Matthew 27 13

Matthew 27:13 kjv

Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Matthew 27:13 nkjv

Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?"

Matthew 27:13 niv

Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"

Matthew 27:13 esv

Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?"

Matthew 27:13 nlt

"Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?" Pilate demanded.

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 13 Meaning

Matthew 27:13 describes a pivotal moment during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where Pilate, in apparent exasperation or surprise, questions Jesus regarding the numerous accusations brought against Him by the chief priests and elders. Pilate's rhetorical question, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" highlights the overwhelming volume of accusations and the implicit expectation that Jesus would defend Himself, yet He remained silent in the preceding and subsequent verses. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound silence, a central aspect of His atoning suffering.

Matthew 27 13 Context

Matthew 27:13 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Immediately preceding this verse (v. 11), Jesus has affirmed, though with a nuanced "You have said so," His identity as the "King of the Jews" when questioned by Pilate. Verse 12 explicitly states that "when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer." This complete silence from Jesus, in the face of numerous, grave accusations from influential Jewish leaders, is what prompts Pilate's incredulous question in verse 13. The immediate outcome (v. 14) is Jesus' continued silence, which utterly astounds Pilate, who was accustomed to defendants defending themselves vehemently. Historically, the trial takes place on the day of Passover, which was often a time of heightened tension between the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. Pilate, recognizing Jesus' apparent innocence and perhaps sensing the manipulative motives of the chief priests, seeks a way to release Jesus, though ultimately yielding to the crowd's demand for His crucifixion.

Matthew 27 13 Word analysis

• Then: (Τότε, tote) - Indicates a sequential transition, moving the narrative forward from Jesus' prior silence. It suggests a direct consequence or response to the preceding events, particularly Jesus' non-response to the accusations.
• Pilate: (Πιλᾶτος, Pilatos) - The Roman governor of Judea, key figure in Jesus' condemnation. His questioning highlights the legal framework of the trial, even if corrupted by political pressure and religious animosity.
• said: (εἶπεν, eipen) - Simple past tense, indicating a direct utterance. This is Pilate initiating dialogue, rather than merely reacting.
• to Him: (αὐτῷ, autō) - Direct address to Jesus. Pilate engages Jesus directly, despite the presence of His accusers.
• Do you not hear: (Οὐκ ἀκούεις, Ouk akoueis?) - A rhetorical question, typically expecting a "yes" answer. The negative particle "Ouk" emphasizes Pilate's surprise or incredulity at Jesus' apparent unconcern or deafness to the magnitude of the accusations. It implies astonishment at Jesus' lack of self-defense.
• how many things: (πόσα, posa) - Emphasizes the multitude and severity of the accusations. Pilate is drawing attention to the sheer volume and weight of the testimonies against Jesus.
• they testify against you: (καταμαρτυροῦσίν σου, katamartyrousín sou) - A strong legal term. "καταμαρτυρέω" (katamartyreo) means "to bear witness against" or "to give evidence against," carrying a distinct connotation of opposition and accusation, highlighting the adversarial nature of the proceedings. The active voice shows the accusers' direct role.

Words-group analysis:

• "Then Pilate said to Him": Establishes a direct, confrontational interaction between the Roman authority and Jesus, setting the scene for Pilate's dilemma.
• "Do you not hear how many things": Conveys Pilate's astonishment, his attempt to provoke a response, and his perception of the overwhelming odds stacked against Jesus by His accusers. It reveals Pilate's bewilderment at Jesus' quiet dignity amidst chaos.
• "they testify against you": Pinpoints the source and nature of the opposition—structured, formal accusations by the Jewish leaders, framed as legal testimony, however false or baseless. It underlines Jesus' position as the accused, facing numerous hostile witnesses.

Matthew 27 13 Bonus section

• Jesus' silence here stands in stark contrast to His eloquent and powerful teachings throughout His ministry. This deliberate muteness before human authority in His passion underscores a shift in His public ministry from teaching to atoning sacrifice.
• Pilate's astonishment at Jesus' silence (which culminates in Matt 27:14) suggests that such a complete lack of self-defense was highly unusual in Roman legal proceedings, further emphasizing the unique and divine nature of Jesus' conduct.
• This verse contributes to Matthew's overall portrayal of Jesus as the righteous, obedient Messiah, who fulfills prophecy even in His suffering and death, not merely His life and miracles.
• The rhetorical nature of Pilate's question also subtly implies a desire from Pilate to hear a defense, which could potentially give him grounds to release Jesus, highlighting the governor's inner conflict between justice and political expediency.

Matthew 27 13 Commentary

Matthew 27:13 serves as a pause in the escalating drama of Jesus' trial, a moment where the human authority, Pilate, attempts to rationalize the divine defendant's extraordinary silence. Pilate's question, steeped in human logic and judicial expectation, cannot comprehend the profound significance of Jesus' refusal to engage in a worldly defense. This silence, far from being weakness or indifference, is Jesus' active fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Servant (e.g., Isa 53:7), who would not open His mouth to defend Himself or protest His unjust condemnation. His quiet endurance before His accusers highlights His perfect submission to His Father's will and His willingness to embrace the role of a sinless sacrifice for humanity. It underlines the sovereignty of God at play, even amidst human injustice and betrayal, showcasing that Jesus was not a helpless victim but a willing sacrifice.