Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:18

What does Matthew 27:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:18 means

Matthew notes that Pilate knew the religious leaders had turned Jesus over out of envy. This comment gives Pilate some insight into the motives behind the arrest: not public safety or justice but jealousy. It portrays the Jewish leaders negatively, as driven by personal and political animus. Pilate’s awareness adds moral weight to the trial: even the governor perceives the injustice, yet the political pressures and customs lead him to a compromised judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For he saw that for envy they had given him up.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he had known that because of envy they had delivered him up.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he knew that they had delivered him up through envy.

Context

This verse comments on Pilate’s understanding immediately after he asks the crowd to choose (v. 17). It frames the trial as influenced by envy and unjust motives, making Pilate’s later actions more morally significant. The reader sees that injustice is not hidden; it’s apparent to the authorities, heightening the tragedy of what follows.

v.17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?

v.18This passage

v.19And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 26:11

    Jehovah, thy hand is lifted up, yet they see not: but they shall seethyzeal for the people, and be put to shame; yea, fire shall devour thine adversaries.

  • Genesis 37:11

    And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

  • 1 Samuel 18:7

    And the women sang one to another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

  • Proverbs 27:4

    Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

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