And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.

MARK 15:2KJV
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Mark 15:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:2 mean?

Mark 15:2 describes the Roman governor Pilate questioning Jesus, asking if he is the King of the Jews, and Jesus responding, "Thou sayest it." This exchange shows Pilate directly confronting Jesus with the main accusation against him, and Jesus giving a brief, somewhat indirect answer.

In this scene, Pilate is speaking to Jesus during his trial before the crucifixion. The question about being "King of the Jews" points to a political charge, suggesting Jesus might be a threat to Roman authority. Jesus' answer, "Thou sayest it," can be understood as neither a direct denial nor a full affirmation, leaving Pilate to interpret his words.

The Greek behind Mark 15:2

  • βασιλεύς (basileus, "King"): This word highlights the political nature of the accusation. Pilate is not asking about a spiritual or religious leader, but whether Jesus claims a royal title that could challenge Roman rule.
  • σὺ λέγεις (su legeis, "Thou sayest it"): Jesus' reply uses the Greek for "you say," which often carries the sense of "that is your word, not mine." It is a cautious response, neither openly claiming the title nor denying it, which fits the tense situation before Pilate.

Why Mark 15:2 matters

  • Mark 15:2 clarifies that the main charge against Jesus before Pilate was political, not just religious, which explains why the Roman governor is involved.
  • The verse shows Jesus' careful and measured response under pressure, which has been interpreted in many ways but clearly avoids giving Pilate a simple answer.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the trial narrative, showing the tension between the Jewish leaders' accusations and Pilate's need to judge whether Jesus is a real threat to Rome.

Where else these words appear

“Pilate” Greek G4091 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
  • John 18:38 Pilate saith unto 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.

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“Art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

“King” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.