Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 66
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Original Language Analysis
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δοκεῖ
think
G1380
δοκεῖ
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 10
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθέντες
They answered
G611
ἀποκριθέντες
They answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
6 of 10
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin's verdict couldn't be executed without Roman approval—Rome reserved death-penalty authority (John 18:31). This explains Friday morning's proceedings before Pilate (27:1-2). The charge changed from religious (blasphemy) to political (claiming kingship, threatening Caesar—Luke 23:2) because Romans didn't execute for Jewish religious violations. The progression shows how religious opposition became political maneuvering. The religious establishment's manipulation of Roman power to kill Jesus demonstrates how earthly kingdoms unknowingly serve God's kingdom purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Sanhedrin's unanimous condemnation of the innocent One reveal the depth of corporate human depravity?
- What comfort does the transformation of unjust condemnation into salvific justification provide when you face injustice?
Analysis & Commentary
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death (τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ; οἱ δὲ ἀποκριθέντες εἶπαν, Ἔνοχος θανάτου ἐστίν)—The high priest's question τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ; ('What do you think? What is your verdict?') demanded judgment. The response was unanimous: Ἔνοχος θανάτου ἐστίν ('He is liable/guilty of death, He deserves death'). The adjective ἔνοχος (enochos) means 'held in, bound by, liable, guilty'—a legal term declaring guilt worthy of capital punishment. Leviticus 24:16 prescribed stoning for blasphemy. The Sanhedrin condemned the sinless One (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15) to death—the greatest injustice in history became the means of perfect justice (Romans 3:25-26).
The unanimous verdict fulfilled prophecy but violated procedure—Jewish law required trials to extend to a second day before capital conviction, allowing time for reconsideration. Night trials for capital crimes were illegal. The haste revealed malicious intent, not judicial care. Yet God's sovereignty turned their evil into His redemptive purpose—they meant it for evil; God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). The unjust verdict accomplished justification for the unjust (Romans 5:18-19).