King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:62 Mean?

Matthew 26:62 in the King James Version says “And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?”

Matthew 26:62 · KJV

Context

60

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

61

And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

62

And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

64

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? (καὶ ἀναστὰς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Οὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ; τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν;)—The participle ἀνίστημι (anistēmi, 'to stand up, to rise') shows the high priest rising, emphasizing the moment's gravity. The double question presses Jesus: Οὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ; ('You answer nothing?') and τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν; ('What are these testifying against you?'). The verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartureō, 'to testify against, to witness against') shows accusatory testimony. Caiaphas expected self-defense, justification, explanation—anything to provide grounds for condemnation.

Jesus's silence fulfilled Isaiah 53:7: 'As a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.' He refused to dignify false charges with response. Silence demonstrated innocence—guilty defendants frantically defend themselves; Jesus rested in the Father's vindication. His silence also modeled non-retaliation (1 Peter 2:23): 'When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.' The silent Lamb prepared for slaughter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Defendants in ancient trials typically defended themselves vigorously—silence implied guilt or contempt. Caiaphas's frustration shows Jesus's silence thwarted his plans. Without self-incriminating testimony, conviction was difficult. This explains Caiaphas's next move (v. 63)—placing Jesus under oath, forcing response. Jewish law allowed judges to demand sworn testimony. Caiaphas's question 'What are these testifying against you?' shows even he recognized the witnesses' testimony was flimsy—he needed Jesus's own words for condemnation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's silence before false accusation model trust in God's vindication rather than frantic self-defense?
  2. When should you remain silent rather than answering critics, trusting God to vindicate (Psalm 37:5-6)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναστὰς2 of 12

“arose”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεὺς4 of 12

“the high priest”

G749

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

εἶπεν5 of 12

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ6 of 12

“unto 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

Οὐδὲν7 of 12

“nothing”

G3762

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

ἀποκρίνῃ8 of 12

“Answerest thou”

G611

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

τί9 of 12

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὗτοί10 of 12

“is it which these”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

σου11 of 12

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

καταμαρτυροῦσιν12 of 12

“witness against”

G2649

to testify against

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:62 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 Matthew 26:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:9-11John 18:19-24Matthew 27:12-14Mark 14:60Luke 23:9

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