King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:13 Mean?

Matthew 27:13 in the King James Version says “Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?”

Matthew 27:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

13

Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

14

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

15

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? (οὐκ ἀκούεις πόσα σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν;)—Pilate's astonishment at Jesus's silence shows he expected defensio. The Greek katamartyreo (testify against) indicates formal witness testimony, multiple accusations demanding response.

Yet Jesus needed no defense. He came precisely to die (Mark 10:45). Every human court is subordinate to God's eternal court, where Christ now sits as Judge (Acts 17:31). The accused would become the Judge; Pilate would face Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman trials required witnesses, though standards were lower for non-citizens. A governor's cognitio extra ordinem (extraordinary investigation) gave Pilate discretion to evaluate testimony and render verdict without jury constraints.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that Jesus will one day judge all humanity (including Pilate) change your perspective on current injustices?
  2. What would it look like to have Jesus's confidence in God's plan when facing overwhelming opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τότε1 of 10

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει2 of 10

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ3 of 10

“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

ὁ4 of 10
G3588

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

Πιλᾶτος5 of 10

“Pilate”

G4091

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

Οὐκ6 of 10

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀκούεις7 of 10

“Hearest thou”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πόσα8 of 10

“how many things”

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

σου9 of 10

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

καταμαρτυροῦσιν10 of 10

“they 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 27:13 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 27:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:62John 18:35Acts 22:24

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