Luke 23:14

KJV

Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

KJV (with Strong's)

Said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Ye have brought {G4374} this {G5129} man {G444} unto me {G3427}, as {G5613} one that perverteth {G654} the people {G2992}: and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, I {G1473}, having examined {G350} him before {G1799} you {G5216}, have found {G2147} no {G3762} fault {G158} in {G1722} this {G5126} man {G444} touching those things {G3739} whereof {G2596} ye accuse {G2723} him {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to them, “You brought this man before me on a charge of subverting the people. I examined him in your presence and did not find the man guilty of the crime you are accusing him of.

Berean Standard Bible

and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.

American Standard Version

and said unto them, Ye brought unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 23:14, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, addresses the Jewish leaders who have brought Jesus before him. He explicitly states that despite their accusations of Jesus "perverting the people," his own thorough examination of Jesus in their presence has revealed no basis for the charges, thus declaring Jesus innocent of any wrongdoing that would warrant the death penalty. This declaration underscores the baselessness of the accusations and Pilate's initial conviction of Jesus' blamelessness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of Jesus' trial before Pilate, following His arrest and initial interrogation by the Jewish Sanhedrin. Luke's account meticulously details the legal proceedings, emphasizing Pilate's repeated attempts to release Jesus. Immediately preceding this verse, Pilate has already declared Jesus innocent in [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate's First Declaration of Innocence") after questioning Him. The Jewish leaders, however, persist in their accusations, leading Pilate to send Jesus to Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12). Upon Jesus' return from Herod, who also found no fault in Him, Pilate convenes the chief priests, rulers, and the people to reiterate his findings in [Luke 23:13-16](/luke/23-13-16 "Luke 23:13-16 - Pilate's Attempts to Release Jesus"). Thus, Luke 23:14 is Pilate's second, more detailed public declaration of Jesus' innocence, setting the stage for his subsequent attempts to release Jesus, which are ultimately thwarted by the crowd's insistence on His crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' trial occurs under Roman occupation of Judea. While the Jewish Sanhedrin had religious authority, they lacked the power to execute capital punishment, necessitating Jesus' transfer to the Roman governor, Pilate. The accusations against Jesus—specifically "perverting the people" and forbidding tribute to Caesar (Luke 23:2)—were crafted to appeal to Roman concerns about sedition and rebellion. Pilate's primary responsibility was to maintain Roman order and prevent uprisings. His detailed examination and public declaration of "no fault" were part of a formal legal process (cognitio extra ordinem) to ascertain if Jesus posed a threat to Roman authority. The Jewish leaders' persistence, despite Pilate's findings, highlights the intense political and religious pressure exerted on the Roman governor, who was known for his ruthlessness but also his desire to avoid unnecessary unrest.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Innocence and Righteousness**, a truth affirmed not only by Pilate but also by Herod (Luke 23:15), the centurion at the cross ([Luke 23:47](/luke/23-47 "Luke 23:47 - The Centurion's Confession")), and even one of the crucified criminals ([Luke 23:41](/luke/23-41 "Luke 23:41 - The Penitent Thief's Acknowledgment")). This repeated declaration of blamelessness underscores Jesus' perfect sinlessness, essential for His role as the atoning sacrifice. The verse also highlights the theme of **Human Injustice and Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing how human legal systems can be corrupted by malice and political expediency, yet God's ultimate plan of salvation unfolds despite, and even through, such injustice. Finally, it foreshadows **Pilate's Moral Compromise**, as his conviction of Jesus' innocence will ultimately yield to the demands of the crowd, revealing the tragic consequences of prioritizing political expediency over justice, a theme explored further in [Luke 23:23-25](/luke/23-23-25 "Luke 23:23-25 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perverteth (Greek, _apostréphō_):** From G654, meaning "to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it implies turning the people away from their allegiance to Rome or from established religious norms, suggesting sedition or moral corruption. The Jewish leaders used this term to frame Jesus as a dangerous revolutionary, aiming to incite Roman fear. Pilate's rejection of this charge indicates he saw no evidence of Jesus inciting rebellion or subverting public order.
* **examined (Greek, _anakrínō_):** From G350, meaning "to scrutinize, investigate, interrogate, determine." This word emphasizes Pilate's official and thorough judicial process. He didn't just casually dismiss the charges; he conducted a formal inquiry, including personal questioning of Jesus and observation of the accusers, to arrive at his verdict. This highlights the due diligence (or at least the appearance of it) of the Roman legal system, making Pilate's subsequent capitulation even more stark.
* **fault (Greek, _aítion_):** From G158, meaning "a reason or crime; cause, fault." This is the crux of Pilate's verdict. He found "no fault," meaning no legal basis, no justifiable cause, and no criminal offense in Jesus that warranted the accusations or the demanded punishment. This term signifies a formal legal acquittal, a declaration of innocence based on the evidence (or lack thereof) presented.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people:"** Pilate begins by directly addressing the accusers, acknowledging the charge they have laid against Jesus. The accusation of "perverting the people" (KJV) or "stirring up the people" (NIV) was a serious one, implying sedition or inciting rebellion against Roman authority. It was a politically charged accusation designed to force Pilate's hand, as such a charge, if proven, would warrant a severe penalty under Roman law. Pilate's phrasing here indicates he understands the nature of their claim.
* **"and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you,"** Pilate then draws attention to his own actions and findings. The interjection "behold" (idoú) serves to emphasize the gravity and certainty of his statement. He stresses that his examination was not done in secret but "before you," meaning in the presence of the accusers and the public, lending transparency and credibility to his process. This clause highlights Pilate's direct involvement and personal conviction based on his judicial inquiry.
* **"have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:"** This is Pilate's unequivocal verdict of innocence. He explicitly states that his investigation yielded "no fault" (ouden aition), meaning no legal basis or criminal culpability in Jesus regarding the specific charges brought against Him. This declaration directly refutes the Jewish leaders' claims, asserting that Jesus is innocent of sedition or any capital offense they allege. It is a clear legal acquittal, setting up the dramatic tension for the subsequent events where Pilate struggles to release a man he knows to be innocent.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent as Pilate speaks directly to the accusers, lending immediate impact and authority to his words. The use of the interjection "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) functions as an **Exclamatory Particle**, drawing the audience's attention to the crucial declaration that follows, emphasizing the weight and certainty of Pilate's findings. Furthermore, the entire statement serves as a dramatic instance of **Irony**. Pilate, a pagan Roman governor, repeatedly declares the innocence of Jesus, the Son of God, while the religious leaders, who should have recognized Him, vehemently demand His death. This ironic reversal highlights the spiritual blindness of the accusers and underscores Jesus' blamelessness from an external, secular perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:14 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' perfect innocence, a theological truth foundational to Christian doctrine. Pilate's repeated declaration of "no fault" underscores that Jesus was not a criminal, a revolutionary, or a blasphemer in any true sense. His death was not a consequence of His own sin or wrongdoing, but rather the culmination of human injustice and divine purpose. This blamelessness is essential for Jesus to be the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice atones for the sins of humanity. The legal acquittal by a secular authority, though ultimately overridden by mob rule, serves to highlight the profound injustice of His crucifixion and to emphasize that His death was a vicarious one, taking on the guilt of others rather than suffering for His own.

* [John 18:38](/john/18-38 "John 18:38 - Pilate's First Declaration of No Guilt")
* [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the unwavering truth of Jesus' blameless character even in the face of overwhelming opposition and false accusations. In a world often characterized by injustice, slander, and the distortion of truth, this verse provides a anchor: the innocent Christ endured such trials with grace and integrity. It challenges us to consider how we respond when we or others are unjustly accused. Do we seek to defend truth, even when it is unpopular or costly? Do we stand for justice, even when it requires confronting powerful forces or popular opinion? Pilate's ultimate capitulation, despite his conviction of Jesus' innocence, serves as a sobering warning against compromising one's moral compass for convenience or political pressure. We are called to embody the truth of Christ, living with integrity and trusting in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly systems fail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence challenge or affirm your understanding of Jesus' character?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our convictions for the sake of popularity or convenience, similar to Pilate's dilemma?**
* **How can the example of Jesus, enduring false accusations with grace, inform our own responses when we face injustice or slander?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate declare Jesus innocent multiple times, yet still allow Him to be crucified?**

Answer: Pilate's declarations of Jesus' innocence, as seen in [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate's First Declaration"), [Luke 23:14](/luke/23-14 "Luke 23:14 - Pilate's Second Declaration"), and [Luke 23:22](/luke/23-22 "Luke 23:22 - Pilate's Third Declaration"), clearly indicate his personal conviction that Jesus had committed no capital crime under Roman law. However, despite this conviction, Pilate was a Roman governor in a volatile province, and his primary concern was maintaining peace and order. The Jewish leaders skillfully manipulated the situation, threatening to report Pilate to Caesar for failing to suppress a "king" who challenged Roman authority ([John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar")). This political pressure, coupled with the escalating demands of the crowd, ultimately led Pilate to compromise his judicial integrity. He chose political expediency and self-preservation over justice, symbolically washing his hands of the matter ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")) before surrendering Jesus to be crucified, demonstrating the tragic consequences of moral cowardice in the face of injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:14, with Pilate's clear declaration of Jesus' innocence, profoundly highlights the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the theological necessity of Jesus' blamelessness. The repeated assertion that Pilate found "no fault" in Jesus underscores His perfect, sinless nature, which is crucial for Him to be the spotless sacrificial Lamb of God, foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant") and fulfilled in His atoning death. Just as the Passover lamb had to be without blemish ([Exodus 12:5](/exodus/12-5 "Exodus 12:5 - Requirements for the Passover Lamb")), so too Jesus, our ultimate Passover Lamb, was found without fault by human judgment, confirming His divine purity. This blamelessness is what qualified Him to be the perfect High Priest who could offer a single, sufficient sacrifice for sins, as taught in [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26-27 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest"). Therefore, Pilate's verdict, though tragically ignored, serves as an external, secular confirmation of the New Testament truth that Jesus "committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), making Him the only worthy sacrifice for the redemption of humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Acts 13:28

And though they found no cause of death [in him], yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Matthew 27:54

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Luke 23:1

¶ And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.