Definition: Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 27:13. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising moment in the story of Jesus’ trial. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “Then said Pilate” : This refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who was overseeing Jesus' trial. He was a powerful figure – a judge and administrator of Rome. “…unto him” : This is a formal address, like saying “to him.” “…Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?” This is the core of the verse. It’s a question that highlights Pilate's awareness of Jesus’ situation. "They" refers to the Jewish authorities – the crowd and the people who were gathered to hear about Jesus’ trial. So, what does it really mean? Pilate was noticing that the Jewish authorities were watching Jesus and seeing things against him. They were reporting on his actions, his statements, and everything he did. The Significance: This is a really clever way for Pilate to frame the situation. It’s not about whether Jesus is guilty or innocent – it's about awareness . Pilate doesn’t seem to be actively involved in determining guilt or innocence. He's simply observing and recognizing that people are watching him, and those watches are pointing to potential problems. It’s a bit of an unexpected twist! It suggests that Pilate wasn't completely free from the scrutiny of the crowd. In short: The verse shows that Pilate was aware that the Jewish authorities were observing Jesus and seeing things against him, which prompted him to question his own role in the situation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the story (the events leading up to the trial)? Explain why this is a significant moment in the Bible?