27:18 27:18

Matthew 27:19

27:20 27:20

Bible Versions

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
When {G1161} he {G846} was set down {G2521} on {G1909} the judgment seat {G968}, his {G846} wife {G1135} sent {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846}, saying {G3004},{G2532} Have thou {G4671} nothing {G3367} to do with that {G1565} just man {G1342}: for {G1063} I have suffered {G3958} many things {G4183} this day {G4594} in {G2596} a dream {G3677} because {G1223} of him {G846}.
While he was sitting in court, his wife sent him a message, "Leave that innocent man alone. Today in a dream I suffered terribly because of him."
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”
And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Matthew 27:19 records a unique and intriguing interjection during the pivotal trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

Context

As Pilate sat upon the judgment seat (Greek: bema), the official tribunal from which he would issue his verdict, his wife sent a crucial message to him. This verse immediately precedes Pilate's famous act of washing his hands, attempting to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus' condemnation. The trial was highly charged, with Jewish leaders demanding Jesus' crucifixion, while Pilate himself seemed to find no fault in Him (Luke 23:4, John 19:4). This personal warning from his wife, a Gentile woman, adds another layer of complexity and pressure to Pilate's already difficult decision, highlighting the divine concern over the unfolding injustice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Warning through Unexpected Channels: The most striking aspect of this verse is the divine intervention through Pilate's pagan wife, via a distressing dream. This demonstrates that God can communicate His will and warnings through anyone, regardless of their background or position, even to those in power who are making critical decisions. Dreams were a recognized medium for divine communication in both Old and New Testaments (Genesis 20:3, Matthew 1:20).
  • Affirmation of Jesus' Innocence: Pilate's wife refers to Jesus as "that just man." The Greek word for "just" is dikaios, meaning righteous, innocent, or guiltless. This unsolicited testimony from an outsider, who had no vested interest in Jesus' defense, powerfully reinforces the consistent theme throughout the Gospels that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing and was unjustly condemned.
  • The Weight of Conscience: The dream highlights the profound spiritual conflict surrounding Jesus' trial. It serves as a direct appeal to Pilate's conscience, warning him against participating in an unjust act. Her suffering in the dream foreshadows the profound consequences of Pilate's eventual decision to condemn Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The term "judgment seat" translates the Greek word bema (βῆμα), which refers to a raised platform used by Roman magistrates for issuing decrees and judgments. The phrase "that just man" uses the Greek adjective dikaios (δίκαιος), meaning righteous, innocent, or upright. This emphasizes Jesus' moral blamelessness in the eyes of even an unexpected witness, reinforcing His status as the blameless Lamb of God.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:19 offers several enduring lessons for believers and seekers alike:

  • Heeding Warnings: We are reminded that God can speak to us in various ways, sometimes through unconventional means or unexpected people. It is vital to be open to and consider warnings, especially when they pertain to matters of justice, truth, and our moral responsibilities.
  • The Truth of Jesus' Character: The verse powerfully underscores the consistent biblical witness to Jesus' perfect righteousness and innocence. He was truly "that just man" who suffered for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18), a central truth of Christian faith.
  • Consequences of Ignoring Truth: Pilate's failure to heed his wife's warning, combined with his desire to appease the crowd, led him to condemn an innocent man. This serves as a sober reminder of the moral compromises we might make when we prioritize convenience, political expediency, or popular opinion over divine truth and justice.
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.

  • Matthew 27:24

    When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • John 19:13

    When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

  • Luke 23:47

    Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

  • Proverbs 29:1

    ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

  • Genesis 31:29

    It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
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