King James Version

What Does Mark 15:3 Mean?

Mark 15:3 in the King James Version says “And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 15:3 · 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.

5

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the chief priests accused him of many things (καὶ κατηγόρουν αὐτοῦ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πολλά, kai katēgoroun autou hoi archiereis polla)—The verb κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) means to accuse, bring charges against (from which English 'categorize' derives). The adverb πολλά (polla, 'many things') shows volume of accusations. Luke 23:2 specifies: forbidding tribute to Caesar, claiming to be Christ a King—political charges crafted for Roman ears.

But he answered nothing (ὁ δὲ οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο, ho de ouden apeekrinato)—The emphatic οὐδέν (ouden, 'nothing at all') contrasts with the 'many things' of accusation. Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'he opened not his mouth.' His refusal to defend Himself baffled Pilate (v. 5) who expected defendants to plead vigorously. This silence demonstrated Jesus's sovereign control—He wasn't a helpless victim but willingly submitted to the Father's plan (John 10:18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legal procedure expected the accused to mount vigorous defense (Latin: defensio). Silence could be interpreted as admission of guilt or contempt of court. However, Pilate recognized the accusations as politically motivated—he 'knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy' (v. 10). The chief priests' 'many things' likely included charges of miracle-working interpreted as sorcery, gathering followers as sedition, and claiming authority over the Temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus respond to Pilate's question about kingship (v. 2) but remain silent before specific accusations?
  2. How does Jesus's silence before false charges model the suffering servant of Isaiah 53?
  3. What does the chief priests' need to multiply accusations ('many things') reveal about the weakness of their case?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

κατηγόρουν2 of 10

“accused”

G2723

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

αὐτὸς3 of 10

“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

οἱ4 of 10
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεῖς5 of 10

“the chief priests”

G749

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

πολλά·6 of 10

“of many things”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

αὐτὸς7 of 10

“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

δὲ8 of 10

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐδὲν9 of 10

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀπεκρίνατο.10 of 10

“he answered”

G611

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

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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:7Mark 14:60-61Luke 23:2-5John 19:12Mark 15:5Matthew 27:12

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