Matthew 27:14

Authorized King James Version

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And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ he answered G3756
οὐκ he answered
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 2 of 13
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἀπεκρίθη G611
ἀπεκρίθη
Strong's: G611
Word #: 3 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ him G846
αὐτῷ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 4 of 13
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
πρὸς to G4314
πρὸς to
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 5 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
οὐδὲ never G3761
οὐδὲ never
Strong's: G3761
Word #: 6 of 13
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
ἓν a G1520
ἓν a
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 7 of 13
one
ῥῆμα word G4487
ῥῆμα word
Strong's: G4487
Word #: 8 of 13
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ὥστε insomuch G5620
ὥστε insomuch
Strong's: G5620
Word #: 9 of 13
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
θαυμάζειν marvelled G2296
θαυμάζειν marvelled
Strong's: G2296
Word #: 10 of 13
to wonder; by implication, to admire
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμόνα that the governor G2232
ἡγεμόνα that the governor
Strong's: G2232
Word #: 12 of 13
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
λίαν greatly G3029
λίαν greatly
Strong's: G3029
Word #: 13 of 13
much (adverbially)

Analysis & Commentary

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly (ἐθαύμασεν λίαν)—The Greek ethaumasen lian (marveled exceedingly) shows Pilate's amazement. No defendant remained silent when facing crucifixion—Rome's most horrific execution, reserved for slaves and rebels.

Pilate sensed something transcendent. This was no ordinary prisoner. Jesus's majestic silence was more powerful than eloquent defense, revealing His divine self-control and sovereign purpose. 'He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth' (Isaiah 53:7).

Historical Context

Crucifixion was Rome's ultimate deterrent—a slow, excruciating public death designed to humiliate and terrorize. Roman citizens were exempt; it was for non-citizens, especially slaves and insurrectionists. That Jesus faced this willingly was incomprehensible.

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