Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:12

What does Matthew 27:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:12 means

While the Jewish leaders accuse him, Jesus gives no verbal defense. His silence fulfills prophetic patterns (like Isaiah’s suffering servant) and shows his submission to the Father’s will. By not answering, Jesus exposes the falseness of the charges and refuses to defend himself in a way that would derail the redemptive plan. His silence also increases Pilate’s astonishment and serves as a powerful witness: he will suffer without recourse, taking the role of the sin-bearing Servant rather than a self-exonerating Messiah.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the chief priests and those in authority made statements against him, he gave no answer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And in his being accused by the chief priests and the elders, he did not answer any thing,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ initial exchange with Pilate (v. 11). It contrasts the noisy, self-serving accusations of the chief priests with Jesus’ composed silence. The silence intensifies the trial’s character and prepares Pilate’s reaction in verses 13–14. It also highlights the theological motif of the suffering, silent servant in the passion narrative.

v.11Now 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.

v.12This passage

v.13Then saith Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 8:32

    Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth:

  • Matthew 26:63

    But 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.

  • 1 Peter 2:23

    who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

  • John 19:9

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

  • Matthew 27:14

    And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

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