For he knewThis phrase refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who was presiding over the trial of Jesus. Pilate's awareness suggests a level of discernment and political acumen. In the Roman judicial system, governors like Pilate were expected to maintain order and justice, often requiring them to assess the motives behind accusations. Pilate's knowledge indicates he was not easily swayed by the religious leaders' outward claims.
it was out of envy
The religious leaders' envy of Jesus is a recurring theme in the Gospels. Jesus' popularity, authority, and ability to perform miracles threatened their power and influence over the people. Envy, a destructive emotion, is condemned in various parts of Scripture (e.g.,Proverbs 14:30,James 3:16). This envy led to irrational and unjust actions, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant inIsaiah 53, who was despised and rejected by men.
that they had handed Jesus over to him
The religious leaders, unable to execute capital punishment under Roman rule, handed Jesus over to Pilate. This act of handing over is significant, as it fulfills Jesus' own predictions about His death (e.g.,Matthew 20:18-19). The term "handed over" is also used in the context of betrayal, linking Judas Iscariot's actions to the broader rejection by the Jewish leaders. This transfer of Jesus to Roman authority highlights the collaboration between Jewish and Roman powers in the crucifixion, a pivotal event in salvation history.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He recognized the motives behind the Jewish leaders' actions.
2.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, who was handed over to Pilate by the Jewish leaders out of envy.
3.
Jewish LeadersThe chief priests and elders who were envious of Jesus' influence and popularity among the people, leading them to seek His crucifixion.
4.
JerusalemThe city where these events took place, particularly during the time of the Passover festival.
5.
The CrowdThe people present during Jesus' trial, influenced by the Jewish leaders to demand His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Understanding EnvyEnvy is a powerful and destructive emotion that can lead to irrational and harmful actions. As Christians, we must guard our hearts against it.
Discernment in LeadershipPilate's awareness of the leaders' motives teaches us the importance of discernment, especially when making decisions that affect others.
The Consequences of EnvyThe Jewish leaders' envy led to the crucifixion of Jesus, demonstrating how unchecked envy can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.
Reflecting on Our MotivesWe should regularly examine our motives in our actions and decisions, ensuring they align with God's will and not personal gain or jealousy.
The Role of InfluenceThe crowd's influence by the leaders shows the power of persuasion and the importance of standing firm in truth, even when pressured by others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 27:18?
2.How does Matthew 27:18 reveal the motives behind the leaders' actions?
3.What can we learn about envy from Matthew 27:18 for personal reflection?
4.How does Matthew 27:18 connect with the commandment against coveting in Exodus 20:17?
5.How can we guard against envy in our church and community relationships?
6.In what ways does envy hinder our relationship with God and others?
7.Why did Pilate recognize the chief priests' envy in Matthew 27:18?
8.How does envy influence religious leaders' decisions in Matthew 27:18?
9.What does Matthew 27:18 reveal about human nature and sin?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27?
11.Did Peter deny knowing Jesus three times?
12.Did Judas kiss Jesus? Yes (Matthew 26:48-50) No. Judas could not get close enough to Jesus to kiss him (John 18:3-12)
13.Jesus saw a man sitat the tax collectors office and called him to be his disciple. What was his name? Matthew (Matthew 9:9) Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27)
14.Mark 14:72 - Why does Mark describe the rooster crowing twice, while other Gospels only mention it crowing once, and does this discrepancy weaken the account's credibility?What Does Matthew 27:18 Mean
For• This opening word ties the verse to Pilate’s offer in the previous sentence—“Whom do you want me to release to you?” (Matthew 27:17).
• It signals that what follows is the reason behind Pilate’s hesitation to condemn Jesus.Mark 15:10 echoes the same rationale.
• Similar explanatory “for” statements appear in passages likeJohn 3:16 andRomans 5:6, showing how Scripture often supplies motives behind key actions.
he knew• Pilate’s awareness is emphasized; he was not fooled by the leaders’ façade of justice.
•Luke 23:4 records his verdict: “I find no basis for a charge against this Man.”
•John 18:38 and 19:4 repeat Pilate’s confession of Jesus’ innocence, underscoring that the coming crucifixion was not due to any legal guilt.
• God sometimes allows even unbelieving authorities to recognize truth (Numbers 22:34;Daniel 4:37).
it was out of envy• Envy, not zeal for God’s law, drove the religious leaders.Proverbs 14:30 warns that “envy rots the bones.”
•Acts 13:45 shows the same emotion when leaders opposed Paul: “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy.”
•Genesis 37:11 recounts Joseph’s brothers envying him, leading to betrayal—an Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus’ rejection.
•James 3:16 cautions, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”
that they had handed Jesus over to him• “Handed over” (paradidōmi) is a repeated idea: Judas to the priests (Matthew 26:15), the priests to Pilate (27:2), and Pilate to the soldiers (27:26).
•Acts 2:23 explains the larger plan: Jesus was “handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” Human envy served God’s sovereign purpose.
•John 19:11 reminds Pilate—and us—that even the transfer of authority is governed from above: “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.”
• The leaders’ act fulfilledIsaiah 53:8, “By oppression and judgment He was taken away.”
summaryMatthew 27:18 reveals the hidden motive behind the trial: Pilate recognized that the religious leaders delivered Jesus out of envy, not justice. His knowledge highlights Jesus’ innocence, exposes the destructive power of jealousy, and demonstrates how God uses even sinful motives to advance His redemptive plan.
(18)
He knew that for envy.--Pilate knew enough of the accusers to see through the hollowness of their pretended zeal for their own religion, or for the authority of the emperor. He found their real motive in "envy"--fear of the loss of influence and power, if the work of the new Teacher was to continue.
Verse 18. -
For he knew. He had recourse to this expedient because he was well acquainted with the motives which led the Sanhedrists to desire his death. They had shown their envy of Christ's influence with the people; they were jealous of his reputation and success; grudged him his marvellous powers; were embittered by his attacks on rabbinism, and the undermining of their popularity. Pilate saw much of this; he penetrated behind their flimsy pretence of averting some possible danger from the Roman dominion, and he laboured in this indirect way to save the victim of this vindictive plot. Of course, Pilate could not fully appreciate Christ's character, nor enter into the question of his supernatural claims; he saw only that he was brought before him from the basest motives, that no real offence was proved against him, and that no fear could be entertained of his heading a popular tumult.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.he knewᾔδει(ēdei)Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.[it was]ὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.out ofδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.envy [that]φθόνον(phthonon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5355:Envy, a grudge, spite. Probably akin to the base of phtheiro; ill-will, i.e. Jealousy.they had handed [Jesus] over.παρέδωκαν(paredōkan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3860:From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.
Links
Matthew 27:18 NIVMatthew 27:18 NLTMatthew 27:18 ESVMatthew 27:18 NASBMatthew 27:18 KJV
Matthew 27:18 BibleApps.comMatthew 27:18 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 27:18 Chinese BibleMatthew 27:18 French BibleMatthew 27:18 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Matthew 27:18 For he knew that because of envy (Matt. Mat Mt) 
