Definition: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 27:18. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was betrayed and unjustly accused of a crime he didn't commit. His followers, who were trying to stop him from being executed, delivered him – meaning they took him away to the cross. This act of betrayal and removal is what the verse focuses on. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "For he knew..." : This tells us that Jesus was aware of this happening. He wasn't surprised, but he understood the situation. "...that for envy they had delivered him." : This is the key part. "Envy" here means jealousy or spite. The followers tried to stop him from being crucified . They were driven by a feeling that something was wrong, and they acted in a way that led to his death. So, what does it mean? It means that Jesus’s killers – the people who tried to kill him – weren't just trying to kill him; they were motivated by a desire to get even . They wanted to punish him for something he didn't do, and their actions (the act of delivering him) were fueled by that envy. Why is this important? This verse highlights the human element in a very dramatic way. It shows that even those who are trying to protect someone can be driven by negative emotions. It also emphasizes that Jesus wasn't just a victim; he was deliberately targeted because of the actions of others. In short, it’s a story about betrayal and the destructive power of jealousy. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like its timing)? Talk about the theological significance of this event?