Matthew 27:18
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
Original Language Analysis
ᾔδει
he knew
G1492
ᾔδει
he knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 7
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 7
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 7
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 7
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Proverbs 27:4Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?Acts 5:17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,Mark 15:10For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.Acts 7:9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,Acts 13:45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.Genesis 37:11And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.James 4:5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Historical Context
The Sadducean chief priests held power through Roman appointment and temple control. Jesus threatened their authority by cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and exposing their corruption. They faced loss of status, income, and political position.
Questions for Reflection
- How does envy of others' spiritual gifts or effectiveness in ministry lead to destructive behavior even today?
- What does Pilate's recognition of envy reveal about how obvious our motives are to those around us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him (διὰ φθόνον παρέδωκαν αὐτόν)—The Greek phthonon (envy, jealousy) reveals the true motive behind Jesus's execution. Pilate, pagan though he was, perceived what many miss: religious persecution often stems from envy of another's spiritual authority and following.
The chief priests envied Jesus's popularity (Matthew 21:46), His authority ('not as the scribes,' Matthew 7:29), His direct access to God. Envy drove Cain to murder Abel (Genesis 4), Joseph's brothers to sell him (Genesis 37), and Israel's leaders to crucify their Messiah. 'Phthonos is as cruel as the grave' (Song of Solomon 8:6).