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.

MATTHEW 27:11KJV
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Matthew 27:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:11 mean?

Matthew 27:11 describes Jesus standing before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus responds, “Thou sayest,” which is a way of neither directly confirming nor denying the title, but acknowledging Pilate’s words.

In this scene, Jesus is on trial before Pilate after being handed over by the Jewish leaders. Pilate’s question goes to the heart of the charges against Jesus—whether he claims to be a king, which would be a political threat to Rome. Jesus’ answer is brief and somewhat indirect, reflecting both the seriousness of the moment and the complexity of the accusation.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:11

  • “βασιλεὺς” (basileus) — “King”: Pilate’s question uses this word, highlighting the political nature of the accusation. In the Roman context, claiming to be a king could be seen as rebellion.
  • “Σὺ λέγεις” (su legeis) — “Thou sayest”: Jesus’ answer is often understood as a reserved acknowledgment. In Greek, this phrase can mean “You say so,” which leaves the statement open and puts the responsibility for the claim back on Pilate.

Why Matthew 27:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the main accusation against Jesus before the Roman authorities was about kingship, not religious teaching.
  • Jesus’ reserved answer shows his refusal to play into the political trap set by his accusers, while still not denying his identity.
  • The interaction sets the stage for the events that follow, where Pilate must decide what to do with Jesus based on this charge.

Where else these words appear

“governor” Greek G2232 · used in 21 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.
  • Matthew 27:23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
  • Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon 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!
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

“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 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
  • 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?