Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:13

What does Matthew 27:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:13 means

Pilate challenges Jesus, asking if he hears the many accusations leveled by the chief priests and elders. The governor expresses a procedural concern—does Jesus respond to the witnesses? Pilate’s question shows his role as arbiter and his expectation of a defense. It also suggests his frustration: he can’t make a legal judgment without testimony or explanation. Pilate is portrayed as someone bound by process but uneasy about the charges’ substance, setting up his awkward role in the verdict.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then says Pilate to him, Do you give no attention to what their witnesses say against you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then saith Pilate to him, `Dost thou not hear how many things they witness against thee?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Pilate saith to him: Dost not thou hear how great testimonies they allege against thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then says Pilate to him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Context

This question comes after Jesus’ silence in verse 12. It illustrates Pilate’s attempt to run a trial within Roman legal norms and shows the gap between the Jewish leaders’ accusations and Jesus’ passive endurance. The governor is engaged but uncertain, foreshadowing his reluctant decisions to come.

v.12And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

v.13This passage

v.14And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Cross references

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

  • John 18:35

    Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

  • Acts 22:24

    the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.

  • Matthew 26:62

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

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