Matthew 27:19
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Original Language Analysis
Καθημένου
was set down
G2521
Καθημένου
was set down
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
1 of 27
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βήματος
the judgment seat
G968
βήματος
the judgment seat
Strong's:
G968
Word #:
6 of 27
a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
7 of 27
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 27
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,
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 27
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτόν
he
G846
αὐτόν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 27
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
λέγουσα
saying
G3004
λέγουσα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαίῳ
just man
G1342
δικαίῳ
just man
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
18 of 27
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἐκείνῳ·
to do with that
G1565
ἐκείνῳ·
to do with that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
19 of 27
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
πολλὰ
many things
G4183
πολλὰ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
20 of 27
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
21 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔπαθον
I have suffered
G3958
ἔπαθον
I have suffered
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
22 of 27
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
23 of 27
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
24 of 27
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Matthew 27:24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.John 19:13When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.Luke 23:47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.1 Peter 2:22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:Isaiah 53:11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:Matthew 27:4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Historical Context
Romans took dreams seriously as potential divine communication. Pilate's wife sending a message during trial proceedings was highly irregular, showing her urgency. Her warning joined other Gentile testimonies in Matthew: the magi (2:1), the centurion (8:10), another centurion at the cross (27:54).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes use unlikely sources to warn us away from sin, and do we listen?
- What does Pilate's rejection of multiple warnings teach about the danger of political expediency over moral conviction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him (μηδὲν σοὶ καὶ τῷ δικαίῳ ἐκείνῳ)—Pilate's wife (traditionally named Claudia Procula) called Jesus dikaios (righteous, just), the same term used of Joseph (Matthew 1:19) and Jesus Himself (1 John 2:1). God sent warning through an unlikely source—a pagan woman's dream.
Matthew alone records this supernatural intervention. God gave Pilate every opportunity to choose rightly: his wife's warning, his own recognition of innocence (v. 18), the absence of evidence. Yet political expediency triumphed over conscience—a chilling warning about compromising known truth.