Mark 15:10
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγίνωσκεν
he knew
G1097
ἐγίνωσκεν
he knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 9
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 9
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
παραδεδώκεισαν
had delivered
G3860
παραδεδώκεισαν
had delivered
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
6 of 9
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Roman governors were trained to discern provincial politics. Pilate recognized a power struggle—the chief priests eliminating a popular rival. Josephus documents similar conflicts where Jewish leaders manipulated Roman authorities against threats to their position (Antiquities 20.9.1). Pilate's insight makes his eventual capitulation more culpable—he condemned a man he knew was innocent due to political expediency. Later Christian tradition identifies 'envy' as the sin that killed Christ (1 Clement 4:7).
Questions for Reflection
- What specifically about Jesus did the chief priests envy that drove them to murder?
- How does Pilate's knowledge of their envy make his eventual condemnation of Jesus more culpable?
- What does envy as the motive for Christ's death teach about the spiritual danger of comparing ourselves to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy (ἐγίνωσκεν γὰρ ὅτι διὰ φθόνον παραδεδώκεισαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς, eginōsken gar hoti dia phthonon paradedōkeisan auton hoi archiereis)—The verb γινώσκω (ginōskō) means to know, perceive, understand. Pilate had discernment to see through the religious veneer to the real motive: φθόνος (phthonos, envy). This noun denotes jealousy, spite, resentment at another's advantages. The verb παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, 'delivered/betrayed') is the same used for Judas's betrayal.
The chief priests envied Jesus's popularity (11:18, 12:12), His authority ('he taught as one having authority, not as the scribes,' 1:22), and His direct access to God threatening their mediating role. Pilate recognized this—it wasn't blasphemy or treason motivating them, but threatened power. Yet even knowing this, Pilate lacked courage to act justly. The verb παραδίδωμι creates a chain: Judas betrayed Jesus to the priests, the priests delivered Him to Pilate, Pilate would deliver Him to crucifixion (v. 15). All guilty.