Matthew 27:2
And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δήσαντες
when they had bound
G1210
δήσαντες
when they had bound
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
2 of 11
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
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
Cross References
Acts 3:13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.Matthew 20:19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.1 Timothy 6:13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;Luke 13:1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Historical Context
Pontius Pilate served as Roman prefect of Judea (AD 26-36), appointed by Emperor Tiberius. The Sanhedrin required Roman approval for capital punishment. Pilate's residence was Caesarea Maritima, but he came to Jerusalem during Passover to prevent riots. Jesus was likely taken to the Praetorium (Herod's palace or Antonia Fortress) early Friday morning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ being "bound" to accomplish your freedom deepen your gratitude for substitutionary atonement?
- What does the collaboration of Jewish religious leaders and Roman political power teach about humanity's universal guilt in crucifying Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When they had bound him (δήσαντες αὐτόν, dēsantes auton)—the binding of Jesus is theologically significant beyond mere restraint. This innocent Lamb is bound so that guilty sinners might go free (John 18:8). The Greek deō (to bind) ironically reverses Satan's bondage; Christ is bound that we might be loosed from sin's chains.
Delivered him to Pontius Pilate (παρέδωκαν Πιλάτῳ, paredōkan Pilatō)—the verb paradidōmi means "to hand over" or "betray," the same word used of Judas's betrayal (26:15). The Sanhedrin, lacking authority to execute (John 18:31), transfers Jesus to Roman jurisdiction. This fulfills Christ's prediction (20:19) and ensures both Jewish and Gentile complicity in the crucifixion—representing all humanity's guilt. Pilate's title hēgemōn (governor/procurator) emphasizes earthly authority that unknowingly serves divine sovereignty (Acts 4:27-28).