King James Version

What Does Mark 15:2 Mean?

Mark 15:2 in the King James Version says “And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.”

Mark 15:2 · KJV

Context

1

And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

2

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.

3

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? (καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν ὁ Πιλᾶτος, Σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων; kai epērōtēsen auton ho Pilatos, Sy ei ho basileus tōn Ioudaiōn?)—The verb ἐπερωτάω (eperōtaō) means to question, interrogate. The title 'King of the Jews' (βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων, basileus tōn Ioudaiōn) was political, not religious—a charge of sedition against Caesar. The Sanhedrin reframed blasphemy (14:64) as treason for Roman consumption.

And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it (ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει, Σὺ λέγεις, ho de apokritheis autō legei, Sy legeis)—This cryptic response (σὺ λέγεις, sy legeis, 'you say') was neither full affirmation nor denial. It acknowledged Pilate's terms while refusing to elaborate. Jesus was indeed King, but not the political revolutionary Pilate feared. His kingdom was 'not of this world' (John 18:36). The response confounded Pilate, who found 'no fault' (John 18:38) yet faced a determined accusation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

'King of the Jews' was explosive language. Rome allowed client kings (like the Herods) but unauthorized claims to kingship constituted maiestas (treason), punishable by crucifixion. The title appeared on Jesus's cross (15:26), transforming accusation into proclamation. Pilate's question suggests the Sanhedrin had briefed him on political charges. The prefect cared nothing for Jewish religious disputes (Acts 18:15) but moved swiftly against threats to Roman order.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did the Sanhedrin change their charge from blasphemy to kingship when approaching Pilate?
  2. How does Jesus's response 'Thou sayest it' both acknowledge and redefine the nature of His kingship?
  3. What does Pilate's question reveal about Roman concerns versus Jewish religious issues?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπηρώτησεν2 of 18

“asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτῷ3 of 18

“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

ὁ4 of 18
G3588

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

Πιλᾶτος5 of 18

“Pilate”

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

Σὺ6 of 18

“Thou”

G4771

thou

εἶ7 of 18

“Art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ8 of 18
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς9 of 18

“the King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῶν10 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων11 of 18

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὁ12 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ13 of 18

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς14 of 18

“he answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν15 of 18

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ16 of 18

“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

Σὺ17 of 18

“Thou”

G4771

thou

λέγεις18 of 18

“sayest”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 2:2Matthew 27:11-141 Timothy 6:13Mark 15:26Mark 15:18John 18:29-38

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