escalating demands of the crowd they incited, ultimately led Pilate to capitulate against his better judgment, choosing political expediency over justice, as seen in [Matthew 27:24-26](/matthew/27-24-26 "Matthew 27:24-26 - Pilate Washes His Hands").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:18, revealing Pilate's awareness that Jesus was "delivered" for "envy," profoundly underscores the Christ-centered narrative of redemption. Jesus' unjust condemnation and subsequent crucifixion were not the result of His own sin, but the direct consequence of human sinfulness—specifically, the malicious envy of the religious establishment. This truth highlights Jesus' perfect innocence, making Him the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was sacrificed not for His own transgressions, but as a substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity. His "delivery" by envious men fulfills ancient prophecies of the Suffering Servant who would be "oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). In this moment of profound injustice, God's sovereign plan was unfolding, transforming the ultimate act of human malice into the means of ultimate salvation. Jesus, "who knew no sin," was "made to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, the envy that delivered Him to the cross ultimately paved the way for humanity's deliverance from sin and death, culminating in His glorious resurrection and the offer of eternal life to all who believe ([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

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

Mark 15:10

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Acts 5:17

¶ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

James 4:5

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

Genesis 37:11

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,