King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:2 Mean?

Matthew 27:2 in the King James Version says “And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

Matthew 27:2 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

2

And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

3

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Read Matthew 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they had bound him (δήσαντες αὐτόν, dēsantes auton)—the binding of Jesus is theologically significant beyond mere restraint. This innocent Lamb is bound so that guilty sinners might go free (John 18:8). The Greek deō (to bind) ironically reverses Satan's bondage; Christ is bound that we might be loosed from sin's chains.

Delivered him to Pontius Pilate (παρέδωκαν Πιλάτῳ, paredōkan Pilatō)—the verb paradidōmi means "to hand over" or "betray," the same word used of Judas's betrayal (26:15). The Sanhedrin, lacking authority to execute (John 18:31), transfers Jesus to Roman jurisdiction. This fulfills Christ's prediction (20:19) and ensures both Jewish and Gentile complicity in the crucifixion—representing all humanity's guilt. Pilate's title hēgemōn (governor/procurator) emphasizes earthly authority that unknowingly serves divine sovereignty (Acts 4:27-28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pontius Pilate served as Roman prefect of Judea (AD 26-36), appointed by Emperor Tiberius. The Sanhedrin required Roman approval for capital punishment. Pilate's residence was Caesarea Maritima, but he came to Jerusalem during Passover to prevent riots. Jesus was likely taken to the Praetorium (Herod's palace or Antonia Fortress) early Friday morning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ being "bound" to accomplish your freedom deepen your gratitude for substitutionary atonement?
  2. What does the collaboration of Jewish religious leaders and Roman political power teach about humanity's universal guilt in crucifying Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

δήσαντες2 of 11

“when they had bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν3 of 11

“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

ἀπήγαγον4 of 11

“they led him away”

G520

to take off (in various senses)

καὶ5 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

παρέδωκαν6 of 11

“delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτὸν7 of 11

“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

Ποντίῳ8 of 11

“to Pontius”

G4194

apparently bridged; pontius, a roman

Πιλάτῳ9 of 11

“Pilate”

G4091

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

τῷ10 of 11
G3588

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

ἡγεμόνι11 of 11

“the governor”

G2232

a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:19Acts 3:13Luke 13:11 Timothy 6:13Acts 12:6Hebrews 13:3

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