Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 62
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστὰς
arose
G450
ἀναστὰς
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
2 of 12
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 12
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
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
Οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
Οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
7 of 12
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἀποκρίνῃ
Answerest thou
G611
ἀποκρίνῃ
Answerest thou
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
8 of 12
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
Defendants in ancient trials typically defended themselves vigorously—silence implied guilt or contempt. Caiaphas's frustration shows Jesus's silence thwarted his plans. Without self-incriminating testimony, conviction was difficult. This explains Caiaphas's next move (v. 63)—placing Jesus under oath, forcing response. Jewish law allowed judges to demand sworn testimony. Caiaphas's question 'What are these testifying against you?' shows even he recognized the witnesses' testimony was flimsy—he needed Jesus's own words for condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's silence before false accusation model trust in God's vindication rather than frantic self-defense?
- When should you remain silent rather than answering critics, trusting God to vindicate (Psalm 37:5-6)?
Analysis & Commentary
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? (καὶ ἀναστὰς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Οὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ; τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν;)—The participle ἀνίστημι (anistēmi, 'to stand up, to rise') shows the high priest rising, emphasizing the moment's gravity. The double question presses Jesus: Οὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ; ('You answer nothing?') and τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν; ('What are these testifying against you?'). The verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartureō, 'to testify against, to witness against') shows accusatory testimony. Caiaphas expected self-defense, justification, explanation—anything to provide grounds for condemnation.
Jesus's silence fulfilled Isaiah 53:7: 'As a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.' He refused to dignify false charges with response. Silence demonstrated innocence—guilty defendants frantically defend themselves; Jesus rested in the Father's vindication. His silence also modeled non-retaliation (1 Peter 2:23): 'When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.' The silent Lamb prepared for slaughter.