New Testament
Matthew 27:14
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But Jesus didn't answer — not a single word. The governor was amazed.
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And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
What Matthew 27:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus stands before the governor, Pontius Pilate, during His trial. Despite being questioned, Jesus chooses to remain silent, not offering any defense or explanation for the accusations against Him. This silence is striking and leaves Pilate astonished. The governor expected a response, perhaps to justify or defend Himself, but Jesus' lack of words speaks volumes about His purpose and the fulfillment of prophecy. His silence reflects His submission to God's will and the path He must take toward crucifixion. This moment highlights the contrast between human expectations of justice and the divine plan unfolding through Jesus' suffering. Pilate's amazement indicates that he recognizes something extraordinary about Jesus, even if he does not fully understand it. This silence serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in restraint and the profound impact of actions over words.
How to apply Matthew 27:14 to your life
In moments of trial or accusation, we can learn from Jesus' example of silence. Sometimes, not responding to provocation or misunderstanding can be more powerful than defending ourselves. Trusting in God's plan and timing can bring peace, even when we feel pressured to speak or react.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11–31)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 27:14
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:14 mean?
Matthew 27:14 describes Jesus' silence before Pontius Pilate during His trial. This silence is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' submission to God's will and highlights the contrast between human expectations of justice and the divine plan.
Why did Jesus remain silent in Matthew 27:14?
Jesus remained silent in Matthew 27:14 to fulfill prophecy and to show His acceptance of the path laid out for Him. His silence serves as a powerful statement about His purpose and the nature of His mission.
How does Matthew 27:14 relate to the theme of justice?
Matthew 27:14 highlights the theme of justice by contrasting human expectations with divine purpose. Jesus' silence before Pilate reflects a deeper understanding of justice that transcends human judgment.
What can we learn from Jesus' silence in Matthew 27:14?
From Jesus' silence in Matthew 27:14, we can learn the power of restraint in the face of accusation. Sometimes, choosing not to respond can be more impactful than defending ourselves, allowing us to trust in God's plan.
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