Matthew 27 14

Matthew 27:14 kjv

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Matthew 27:14 nkjv

But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Matthew 27:14 niv

But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge?to the great amazement of the governor.

Matthew 27:14 esv

But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Matthew 27:14 nlt

But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor's surprise.

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 14 Meaning

The verse describes Jesus' complete and profound silence in response to the many accusations brought against Him by the chief priests and elders before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This deliberate silence was so unusual and unexpected that it deeply astonished Pilate. It highlights Jesus' remarkable composure, sovereign control, and fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah who would not open His mouth in self-defense.

Matthew 27 14 Context

This verse is situated during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, immediately after He has been accused by the Jewish religious leaders. Following a minimal exchange where Jesus affirmed His kingship but clarified its spiritual nature (as recorded in Jn 18:36-37), the chief priests and elders unleashed a torrent of specific, often fabricated, charges against Him (Matt 27:12-13). It was customary for accused persons, especially when their lives were at stake, to defend themselves vehemently. However, Jesus chooses complete silence in the face of these many accusations. Pilate, a Roman governor accustomed to dealing with rebels, criminals, and petitioners, is struck by Jesus' unprecedented composure and lack of defense, which causes him to marvel greatly. This scene is pivotal in highlighting Jesus' voluntary submission to the Father's will and the unfolding of His redemptive mission.

Matthew 27 14 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this action of Jesus directly to the previous accusations. It signifies a continuation of the trial proceedings, highlighting that Jesus' silence is His response to the immediate context of overwhelming false witness.
• he answered (ἀπεκρίθη - apekrithē): From the verb ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai), meaning "to answer, reply." The paradox here is that He "answered" by not answering, showing that His silence itself was a powerful and deliberate form of communication, rather than an inability to speak.
• him (αὐτῷ - autō): Refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who was presiding over the trial.
• to never a word (οὐδὲ ἓν ῥῆμα - oude hen rhēma): This is a strong and emphatic double negative, literally meaning "not even one word."
  • οὐδὲ (oude): "not even, nor."
  • ἓν (hen): "one, a single."
  • ῥῆμα (rhēma): "a word, saying, utterance."It emphasizes the absolute and complete silence. Jesus uttered not a single syllable in His defense against the many grave accusations. This was not confusion or fear, but intentional, demonstrating inner strength and divine resolve.
• insomuch that (ὥστε - hōste): A conjunction indicating result or consequence. Jesus' extreme and unexpected silence directly led to Pilate's profound reaction.
• the governor (ὁ ἡγεμὼν - ho hēgemōn):
  • ἡγεμὼν (hēgemōn): "a leader, governor, commander, prince." In this context, Pontius Pilate, representing Roman authority. The term highlights his official capacity and worldly power, which stands in stark contrast to Jesus' silent, spiritual authority.
• marvelled (ἐθαύμασεν - ethaumasen): From the verb θαυμάζω (thaumazō), "to wonder, be amazed, marvel, be astonished." This denotes a deep sense of surprise and wonder, transcending mere curiosity. Pilate's astonishment suggests he perceived something unique and inexplicable about Jesus, unlike any other accused criminal he had encountered.
• greatly (λίαν - lian): "very much, exceedingly, greatly." It intensifies the verb "marvelled," emphasizing the profound depth of Pilate's amazement. He was not merely surprised, but deeply, thoroughly astonished by Jesus' silent demeanor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And he answered him": Sets the scene as a direct interaction, making Jesus' subsequent silence a deliberate act within that dialogue.
• "to never a word": The absolute negation highlights Jesus' control and purpose. It is a powerful non-response that confounds conventional expectations of self-preservation in a trial. This chosen silence underscores His divine authority and peaceful submission to the Father's will, not helplessness.
• "insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly": This phrase expresses the powerful impact of Jesus' silence on Pilate. It wasn't just silence but a profound, unyielding silence that amazed a hardened Roman official. It implies that Pilate sensed something transcendent, not a common criminal's defiance or fear, but an inner peace and self-possession beyond human understanding. This reaction also underscores the authenticity of Jesus' claim, as His behavior contradicted Pilate's experience of ordinary human responses.

Matthew 27 14 Bonus section

• A Statement of Truth: Jesus' silence was not an admission of guilt, but a declaration that the truth about Him did not need His words for defense. His life, miracles, and the very fulfillment of prophecy were His true testimony. Any verbal defense against the Jewish leaders would have been futile, as they had already made up their minds.
• Subverting Expectations: In any human court, silence might imply guilt or contempt. However, in God's economy, Jesus' silence reveals His divine wisdom and strategic resolve, effectively disarming His accusers and confounding the human judicial process, leading Pilate to seek a way out.
• Symbol of Perfect Passive Obedience: Jesus' quiet endurance without retort signifies His perfect passive obedience – His willingness to receive and endure all the suffering required to fulfill God's righteousness, even without resistance.
• A Royal Bearing: Despite being stripped, scourged, and humiliated, Jesus’ dignified silence communicated a majesty that transcended His outward circumstances, causing a Roman governor to be "greatly marvelled." It suggested a kingship beyond earthly comprehension.

Matthew 27 14 Commentary

Matthew 27:14 unveils a profound moment of Jesus' passion where His deliberate silence speaks volumes more than any words of defense could have. Standing before Pilate, an embodiment of worldly power and law, Jesus is barraged by numerous, venomous accusations. Yet, instead of pleading His case, arguing His innocence, or retaliating against His accusers, He maintains complete silence. This is not out of weakness or indifference, but a purposeful act fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies, especially Isaiah 53:7, portraying the Suffering Servant who "opened not his mouth."

Jesus' silence demonstrates His complete submission to the Father's redemptive plan. He had come to lay down His life as a ransom, and defending Himself would have thwarted this divine purpose. His silence is a display of meekness, strength, and unwavering focus on His mission. It is also an expression of His ultimate confidence in God's sovereign justice, trusting that the truth of His innocence would ultimately be vindicated, not by human defense, but by His resurrection.

Pilate, observing this unique and unexpected composure, is profoundly astonished. He, like many others, expects a passionate plea or fierce denial from someone facing capital punishment. Jesus' tranquil and dignified silence confounded Pilate's understanding of human nature and legal proceedings, pointing to Jesus' unique identity as one "not of this world." This moment contributed significantly to Pilate's recognition of Jesus' innocence and his reluctance to condemn Him. Jesus' quiet dignity, even amidst overwhelming injustice, continues to be a powerful example of steadfastness in trials.