Mark 15:3
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατηγόρουν
accused
G2723
κατηγόρουν
accused
Strong's:
G2723
Word #:
2 of 10
to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence
αὐτὸς
him
G846
αὐτὸς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 10
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 10
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
πολλά·
of many things
G4183
πολλά·
of many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 10
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
αὐτὸς
him
G846
αὐτὸς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 10
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 legal procedure expected the accused to mount vigorous defense (Latin: defensio). Silence could be interpreted as admission of guilt or contempt of court. However, Pilate recognized the accusations as politically motivated—he 'knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy' (v. 10). The chief priests' 'many things' likely included charges of miracle-working interpreted as sorcery, gathering followers as sedition, and claiming authority over the Temple.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus respond to Pilate's question about kingship (v. 2) but remain silent before specific accusations?
- How does Jesus's silence before false charges model the suffering servant of Isaiah 53?
- What does the chief priests' need to multiply accusations ('many things') reveal about the weakness of their case?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the chief priests accused him of many things (καὶ κατηγόρουν αὐτοῦ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πολλά, kai katēgoroun autou hoi archiereis polla)—The verb κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) means to accuse, bring charges against (from which English 'categorize' derives). The adverb πολλά (polla, 'many things') shows volume of accusations. Luke 23:2 specifies: forbidding tribute to Caesar, claiming to be Christ a King—political charges crafted for Roman ears.
But he answered nothing (ὁ δὲ οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο, ho de ouden apeekrinato)—The emphatic οὐδέν (ouden, 'nothing at all') contrasts with the 'many things' of accusation. Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'he opened not his mouth.' His refusal to defend Himself baffled Pilate (v. 5) who expected defendants to plead vigorously. This silence demonstrated Jesus's sovereign control—He wasn't a helpless victim but willingly submitted to the Father's plan (John 10:18).