Matthew 27:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 27:19
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.
Chapter Context
Matthew 27 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-66: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 27:19
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.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Judgment: John 19:13
- Righteousness: Matthew 27:24, Isaiah 53:11, Zechariah 9:9, Luke 23:47
- Parallel theme: Matthew 1:20, 2:22, 27:4, Proverbs 29:1, 1 Peter 2:22