


Matthew 27:19
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.
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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.
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
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: