But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ profound silence here isn't just passive resignation; it's a powerful testament to His innocence. By offering no defense against the accusations, He demonstrates that the charges were so baseless, and the accusers so driven by malice, that any words would have been futile. His quiet demeanor fulfilled prophecy and deeply astonished Pilate, highlighting that true vindication sometimes comes not from argument, but from the sheer weight of truth and a surrendered spirit.
But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus stands before Pilate, who has just declared him innocent but is being pressured by the crowd. The chief priests and elders seize this moment to press their accusations against Jesus with renewed vehemence, but Jesus remains silent in response to them, astonishing Pilate. This silence fulfills prophecy and showcases Jesus' submission to God's will, even as the people cry out for Barabbas to be released instead.
Jesus stands accused, yet remains silent. Why wouldn't he defend himself? This silence was his most powerful statement.
When the chief priests and elders leveled their accusations against Jesus, the Gospel accounts tell us he gave no answer. This wasn't because he was speechless or guilty. Instead, his silence was a deliberate act.
A Defense of Truth
The Roman governor was baffled by Jesus' quiet demeanor. What did this silence reveal about Jesus that ordinary defense could not?
Pilate, accustomed to the usual human responses to accusation – denial, anger, or pleading – was profoundly struck by Jesus' silence. The commentaries highlight that this reaction wasn't typical.
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The Judge's Confusion
Understand the original words
katēgoreō · Greek Verb
Formal charges brought against someone in a judicial setting; in the New Testament, often used in the context of legal proceedings or condemnation.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The supreme religious leaders in Judaism who oversaw the Temple services and exerted significant political and social influence within the Sanhedrin.
presbyteros · Greek Noun
Leaders of the Jewish community, often part of the Sanhedrin, who held authority in matters of religious law and local governance.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure is marked by several clashes with the Jewish populace, indicating a tense relationship between Roman rule and Jewish religious sensitivities.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Arrest
Jesus' public ministry concludes, leading to his arrest in Jerusalem, likely during the Passover festival. This sets the stage for the events of his trial and crucifixion.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Jesus is initially tried by the Jewish religious council, the Sanhedrin, where he is condemned for blasphemy. This religious trial precedes his appearance before the Roman governor.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Before Pontius Pilate
Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, accused of sedition and claiming to be King of the Jews. Pilate questions Jesus, but finds no grounds for condemnation, attempting to pass judgment to Herod Antipas.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate Yields to the Crowd
Despite his reservations and attempts to release Jesus, Pilate succumbs to pressure from the chief priests and the crowd, ultimately handing Jesus over to be crucified.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' silence, describing the suffering servant who 'was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.'
Psalm 38:13-14This psalm reveals a heart attitude that mirrors Jesus' silence, confessing, 'But I, like a deaf man, heard not; and like a dumb man who opens not his mouth. I had become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.'
1 Peter 2:21-23Peter explains that Christ's example of suffering without retaliation, including his silence under accusation, is a model for believers. It highlights that Jesus 'committed no sin... when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.'
John 18:36This passage shows Jesus speaking about his kingdom's nature to Pilate earlier, which paradoxically adds depth to his subsequent silence. His refusal to engage further with the accusations suggests he had already made his case and recognized the futility of arguing with those intent on his condemnation.
Matthew 26:62-63This earlier instance of Jesus remaining silent when questioned by the high priest demonstrates a consistent pattern of choosing silence when false accusations were leveled, revealing a deliberate strategy rooted in divine purpose.
bensonMatthew 27:12: "And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing."
Matthew 27:12-14 . When he was accused of the chief priests, &c., he answered nothing — In consequence of the conversation that took place between Jesus and Pilate, referred to in the preceding note, Pilate was inclined to acquit Jesus, declaring he found in him no fault at all; but the priests were not disconcerted, nor abashed by the public declaration which the governor, in obedience to conscience…
henryMatthew 27:11-25: "And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest."
27:11-25 Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, and it is a great mercy to have such checks from Providence, from faithful friends, and from our own conscience…
Jesus’ profound silence here isn't just passive resignation; it's a powerful testament to His innocence. By offering no defense against the accusations, He demonstrates that the charges were so baseless, and the accusers so driven by malice, that any words would have been futile. His quiet demeanor fulfilled prophecy and deeply astonished Pilate, highlighting that true vindication sometimes comes not from argument, but from the sheer weight of truth and a surrendered spirit.
Jesus stands before Pilate, who has just declared him innocent but is being pressured by the crowd. The chief priests and elders seize this moment to press their accusations against Jesus with renewed vehemence, but Jesus remains silent in response to them, astonishing Pilate. This silence fulfills prophecy and showcases Jesus' submission to God's will, even as the people cry out for Barabbas to be released instead.
Jesus stands before Pilate, who has just declared him innocent but is being pressured by the crowd. The chief priests and elders seize this moment to press their accusations against Jesus with renewed vehemence, but Jesus remains silent in response to them, astonishing Pilate. This silence fulfills prophecy and showcases Jesus' submission to God's will, even as the people cry out for Barabbas to be released instead.
"But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer." — Jesus’ profound silence here isn't just passive resignation; it's a powerful testament to His innocence. By offering no defense against the accusations, He demonstrates that the charges were so basel…
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Last reviewed October 2026