But Jesus gave no answerIn this moment, Jesus' silence fulfills the prophecy found in
Isaiah 53:7, which describes the suffering servant as being oppressed and afflicted, yet not opening His mouth. His silence can be seen as a demonstration of His submission to God's will and His role as the sacrificial Lamb. This silence also contrasts with the typical behavior of defendants in Roman trials, who would vigorously defend themselves. Jesus' choice to remain silent highlights His divine authority and the fulfillment of His mission.
not even to a single charge
The charges against Jesus were serious, including claims of blasphemy and insurrection. By not responding to any of these accusations, Jesus demonstrates His innocence and the baselessness of the charges. This silence can also be seen as a fulfillment ofPsalm 38:13-14, where the psalmist speaks of being like a deaf man who does not hear and a mute man who does not open his mouth. Jesus' refusal to defend Himself underscores His trust in God's justice rather than human judgment.
much to the governor’s amazement
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, was accustomed to dealing with defendants who would plead for their lives. Jesus' calm and composed demeanor, coupled with His silence, was unexpected and left Pilate astonished. This amazement can be seen as a recognition of Jesus' unique character and authority. Pilate's reaction also highlights the tension between Roman authority and the divine authority of Jesus. The governor's amazement may also reflect the broader theme of the Gospel, where Jesus' actions and teachings often left people in awe and wonder.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is on trial before Pontius Pilate.
2.
Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea, who is presiding over the trial of Jesus. He is amazed by Jesus' silence in the face of accusations.
3.
The AccusersThe chief priests and elders who brought Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of various charges.
4.
The TrialThe legal proceedings where Jesus is being judged by Pilate, a pivotal event leading to His crucifixion.
5.
JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, during the time of Passover.
Teaching Points
The Power of SilenceJesus' silence before His accusers demonstrates His strength and control. In situations where we face false accusations or misunderstandings, sometimes silence can be more powerful than words.
Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' actions fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. This encourages believers to trust in God's Word and His promises.
Trust in God's SovereigntyJesus' calm demeanor in the face of injustice shows His trust in God's sovereign plan. We are reminded to trust God even when circumstances seem unfair or beyond our control.
Responding to InjusticeJesus' example teaches us to respond to injustice with grace and dignity, leaving judgment to God. This challenges us to reflect on how we handle personal injustices.
Amazement of the WorldPilate's amazement at Jesus' silence highlights how the world often does not understand the ways of God. Our lives, when lived in accordance with God's will, can also be a testimony that causes others to marvel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 27:14?
2.Why did Jesus remain silent before Pilate in Matthew 27:14?
3.How does Jesus' silence fulfill Isaiah's prophecy about the suffering servant?
4.What can we learn from Jesus' example of silence in Matthew 27:14?
5.How can we apply Jesus' response to false accusations in our own lives?
6.How does Jesus' silence demonstrate His trust in God's plan for salvation?
7.Why did Jesus remain silent before Pilate in Matthew 27:14?
8.How does Jesus' silence in Matthew 27:14 fulfill prophecy?
9.What is the significance of Jesus' silence in Matthew 27:14 for Christians today?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27?
11.When is it time to be silent or speak?
12.Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion conflict with known Roman legal and execution procedures?
13.Isaiah 53:5 mentions healing through the servant’s wounds—how can one person’s suffering literally heal others physically or spiritually?
14.Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion? Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42) No. (John 12:27)What Does Matthew 27:14 Mean
But– This tiny word signals a strong contrast. Up to this point Pilate has peppered Jesus with questions (Matthew 27:11-13). Everyone in the courtroom expects a vigorous defense, yet Scripture pivots: “But…”
– The narrative reminds us that God’s redemptive plan often turns on surprising “buts” (Genesis 50:20;Ephesians 2:4-5). Here, the contrast sets the stage for the Messiah’s unique response—silence.
– It underscores divine control. Human authorities appear to steer events, but God’s “however” is already in place (Acts 2:23).
Jesus– The focus narrows to the Son of God, fully man and fully God, standing before a Roman prefect.
– He fulfills ancient prophecy in real time (Isaiah 53:7).
– Though bound, He remains the sovereign King who willingly submits (John 10:18).
– His composure exposes the injustice of the proceedings and magnifies His righteousness (Hebrews 7:26).
Gave no answer– Silence can communicate more than speech. Here it proclaims:
• Innocence—no need to refute lies (1 Peter 2:22-23).
• Submission—He embraces the Father’s will, not self-preservation (Luke 22:42).
• Judgment—His quietness leaves His accusers without excuse (Proverbs 30:32).
– Earlier Jesus had spoken to Pilate about truth (John 18:37). Now the moment for testimony has passed; prophecy dictates silence (Psalm 38:13-14).
Not even to a single charge– False witnesses heap accusations (Matthew 26:59-60). Jesus answers none of them.
– Each unchallenged charge fulfills the pattern of the Passover Lamb inspected yet found blameless (Exodus 12:5;1 Corinthians 5:7).
– His restraint highlights the spiritual reality: He bears the world’s guilt, though personally guiltless (2 Corinthians 5:21).
– By refusing to rebut, He lets the record stand so that His subsequent crucifixion is clearly unjust, fulfilling Scripture’s exact details (Psalm 22).
Much to the governor’s amazement– Pilate has seen many defendants beg, bargain, or bribe. Jesus does none of these.
– The governor’s marveling fulfillsLuke 23:4’s testimony: “I find no basis for a charge against this Man.”
– Pilate’s astonishment exposes the contrast between earthly power and heavenly authority (John 19:10-11).
– Though amazed, Pilate still capitulates to the crowd, illustrating that human admiration of Jesus is insufficient without saving faith (John 19:12-16).
summaryMatthew 27:14 shows the Savior’s purposeful silence before Pilate. His wordless stance fulfills prophecy, demonstrates flawless innocence, and advances God’s redemption plan. While earthly authority marvels, heaven’s King quietly secures our salvation, proving that the power of God often speaks loudest through holy restraint.
Verse 14. -
To never a word (
pro\ ou)de\ e%nῤῆμα,
not even to one word). He made no reply to a single one of the accusations die; he was a willing sacrifice; so he acted as his prophet had foretold, "He opened not his mouth" (
Isaiah 53:7).
Marvelled greatly. The Roman governor in all his experience had never beheld such calm resigntion, such unshaken equanimity, such intrepid resolution in the face of death.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
ButΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[Jesus] gave no answer,ἀπεκρίθη(apekrithē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.not evenοὐδὲ(oude)Adverb
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.toπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.a singleἓν(hen)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.charge,ῥῆμα(rhēma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4487:From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.muchλίαν(lian)Adverb
Strong's 3029:Very; very much, exceedingly, greatly. Of uncertain affinity; much.toὥστε(hōste)Conjunction
Strong's 5620:So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.governor’sἡγεμόνα(hēgemona)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2232:From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province.amazement.θαυμάζειν(thaumazein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2296:(a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:14 He gave him no answer not even (Matt. Mat Mt)