King James Version
What Does Mark 15:4 Mean?
“And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing ? behold how many things they witness against thee.”
Mark 15:4 · KJV
Context
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.
6
Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος πάλιν ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν λέγων, Οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν; ho de Pilatos palin epērōta auton legōn, Ouk apokrinē ouden?)—Pilate's repeated questioning (πάλιν, palin, 'again') shows his perplexity. The double negative (οὐκ...οὐδέν, ouk...ouden) intensifies: 'Aren't you answering anything at all?' Roman governors expected defendants to protest innocence, offer explanations, or plead for mercy.
Behold how many things they witness against thee (ἴδε πόσα σου κατηγοροῦσιν, ide posa sou katēgorousin)—The imperative ἴδε (ide, 'see, look') urges Jesus to recognize the seriousness. The interrogative πόσα (posa, 'how many') emphasizes the volume of accusations. Pilate seems almost to be coaching Jesus toward self-defense, suggesting the governor suspected the charges were false. Yet Jesus's silence spoke louder than any defense—He had come 'to give his life a ransom for many' (10:45), not to escape death.
Behold how many things they witness against thee (ἴδε πόσα σου κατηγοροῦσιν, ide posa sou katēgorousin)—The imperative ἴδε (ide, 'see, look') urges Jesus to recognize the seriousness. The interrogative πόσα (posa, 'how many') emphasizes the volume of accusations. Pilate seems almost to be coaching Jesus toward self-defense, suggesting the governor suspected the charges were false. Yet Jesus's silence spoke louder than any defense—He had come 'to give his life a ransom for many' (10:45), not to escape death.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Pilate's confusion is historically credible. Roman jurisprudence valued rhetoric and legal argumentation. The governor had likely never encountered a defendant who simply refused to engage with the legal process. Pilate's later actions—offering to release Jesus (v. 9), declaring 'I find no fault in him' (John 19:6), washing his hands (Matthew 27:24)—all suggest he recognized the trial as a miscarriage of justice but lacked courage to resist.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Pilate seem to want Jesus to defend Himself against the accusations?
- How does Jesus's continued silence demonstrate His sovereignty over the situation rather than victimhood?
- What does Pilate's perplexity teach about worldly power confronting divine purpose?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 14 wordsπάλιν4 of 14
“again”
G3825(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
αὐτὸν6 of 14
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων,7 of 14
“saying”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀποκρίνῃ9 of 14
“Answerest thou”
G611to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ἴδε11 of 14
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πόσα12 of 14
“how many things”
G4214interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge