Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:19

What does Matthew 27:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:19 means

Pilate’s wife sends him a message urging him to have nothing to do with Jesus, calling him a ‘righteous man’ and citing a troubling dream she experienced because of him. This supernatural warning introduces personal conviction into Pilate’s household and suggests God’s silent witness through a dream. Her message adds pressure on Pilate to act justly and reveals an interesting human response to Jesus’ innocence from outside the Jewish leadership—an attempt at warning, though it will not change the outcome.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while he was on the judge's seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that upright man, for I have had much trouble this day in a dream because of him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And as he is sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent unto him, saying, `Nothing--to thee and to that righteous one, for many things did I suffer to-day in a dream because of him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as he was sitting in the place of judgment, his wife sent to him, saying: Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But, as he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous [man]; for I have suffered to-day many things in a dream because of him.

Context

This verse follows Pilate’s awareness of envy (v. 18) and comes during the same trial scene. The wife’s intervention interrupts the legal proceedings with a moral and supernatural appeal, complicating Pilate’s situation. It sets up Pilate’s conflicted behavior—he recognizes Jesus’ innocence yet succumbs to public pressure.

v.18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

v.19This passage

v.20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Cross references

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

  • Job 33:14

    For God speaketh once, Yea twice, though man regardeth it not.

  • Matthew 27:24

    So when Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; see ye to it.

  • Proverbs 29:1

    He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • Genesis 31:24

    And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

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