Bible Strands
Matthew 27:11
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus stands before the Roman governor while the chief priests and elders prepare their formal accusations. The governor initiates the interrogation by asking if Jesus claims the title "King of the Jews."
The words — The verb ἐστάθη (estathē) literally means "stood," marking Jesus’ stationary presence before the trial's authority. The noun ἡγεμόνος (hēgemonos) identifies the Roman official who holds legal jurisdiction over the proceedings.
The thread — The governor’s question and Jesus’ reply appear identically in Mark 15:2, while Luke 23:2 records the accompanying political accusations. Matthew 26:25 shows Jesus using the same reply format when confronted by Judas.
Why it lands — The text records a direct question about political kingship followed by a restrained confirmation. A reader must decide whether to accept the title on Jesus’ terms or reject it because it conflicts with human expectations of power.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Cross-references
- Mark 15:2 So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
- Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
- John 18:29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
- Matthew 2:2 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
- Matthew 26:64 “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
- Mark 14:62 “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
- Matthew 10:18 On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
- Matthew 10:25 It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
- 1 Timothy 6:13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: