King James Version

What Does Mark 15:5 Mean?

Mark 15:5 in the King James Version says “But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But 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.

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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

  1. What did Pilate see in Jesus that caused a hardened Roman governor to marvel?
  2. How does Jesus's silence protect His disciples while fulfilling His mission to die?
  3. Why is Jesus's silence before false accusations more powerful than any verbal defense could have been?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὁ1 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 10

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 10

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

οὐκέτι4 of 10

“yet”

G3765

not yet, no longer

οὐδὲν5 of 10

“nothing”

G3762

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

ἀπεκρίθη6 of 10

“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)

ὥστε7 of 10

“so”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

θαυμάζειν8 of 10

“marvelled”

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

τὸν9 of 10
G3588

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

Πιλᾶτον10 of 10

“that Pilate”

G4091

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

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

Isaiah 53:7Zechariah 3:8Matthew 27:141 Corinthians 4:9Psalms 71:7Isaiah 8:18

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