King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:19 Mean?

Matthew 27:19 in the King James Version says “When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: f... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Matthew 27:19 · KJV


Context

17

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

20

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him (μηδὲν σοὶ καὶ τῷ δικαίῳ ἐκείνῳ)—Pilate's wife (traditionally named Claudia Procula) called Jesus dikaios (righteous, just), the same term used of Joseph (Matthew 1:19) and Jesus Himself (1 John 2:1). God sent warning through an unlikely source—a pagan woman's dream.

Matthew alone records this supernatural intervention. God gave Pilate every opportunity to choose rightly: his wife's warning, his own recognition of innocence (v. 18), the absence of evidence. Yet political expediency triumphed over conscience—a chilling warning about compromising known truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Romans took dreams seriously as potential divine communication. Pilate's wife sending a message during trial proceedings was highly irregular, showing her urgency. Her warning joined other Gentile testimonies in Matthew: the magi (2:1), the centurion (8:10), another centurion at the cross (27:54).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes use unlikely sources to warn us away from sin, and do we listen?
  2. What does Pilate's rejection of multiple warnings teach about the danger of political expediency over moral conviction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Καθημένου1 of 27

was set down

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

δὲ2 of 27

When

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτόν3 of 27

he

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

ἐπὶ4 of 27

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ5 of 27
G3588

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

βήματος6 of 27

the judgment seat

G968

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

ἀπέστειλεν7 of 27

sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

πρὸς8 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν9 of 27

he

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

10 of 27
G3588

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

γυνὴ11 of 27

wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αὐτόν12 of 27

he

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

λέγουσα13 of 27

saying

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

Μηδὲν14 of 27

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

σοὶ15 of 27

Have thou

G4671

to thee

καὶ16 of 27
G2532

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

τῷ17 of 27
G3588

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

δικαίῳ18 of 27

just man

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἐκείνῳ·19 of 27

to do with that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

πολλὰ20 of 27

many things

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

γὰρ21 of 27

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔπαθον22 of 27

I have suffered

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

σήμερον23 of 27

this day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

κατ'24 of 27

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὄναρ25 of 27

a dream

G3677

a dream

δι'26 of 27

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτόν27 of 27

he

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


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 27:19 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 27:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study