For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate recognized that the chief priests weren't truly concerned about Jesus' supposed threat to Rome; their true motive was pure envy of Jesus' popularity. This insight reveals that Pilate, despite his position, understood the base human emotions at play, yet still chose to yield to them rather than protect the innocent.
For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate, sensing Jesus' innocence and aware that the religious leaders brought Him out of jealousy over His popularity, tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner to save Jesus. However, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas' release instead, setting the stage for Jesus' unjust condemnation.
Why would a Roman governor, far from Jewish politics, understand the heart of the religious leaders so well? Matthew reveals a profound truth about the real reason Jesus was handed over.
Pilate, the Roman governor, was tasked with judging Jesus. He questioned Jesus directly and even spoke with his own wife, who warned him about the innocent man. Yet, the text states plainly, 'For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.'
This wasn't about a political threat to Rome. Pilate saw through the accusations.
Pilate's Assessment:
The trial of Jesus wasn't just a legal proceeding; it was a spiritual showdown. What does this verse reveal about the heart of religious leadership when challenged?
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The chief priests and elders didn't deliver Jesus to Pilate because he was a genuine threat to Roman rule. Their accusations were a smokescreen. Matthew tells us Pilate knew the real reason: envy.
Understanding the Envy:
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he still condemned Him. What does this story teach us about the dangers of compromising with evil, even when we know better?
This verse, combined with the surrounding narrative, paints a tragic picture of Pilate's decision. He knew the envy-driven motives of the chief priests. He knew Jesus was innocent. He even tried to find ways to release Jesus, like offering Barabbas. But ultimately, he buckled under the pressure.
The Cost of Compromise:
Understand the original words
phthonos · Greek Noun
A painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, often leading to malice or hostility. In Scripture, it is listed as a work of the flesh and is consistently condemned as destructive.
Pilate's awareness of the chief priests' envy highlights the spiritual blindness of the leaders, who were so consumed by jealousy that they preferred a murderer over the Messiah.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Gains Popularity
Jesus' teachings and miracles attract large crowds, drawing attention and concern from the Jewish religious establishment.
c. AD 30
The Chief Priests Plot Against Jesus
The religious leaders, fearing Jesus' growing influence and the potential disruption to their authority, conspire to arrest and execute him.
Passover, AD 30
Pilate's Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
During the Passover feast, Roman governors traditionally released a prisoner chosen by the crowd, a custom aimed at appeasing the populace.
Passover, AD 30— this verse
Pilate Interrogates Jesus
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, questions Jesus about claims of kingship. He finds no guilt in Jesus, recognizing the accusations stem from the priests' envy.
Passover, AD 30
Crowd Demands Barabbas, Not Jesus
Incited by the chief priests, the crowd calls for the release of Barabbas, a known criminal, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
This passage highlights the leaders' fear that Jesus' growing popularity would provoke Roman intervention, echoing the envy mentioned in Matthew 27:18 as a motive for his downfall.
Galatians 5:19-21This lists 'envy' as a work of the flesh, showing how this destructive emotion, as seen in the religious leaders, leads to chaos and ultimately separates people from God's kingdom.
Philippians 1:15-17Paul addresses a similar situation where some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, demonstrating that even in the proclamation of the Gospel, envy can be a motivating factor, just as it was in the handing over of Jesus.
1 Peter 2:22This verse states Jesus committed no sin and practiced no deceit, underscoring the 'innocence' that Pilate perceived, which makes the envy driving his accusers all the more tragic and inexcusable.
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…
barnesMatthew 27:18: "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him."
For he knew that for envy ... - This was envy at his popularity. He drew away the people from them. This Pilate understood, probably, from his knowledge of the pride and ambition of the rulers, and from the fact that no danger could arise from a person that appeared like Jesus. If Pilate knew this, he was bound to release him himself. As a governor and judge, he was under obligation to protect the innocent, and should, in spite…
Pilate recognized that the chief priests weren't truly concerned about Jesus' supposed threat to Rome; their true motive was pure envy of Jesus' popularity. This insight reveals that Pilate, despite his position, understood the base human emotions at play, yet still chose to yield to them rather than protect the innocent.
Pilate, sensing Jesus' innocence and aware that the religious leaders brought Him out of jealousy over His popularity, tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner to save Jesus. However, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas' release instead, setting the stage for Jesus' unjust condemnation.
Pilate, sensing Jesus' innocence and aware that the religious leaders brought Him out of jealousy over His popularity, tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner to save Jesus. However, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas' release instead, setting the stage for Jesus' unjust condemnation.
"For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up." — Pilate recognized that the chief priests weren't truly concerned about Jesus' supposed threat to Rome; their true motive was pure envy of Jesus' popularity. This insight reveals that Pilate, despite…
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Last reviewed October 2026