Mark 15:5

What does Mark 15:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:5 means

Jesus remains mostly silent before Pilate, refusing to answer the flood of accusations. His silence surprises Pilate—who marvels—because in a Roman court a defendant would typically respond. The silence is not passivity but sovereignty; Jesus refuses to be manipulated and fulfills prophecy of the suffering servant who opens not his mouth. His composure exposes the shallowness of the charges and shows that ultimate truth about him does not depend on courtroom theatrics.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus gave no more answers, so that Pilate was full of wonder.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus did no more answer anything, so that Pilate wondered.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus still answered nothing: so that Pilate wondered.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marvelled.

Context

This follows Pilate’s plea for an answer. Jesus’ quietness sharply contrasts with the leaders’ clamoring. Pilate’s astonishment highlights the unexpected dignity of Jesus under trial, moving the narrative toward Pilate’s recognition of Jesus’ innocence and the moral dilemma he faces between conscience and crowd pressure.

v.4And Pilate again asked him, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they accuse thee of.

v.5This passage

v.6Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:9

    For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.

  • Zechariah 3:8

    Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee; for they are men that are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

  • Isaiah 8:18

    Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.

  • Matthew 27:14

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

  • 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.

  • Psalms 71:7

    I am as a wonder unto many; But thou art my strong refuge.

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