Mark 15:3
What does Mark 15:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:3 means
The chief priests make many accusations, aiming to sway Pilate with volume rather than clarity. Their strategy is to overwhelm the governor with charges—likely mixing religious allegations with political implications—hoping to secure execution. The phrase highlights the leaders’ determination and the procedural imbalance: accusations are hurled without a fair defense. It also underscores their persistent hostility to Jesus and their willingness to manipulate Roman power to achieve their ends.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the chief priests accused him of many things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the chief priests accused him of many things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the chief priests said a number of things against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the chief priests were accusing him of many things, <FI>but he answered nothing.<Fi>
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the chief priests accused him in many things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the chief priests accused him urgently.
Context
This follows Pilate’s initial question and shows the religious leaders trying to shape Roman judgment by piling on accusations. It prepares for Pilate’s bewilderment and Jesus’ silence, revealing the contrast between noisy, unsubstantiated charges and Jesus’ composed restraint that will astonish Pilate.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 27:12
And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
- Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
- John 18:29
Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?
- 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?
- Mark 15:5
But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.
- John 19:12
Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Cæsar’s friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.
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