Matthew 27:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:19 presents a profound and unexpected interjection during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate. As Pilate assumes his official position on the judgment seat, his wife sends an urgent message, warning him to have nothing to do with Jesus, whom she describes as "that just man." Her plea is born out of intense suffering experienced in a dream that day, clearly indicating a divine warning against condemning an innocent man. This verse highlights the universal witness to Jesus' blamelessness and the profound spiritual stakes involved in His unjust condemnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately following the Jewish leaders' fervent demands for Jesus' crucifixion and Pilate's initial attempts to release Him, including the offer to release Barabbas. It precedes Pilate's symbolic act of washing his hands, attempting to disclaim responsibility for Jesus' death. The sudden, personal, and supernatural warning from Pilate's wife momentarily halts the formal proceedings, adding a layer of dramatic tension and underscoring the divine concern over the unfolding injustice. It serves as an internal, human-level confirmation of Jesus' innocence, echoing Pilate's own repeated declarations (e.g., [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate finds no fault in Jesus") and [John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate declares Jesus innocent")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pontius Pilate, as the Roman governor (prefect) of Judea, wielded immense authority, including the power of capital punishment. His "judgment seat" (Latin: *tribunal*, Greek: *bema*) was a raised platform from which he conducted official legal proceedings and pronounced judgments. Roman law and order were paramount, and governors were expected to maintain stability, often requiring a delicate balance between imperial directives and local customs. Dreams were widely regarded in the ancient world, including Roman and Jewish cultures, as potential conduits for divine or supernatural messages. While the Romans often consulted omens and diviners, a direct, personal dream warning of this nature, especially to a governor's wife concerning a legal case, was highly unusual and would have been considered significant. The intervention of a woman in such a public, male-dominated sphere was also culturally atypical, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the warning.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Warning and Intervention**, demonstrating God's sovereign involvement even in human injustice, communicating through unexpected channels—a pagan woman's dream—to influence a powerful Roman official. This echoes other instances of divine communication through dreams, such as those given to Joseph concerning Jesus' birth and safety (e.g., [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's Dream about Jesus' Birth") and [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Joseph's Dream about Fleeing to Egypt")). Secondly, the wife's declaration of Jesus as "that just man" reinforces the pervasive theme of **Jesus' Innocence and Righteousness**, a truth consistently affirmed throughout the Gospels despite the accusations against Him. This unsolicited testimony from an outsider, who had no political or religious stake in the outcome, lends powerful credibility to Jesus' blameless character. Finally, the verse underscores the **Weight of Conscience and Moral Responsibility**, as Pilate is directly confronted with a supernatural warning against an unjust act, setting the stage for his subsequent moral compromise and attempts to evade accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers to a woman, specifically a wife. The fact that it is Pilate's wife who sends the message is significant. In a patriarchal society, her public intervention in a legal proceeding, especially one of such gravity, is highly unusual and underscores the urgency and perceived divine origin of her warning. Her identity as a Roman woman, likely pagan, further emphasizes God's ability to communicate His will across cultural and religious boundaries.
* **Judgment seat (Greek, _bēma'_):** The word (G968) denotes a step, or by implication, a raised platform or tribunal. This was the official seat of a Roman magistrate, from which he would issue decrees and judgments. Pilate's act of "setting down" on the *bema* signifies the formal commencement of the trial proceedings, lending an air of solemn authority to the moment, which is then dramatically interrupted by his wife's personal message.
* **Just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This adjective (G1342) describes someone as equitable in character or act, implying innocence, righteousness, or holiness. Pilate's wife's unsolicited description of Jesus as "that just man" is a powerful, independent affirmation of Jesus' moral blamelessness. It directly contrasts with the accusations leveled against Him by the Jewish leaders and aligns with Pilate's own repeated findings of no guilt. This testimony from an unexpected source serves to highlight the profound injustice of Jesus' condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he was set down on the judgment seat":** This phrase establishes the formal, official setting of the trial. Pilate, as the Roman governor, assumes his position of authority to render a verdict, emphasizing the gravity and legal formality of the moment.
* **"his wife sent unto him, saying":** This marks a dramatic and unexpected interruption of the judicial process. The message comes from a personal, domestic source, rather than a legal or political one, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the warning. The act of "sending" suggests urgency and the inability for her to deliver the message directly in the public forum.
* **"Have thou nothing to do with that just man":** This is the core of the warning—a direct, imperative plea for Pilate to refrain from any involvement in condemning Jesus. The term "that just man" is a powerful, unsolicited testimony to Jesus' innocence and righteousness, coming from someone with no apparent vested interest in His defense.
* **"for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him":** This clause provides the reason for the urgent warning. The wife's personal "suffering" (G3958, *páschō*, implying a painful experience) in a "dream" (G3677, *ónar*) indicates a supernatural, divinely-imparted message. The dream's distressing nature underscores the immense spiritual weight and potential consequences of condemning Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:19 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the wife's suffering in the dream, which not only warns Pilate but also subtly anticipates the immense suffering Jesus himself is about to endure, and perhaps even the future suffering that will come upon Jerusalem and those responsible for His death. The verse also utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Jesus' innocence and divine nature, making Pilate's wife's plea a poignant, albeit unheeded, confirmation of what is already known. The unexpected source of the warning—a Roman governor's pagan wife—serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Intervention**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even in the most unlikely circumstances, attempting to avert injustice. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of the formal, authoritative setting of the "judgment seat" with the personal, intimate, and supernatural message from Pilate's wife creates a striking contrast, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the divine warning breaking into human legal proceedings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:19 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human affairs, even amidst the darkest moments of injustice. It underscores the universal witness to Jesus' blameless character, a truth affirmed not only by His disciples and Pilate himself, but also by an unexpected outsider through a divinely-inspired dream. This divine warning highlights the gravity of the decision before Pilate, emphasizing that the condemnation of Jesus was not merely a political or legal error but a profound moral and spiritual transgression. It speaks to God's desire for justice and His willingness to communicate truth through any means necessary, even to those who may be far from Him. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the ultimate display of divine justice and mercy, where the "just man" would suffer for the unjust, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

* [1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for the Unjust")
* [Acts 3:14](/acts/3-14 "Acts 3:14 - Peter Accuses of Rejecting the Holy and Just One")
* [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:19 offers timeless lessons for believers and seekers, urging us to cultivate a posture of discernment and moral courage. The unexpected source of the warning—Pilate's wife—serves as a potent reminder that God can speak through diverse channels, sometimes through those we least expect, or through means as subtle as a dream or an inner conviction. It challenges us to remain open to divine guidance, especially when confronted with decisions that bear significant moral weight or involve matters of justice and truth. Furthermore, the verse powerfully reiterates the unimpeachable character of Jesus, "that just man," whose innocence was recognized even by outsiders. This truth should deepen our faith in His perfect righteousness and His suitability as the spotless Lamb of God. Finally, Pilate's tragic failure to heed the warning, succumbing instead to political expediency and crowd pressure, stands as a sobering cautionary tale. It prompts us to examine our own lives: are we willing to stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular or costly? Do we prioritize convenience, social pressure, or personal gain over the clear call of conscience and divine truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern divine warnings in our lives, especially when they come from unexpected sources or through unconventional means?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our convictions for convenience, popular opinion, or personal gain, as Pilate did?**
* **What does Pilate's wife's unsolicited testimony add to our understanding of Jesus' character and mission, and how does it strengthen your faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was Pilate's wife, and what is known about her?**

Answer: The Bible does not name Pilate's wife in Matthew 27:19, referring to her simply as "his wife." However, early Christian tradition, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic Churches, identifies her as Claudia Procula (or Procla). She is sometimes venerated as a saint in these traditions, based on the belief that she later converted to Christianity, possibly influenced by this very dream and the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Her pagan background makes her warning even more striking, demonstrating God's ability to communicate His will to anyone, regardless of their religious or cultural affiliation.

**Was her dream truly from God, and why would God communicate in this way?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies that her dream was a divine communication. The content of the dream, causing her to "suffer many things" and leading to a direct warning about Jesus' innocence, aligns perfectly with God's character and His concern for justice. Throughout the Bible, dreams are a recognized medium for divine revelation, particularly in critical moments, as seen with Joseph's dreams in [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's Dream Regarding Jesus' Birth") and [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Joseph's Dream About Fleeing to Egypt"), or Pharaoh's dreams interpreted by Joseph in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"). God's choice to warn Pilate through his wife's dream underscores His sovereignty and His desire to offer every opportunity for humanity to align with His will, even when that will is ultimately rejected. It also highlights the profound spiritual significance of Jesus' trial, extending beyond mere human politics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:19, though a brief interlude, powerfully contributes to the Christ-centered narrative of the Gospels by highlighting the perfect righteousness of Jesus, which is foundational to His redemptive work. Pilate's wife's urgent warning to "Have thou nothing to do with that just man" unequivocally affirms Jesus' blamelessness, a crucial theological truth. It underscores that the one being condemned was utterly without sin, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would be "cut off from the land of the living" despite having "done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:8-9](/isaiah/53-8-9 "Isaiah 53:8-9 - The Suffering Servant's Innocence")). This divine testimony to Jesus' purity is essential because only a spotless Lamb could serve as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). The suffering Pilate's wife experienced in her dream, "because of him," subtly foreshadows the immeasurable suffering Jesus would endure on the cross, not for His own sin, but for ours. Thus, this verse implicitly points to Jesus as the righteous substitute, whose unjust condemnation by human courts paved the way for the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy, securing salvation for all who believe in the one who was truly "that just man" ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")).

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 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.