Matthew Chapter 27 verse 18 Holy Bible
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.
read chapter 27 in ASV
For he saw that for envy they had given him up.
read chapter 27 in BBE
For he knew that they had delivered him up through envy.
read chapter 27 in DARBY
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
read chapter 27 in KJV
read chapter 27 in WBT
For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
read chapter 27 in WEB
for he had known that because of envy they had delivered him up.
read chapter 27 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 18. - For he knew. He had recourse to this expedient because he was well acquainted with the motives which led the Sanhedrists to desire his death. They had shown their envy of Christ's influence with the people; they were jealous of his reputation and success; grudged him his marvellous powers; were embittered by his attacks on rabbinism, and the undermining of their popularity. Pilate saw much of this; he penetrated behind their flimsy pretence of averting some possible danger from the Roman dominion, and he laboured in this indirect way to save the victim of this vindictive plot. Of course, Pilate could not fully appreciate Christ's character, nor enter into the question of his supernatural claims; he saw only that he was brought before him from the basest motives, that no real offence was proved against him, and that no fear could be entertained of his heading a popular tumult.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) He knew that for envy.--Pilate knew enough of the accusers to see through the hollowness of their pretended zeal for their own religion, or for the authority of the emperor. He found their real motive in "envy"--fear of the loss of influence and power, if the work of the new Teacher was to continue.