Matthew 27:14

But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Pilate questions Jesus about the multiple accusations brought by His accusers during the trial before the governor. Jesus remains completely silent in direct response to the official’s inquiry.

The words — οὐκ (ouk) means "not" and ῥῆμα (rhēma) translates to "word," together framing Jesus’ refusal to utter even a single defense. The Greek construction emphasizes absolute silence rather than a deliberate withholding of speech.

The thread — This pattern of silent endurance appears alongside descriptions of the Messiah as a sign and portent in Isaiah 8:18, Psalm 71:7, and Zechariah 3:8. These passages collectively frame His unresponsive stance as a deliberate divine marker rather than mere defeat.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that divine authority operates independently of human legal defense or political approval. Readers must accept that silence before unjust accusation is presented as a valid and authoritative response.

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

καὶkaiAnd οὐκouknot ἀπεκρίθηapekrithēHe did answer αὐτῷautōhim πρὸςprosto οὐδὲoudenot even ἓνhenone ῥῆμαrhēmaword ὥστεhōsteso as θαυμάζεινthaumazeinto amaze τὸνtonthe ἡγεμόναhēgemonagovernor λίαν.¶lianexceedingly.

King James Version

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Cross-references

Isaiah 8:18 Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.
Psalms 71:7 I have become a portent to many, but You are my strong refuge.
Zechariah 3:8 Hear now, O high priest Joshua, you and your companions seated before you, who are indeed a sign. For behold, I am going to bring My servant, the Branch.
1 Corinthians 4:9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.