King James Version

What Does Mark 15:10 Mean?

Mark 15:10 in the King James Version says “For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”

Mark 15:10 · KJV

Salvation

Context

8

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

9

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

10

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

11

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

12

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Read Mark 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy (ἐγίνωσκεν γὰρ ὅτι διὰ φθόνον παραδεδώκεισαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς, eginōsken gar hoti dia phthonon paradedōkeisan auton hoi archiereis)—The verb γινώσκω (ginōskō) means to know, perceive, understand. Pilate had discernment to see through the religious veneer to the real motive: φθόνος (phthonos, envy). This noun denotes jealousy, spite, resentment at another's advantages. The verb παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, 'delivered/betrayed') is the same used for Judas's betrayal.

The chief priests envied Jesus's popularity (11:18, 12:12), His authority ('he taught as one having authority, not as the scribes,' 1:22), and His direct access to God threatening their mediating role. Pilate recognized this—it wasn't blasphemy or treason motivating them, but threatened power. Yet even knowing this, Pilate lacked courage to act justly. The verb παραδίδωμι creates a chain: Judas betrayed Jesus to the priests, the priests delivered Him to Pilate, Pilate would deliver Him to crucifixion (v. 15). All guilty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman governors were trained to discern provincial politics. Pilate recognized a power struggle—the chief priests eliminating a popular rival. Josephus documents similar conflicts where Jewish leaders manipulated Roman authorities against threats to their position (Antiquities 20.9.1). Pilate's insight makes his eventual capitulation more culpable—he condemned a man he knew was innocent due to political expediency. Later Christian tradition identifies 'envy' as the sin that killed Christ (1 Clement 4:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specifically about Jesus did the chief priests envy that drove them to murder?
  2. How does Pilate's knowledge of their envy make his eventual condemnation of Jesus more culpable?
  3. What does envy as the motive for Christ's death teach about the spiritual danger of comparing ourselves to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἐγίνωσκεν1 of 9

“he knew”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 9

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

διὰ4 of 9

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

φθόνον5 of 9

“envy”

G5355

ill-will (as detraction), i.e., jealousy (spite)

παραδεδώκεισαν6 of 9

“had delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτὸν7 of 9

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ8 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεῖς9 of 9

“the chief priests”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 27:4Matthew 27:18Genesis 4:4-6Titus 3:31 Samuel 18:8-9Genesis 37:11

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 15 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes