Lectionary Calendar

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
the First Week of Advent

Attention!

We are taking food to Ukrainians still living near the front lines. You can help by getting your church involved.
Click to donate today!

Bible Commentaries
Matthew 27

MatthewMat 26 MatthewMat MatthewMat 28

Search for…

Resource Toolbox

Print version Overview Copyright Bibliography

Verses 11-14

Jesus stands trial before Pilate

Matthew 27:11-14	Mark 15:2-5	Luke 23:1-5	John 18:28-37
		Luke 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.	John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.	Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].	Luke 23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it].
		Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.	John 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
Matthew 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.	Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.	Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.	John 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Matthew 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?	Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
Matthew 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.	Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 15-26

Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified

Matthew 27:15-26 Luke 23:13-25 nto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].

	Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
	Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
	Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
	Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

Matthew 27:15 Now at [that] feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.	Mark 15:6 Now at [that] feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.	Luke 23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)	John 18:39 (a) But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover:
Matthew 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.	Mark 15:7 And there was [one] named Barabbas, [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire [him to do] as he had ever done unto them.

Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?	Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?		John 18:39 (b) will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Matthew 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.	Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

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.

Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:

John 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.	Mark 15:12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?	Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.	Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.	Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify [him], crucify him.
Matthew 27:23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done?	Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done?	Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.	John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
			John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!
But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.	And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.	Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.	John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him].
Matthew 27:24 When 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].			Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.
Matthew 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.			John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

John 19:8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; John 19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. John 19:13 When 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. John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

Matthew 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

Mark 15:15 And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 27-31

Roman soldiers mock Jesus

Matthew 27:27-31	Mark 15:16-20	John 19:1-3
Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band [of soldiers].	Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.	John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].
Matthew 27:28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.	Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple,	John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put [it] on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put [it] upon his head,	and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his [head],
and a reed in his right hand:
and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!	Mark 15:18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!	John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.	Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.
Matthew 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify [him].	Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 32-44

Jesus is led away to be crucified

Matthew 27:32-44	Mark 15:21-32	Luke 23:26-43	John 19:17-22
Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.	Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.	Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear [it] after Jesus.	John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth

Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Matthew 27:33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

Mark 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him,

into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

	Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
	Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Matthew 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.	Mark 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.	Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.	Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.	Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.	John 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
Matthew 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;	Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
Matthew 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.	Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.	Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.	John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin. John 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. John 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.	Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.	Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.	End John’s account

	Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
Matthew 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,		Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,
Matthew 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,		and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,
save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.		Mark 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking [him], with the scribes and elders, said,		Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes,
Matthew 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save.		He saved others; himself he cannot save.
If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.		Mark 15:32 (a) Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.
Matthew 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Matthew 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Mark 15:32 (b) And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 45-56

Jesus dies on the cross

Matthew 27:45-56	Mark 15:33-41	Luke 23:44-49	John 19:28-37
Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.	Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.	Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?	Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Matthew 27:47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard [that], said, This [man] calleth for Elias.	Mark 15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard [it], said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled [it] with vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink.	Mark 15:36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink,
Matthew 27:49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.	saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. John 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put [it] upon hyssop, and put [it] to his mouth. John 19:30 (a) When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:

	Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
	Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:

Matthew 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.	Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.	and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.	John 19:30 (b) and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;	Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Matthew 27:55 (a) And many women were there beholding afar off,	Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off:
Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.	among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Matthew 27:55 (b) which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:	Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.	Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away. John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:35 And he that saw [it] bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. John 19:37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 57-61

Jesus is laid in the tomb

Matthew 27:57-61

Mark 15:42-47

Luke 23:50-56

John 19:38-42

Matthew 27:57 When the even was come,

Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor,

Luke 23:50 And, behold, [there was] a man named Joseph, a counsellor; [and he was] a good man, and a just:

John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews,

		Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) [he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews:
	which also waited for the kingdom of God, came,	who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 27:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Luke 23:52 This [man] went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus:

Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling [unto him] the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.	Mark 15:45 And when he knew [it] of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.		and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
			John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].
Matthew 27:59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,	Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen,	Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen,	John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Matthew 27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.	and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.	and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.	John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
		Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.	John 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Matthew 27:61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.	Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.	Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

return to 'Top of Page'

MatthewMat 26 MatthewMat MatthewMat 28

Bibliographical Information
"Commentary on Matthew 27". "The Gospels Compared". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tgc/matthew-27.html. 2014.

Matthew 27:1-2	Mark 15:1	Luke 22:66
Matthew 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:	Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council,	Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.	and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

Bible Commentaries
Matthew 27

The Gospels ComparedGospels Compared

Verses 1-2

Verses 11-14

Verses 15-26

Verses 27-31

Verses 32-44

Verses 45-56

Verses 57-61

Bible CommentariesMatthew 27

The Gospels ComparedGospels Compared

Verses 1-2

Verses 11-14

Verses 15-26

Verses 27-31

Verses 32-44

Verses 45-56

Verses 57-61

Bible Commentaries
Matthew 27