Bible Strands
Matthew 27:19
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pilate’s wife sends a message to Pilate while he is seated on the judgment seat during the trial proceedings. She urges him to avoid involvement with Jesus, citing a distressing dream she experienced that day.
The words — The Greek term βήματος (bēmatos) denotes the raised platform or judgment seat where Pilate presided. The verb ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen) literally means “she sent,” indicating the wife’s direct communication across the judicial space.
The thread — The text of Proverbs 29:1 states that stubbornness after reproof leads to sudden destruction. The text of 1 Peter 2:22 records that Jesus committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth. The text of Zechariah 9:9 describes a king arriving righteous and delivered.
Why it lands — The passage records a judicial warning delivered through a dream, placing the decision squarely on Pilate’s authority. It requires the reader to observe how external testimony intersects with official proceedings without dictating the outcome.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
- Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
- 1 Peter 2:22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
- Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
- Genesis 20:3 One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”
- Genesis 31:24 But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”
- Genesis 31:29 I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
- Numbers 12:6 He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.
- Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.
- Isaiah 53:11 After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.