Mark 15 4

Mark 15:4 kjv

And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

Mark 15:4 nkjv

Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, "Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!"

Mark 15:4 niv

So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."

Mark 15:4 esv

And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you."

Mark 15:4 nlt

and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?"

Mark 15 verses

Mark 15 4 Meaning

Pilate, the Roman governor, expressing his surprise and concern, questioned Jesus again, asking why He remained completely silent in the face of numerous and serious charges brought against Him by the Jewish religious leaders. This moment highlights Jesus' extraordinary composure, divine purpose, and willingness to endure unjust accusations without self-defense, thus confounding worldly power and expectations.

Mark 15 4 Context

Mark 15:4 occurs during Jesus' Roman trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately after the chief priests have brought forth numerous accusations against Him (Mk 15:3). Pilate has already had a brief exchange with Jesus, where Jesus answered his initial question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" with "You have said so" (Mk 15:2). The historical context reveals Pilate as a Roman prefect primarily concerned with maintaining public order and his political standing in Judea. He holds the power of life and death but also faces pressure from the Jewish leadership who demand Jesus' execution. Pilate's surprise in this verse stems from his expectation that any prisoner, especially one facing capital charges, would vehemently defend themselves. Jesus' profound silence, therefore, defies Roman legal customs and challenges Pilate's understanding of the situation. This specific moment highlights Jesus' serene control amidst immense pressure and fulfills prophetic scripture concerning the suffering Messiah.

Mark 15 4 Word analysis

• So Pilate: (Kai ho Pilatos) - "So" or "and" connects this action directly to the previous events of the accusation. "Pilate" is Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect, representing the highest legal authority in Judea. His direct involvement underscores the official nature of the proceedings against Jesus.
• asked him again, (epērotēsen auton palin) - epērotēsen means "to question" or "to interrogate," suggesting a formal inquiry. palin, meaning "again," indicates that this is not Pilate's first attempt to get a fuller response from Jesus, revealing his increasing perplexity and perhaps a hint of frustration or even concern for the accused.
• 'Are you not answering anything? (Ouk apokrinē ouden?) - This is a rhetorical question in Greek, implying Pilate's astonishment that Jesus is not answering. ouden ("nothing") emphasizes the complete absence of a verbal defense. Pilate expects a rebuttal to the "many charges," highlighting how profoundly Jesus' silence deviates from typical defendant behavior and the legal norms of the time.
• See how many charges (Ide posa sou katēgorosin!) - Ide, an imperative "See!" or "Look!", functions as an exclamation, an urgent plea or warning from Pilate to Jesus. Posa, meaning "how many," emphasizes the sheer volume and cumulative weight of the accusations being hurled. This detail underscores the intensity of the attack on Jesus and the grave danger He faced.
• they are bringing against you!' (sou katēgorosin!) - katēgorosin is in the present tense, emphasizing the ongoing barrage of accusations being levied by the "chief priests" (Mk 15:3) and other Jewish leaders. This points to their relentless and determined efforts to condemn Jesus.

Words-group analysis

• Pilate asked him again, 'Are you not answering anything?': This phrase perfectly captures Pilate's bewilderment and the escalating tension in the trial. Pilate's repetition of questioning, coupled with his incredulous query about Jesus' lack of response, highlights the profound difference between a typical accused man fighting for his life and Jesus' composed, deliberate silence. It's a moment where earthly power struggles to comprehend divine will.
• 'See how many charges they are bringing against you!': This exclamation reveals Pilate's attempt to impress upon Jesus the gravity of His situation. It serves as a direct, almost desperate, invitation for Jesus to defend Himself. It also inadvertently showcases the injustice and multitude of false testimonies against Jesus, underscoring the fulfilling of prophecies about the innocent suffering servant. Pilate likely sees Jesus as foolish for not defending Himself against such a numerous array of severe allegations, particularly as they would normally provide an impetus for defense.

Mark 15 4 Bonus section

• Jesus' silence was a conscious act of humility and obedience, fulfilling prophecies such as Isa 53:7, portraying Him as a lamb led to slaughter who "did not open his mouth."
• Pilate's astonishment also implies that he saw something atypical in Jesus, possibly a lack of typical criminal desperation or guilt, contributing to his subsequent attempts to release Him.
• The dramatic tension created by Jesus' silence heightens the reader's understanding of the divine purpose behind His Passion. His lack of defense left no room for judicial escape, ensuring the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
• This scene offers a timeless model for believers facing false accusations or persecution, teaching that there are times when silence, sustained by trust in God's just judgment, is more powerful than any verbal defense.

Mark 15 4 Commentary

Mark 15:4 serves as a poignant illustration of Jesus' unparalleled self-possession and purposeful submission to the Father's will in the face of immense pressure and injustice. Pilate, accustomed to prisoners vehemently defending themselves, is utterly confounded by Jesus' dignified silence amid the flood of serious, often fabricated, charges. This non-response is not a sign of fear or inability, but rather a profound demonstration of Christ's sovereignty, patience, and resolute determination to walk the path of the suffering Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. His silence effectively silences His accusers' legitimacy, frustrates Pilate's attempts to navigate the situation by judicial means, and eloquently bears witness to a kingdom not of this world. In that moment, Jesus, through His quiet resolve, powerfully confirmed His identity as the sinless Lamb ready for sacrifice, demonstrating absolute trust in God's redemptive plan over any earthly vindication.