What the Bible says
“And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.”
Matthew 27:12–14 (KJV)
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7 (KJV)
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
1 Peter 2:23 (KJV)
He spoke when truth was asked for
Jesus was not silent the whole time. When the high priest put him under oath and asked whether he was the Christ, he answered plainly (Matthew 26:63–64). When Pilate asked about his kingdom, he spoke of truth (John 18:37). What he refused to do was defend himself against lies. He answered questions about who he was; he did not argue with false witnesses.
Prophecy fulfilled
Seven centuries earlier Isaiah described the suffering servant who would be led like a lamb and open not his mouth. Pilate marvelled because accused men always plead for their lives. Jesus was not pleading for his life, because he had come to lay it down.
What his silence teaches us
Peter, who watched it all, later wrote that when Jesus was reviled he did not revile in return, but committed himself to the One who judges righteously. There is a strength in not needing to win every accusation. When people lie about you, you can leave your defence with God.
Common questions
Did Jesus say anything at his trial?
Yes. He confirmed he was the Christ when the high priest asked under oath (Matthew 26:64) and spoke to Pilate about his kingdom and truth (John 18:36–37). He was silent toward the false accusations.
What prophecy did Jesus's silence fulfil?
Isaiah 53:7: as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.