King James Version
What Does Mark 15:5 Mean?
“But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.”
Mark 15:5 · KJV
Context
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.
7
And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut Jesus yet answered nothing (ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς οὐκέτι οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίθη, ho de Iēsous ouketi ouden apekrithē)—The emphatic οὐκέτι (ouketi, 'no longer, still not') combined with οὐδέν (ouden, 'nothing') stresses Jesus's resolute silence. This wasn't passive victimhood but active fulfillment of prophecy. So that Pilate marvelled (ὥστε θαυμάζειν τὸν Πιλᾶτον, hōste thaumazein ton Pilaton)—The verb θαυμάζω (thaumazō) means to wonder, be amazed, marvel.
The Roman governor—accustomed to desperate pleas, eloquent defenses, or defiant speeches—encountered something unprecedented: divine silence. The construction ὥστε (hōste, 'so that') indicates result—Jesus's silence produced Pilate's amazement. Throughout the Gospels, people marvel at Jesus's teaching (1:22), authority (2:12), and miracles (5:20), but here Pilate marvels at His silence. The King who spoke worlds into existence now saves the world through silence.
The Roman governor—accustomed to desperate pleas, eloquent defenses, or defiant speeches—encountered something unprecedented: divine silence. The construction ὥστε (hōste, 'so that') indicates result—Jesus's silence produced Pilate's amazement. Throughout the Gospels, people marvel at Jesus's teaching (1:22), authority (2:12), and miracles (5:20), but here Pilate marvels at His silence. The King who spoke worlds into existence now saves the world through silence.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Pilate's amazement is psychologically and historically credible. Roman histories (Tacitus, Josephus) portray Pilate as harsh and expedient, not given to sentimentality. His amazement suggests Jesus's demeanor was extraordinary—neither cowering fear nor arrogant defiance, but regal composure. This silence also protected Jesus's followers; had He elaborated on His kingdom or named disciples, Rome might have moved against the nascent church. His silence was strategic as well as prophetic.
Reflection Questions
- What did Pilate see in Jesus that caused a hardened Roman governor to marvel?
- How does Jesus's silence protect His disciples while fulfilling His mission to die?
- Why is Jesus's silence before false accusations more powerful than any verbal defense could have been?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 10 wordsἸησοῦς3 of 10
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπεκρίθη6 of 10
“answered”
G611to 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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge