Matthew 26:62

What does Matthew 26:62 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:62 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:62 means

The high priest rises and demands an answer from Jesus about these witnesses’ accusations. He challenges Jesus in a formal manner, expecting either confession or clarification. The question presses Jesus to speak publicly under oath, a procedural step to secure a verdict. However, given the earlier search for false witnesses, the tone is accusatory and intent on eliciting damaging admissions. The verse sets the stage for Jesus’ pivotal declaration about his identity and destiny.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the high priest got up and said to him, Have you no answer? what is it which these say against you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the chief priest having stood up, said to him, `Nothing thou dost answer! what do these witness against thee?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the high priest rising up, said to him: Answerest thou nothing to the things which these witness against thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the high priest standing up said to him, Answerest thou nothing? What do these witness against thee?

Context

This verse follows the presentation of the witnesses and shifts the exchange into formal interrogation. It positions the high priest as presiding over the trough of legal procedure, though in a compromised court. For readers, the verse prepares the moment when Jesus will be directly confronted with the question of his identity, a turning point in the trial.

v.61and said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

v.62This passage

v.63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 19:9

    and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

  • Matthew 27:12

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

  • Luke 23:9

    And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

  • Mark 14:60

    And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

  • John 18:19

    The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 26

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 26.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 26:62.