Luke 23:16

KJV

I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

I will {G3811} therefore {G3767} chastise {G3811} him {G846}, and release {G630} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, what I will do is have him flogged and release him.”

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”

American Standard Version

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:16 records Pontius Pilate's proposed compromise concerning Jesus Christ, where he declares his intention to "chastise him, and release [him]." This pivotal statement reveals Pilate's internal conflict: he finds no fault in Jesus deserving of death, yet he seeks to appease the insistent Jewish religious leaders and the demanding crowd by inflicting a severe, unjust punishment before setting Him free. It underscores the immense political pressure Pilate faced and his tragic failure to uphold true justice, even while recognizing Jesus' innocence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extended narrative of Jesus' trial before Pilate, which spans from [Luke 23:1](/luke/23-1 "Luke 23 - Jesus Before Pilate and Herod") to [Luke 23:25](/luke/23-25 "Luke 23:25 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified"). Prior to this statement, Pilate has already conducted multiple interrogations, including sending Jesus to Herod Antipas ([Luke 23:6-12](/luke/23-6-12 "Luke 23:6-12 - Jesus Before Herod")). Crucially, Pilate has twice declared Jesus innocent of any capital crime ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault") and [Luke 23:14-15](/luke/23-14-15 "Luke 23:14-15 - Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent Again")), stating that neither Jesus nor Herod found Him guilty of the charges leveled by the chief priests and scribes. Despite these declarations, the crowd's clamor for Jesus' crucifixion intensifies, pushing Pilate towards a desperate and unjust compromise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus occurred during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension in Jerusalem. Roman governors like Pilate were keenly aware of the potential for Jewish uprisings, especially during major festivals, and their primary duty was to maintain peace and order. The custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover, a practice mentioned in all four Gospels ([Matthew 27:15](/matthew/27-15 "Matthew 27:15 - The Passover Custom of Releasing a Prisoner"), [Mark 15:6](/mark/15-6 "Mark 15:6 - The Passover Custom"), [Luke 23:17](/luke/23-17 "Luke 23:17 - The Custom of Releasing a Prisoner"), [John 18:39](/john/18-39 "John 18:39 - The Passover Custom")), was likely an attempt by the Roman authorities to curry favor with the Jewish populace. Pilate's proposal to "chastise" Jesus refers to scourging (Latin: *flagellatio*), a brutal Roman punishment involving whips with bone or metal fragments, often inflicted before crucifixion to weaken the condemned and serve as a deterrent. This was a severe, humiliating, and often life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the extreme nature of Pilate's proposed "compromise."

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **Injustice and Corruption of Power**, as Pilate, despite knowing Jesus' innocence, succumbs to external pressure and proposes an unjust punishment. It highlights the theme of **Political Expediency versus Righteousness**, showcasing how fear of civil unrest and a desire to maintain personal authority can override moral judgment. Furthermore, it subtly foreshadows the **Suffering Servant** motif, as Jesus, the innocent one, is subjected to a cruel fate, aligning with prophetic expectations of His atoning work, a theme central to the Gospel's portrayal of Jesus' mission, as seen in passages like [Luke 22:37](/luke/22-37 "Luke 22:37 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **therefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This conjunction signifies a logical consequence or inference. Pilate uses it to present his conclusion based on his preceding investigations and declarations of Jesus' innocence. It indicates that his decision to "chastise" is a direct result of his inability to find a capital charge, yet still needing to address the crowd's demand for action. It frames his proposal as a rational, albeit morally flawed, solution to his dilemma.
* **chastise (Greek, _paideúō'_):** Derived from the word for "child," this verb primarily means "to train up a child," "to educate," or "to discipline." However, in this context, especially when applied to an adult and in a judicial setting, it carries the strong implication of "to discipline by punishment," specifically severe physical punishment like flogging or scourging. Pilate's use of this term, despite his declarations of innocence, reveals his intention to inflict pain and humiliation upon Jesus, not for correction, but as a punitive measure to appease the crowd.
* **release (Greek, _apolýō'_):** This verb means "to free fully," "to relieve," "to dismiss," or "to set at liberty." Pilate's intention here is to set Jesus free after the chastisement, hoping that the severe physical punishment would satisfy the crowd's demand for retribution and allow him to avoid condemning an innocent man to death. It underscores his desire to avoid the ultimate responsibility for Jesus' execution while still appearing to act decisively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will therefore chastise him,"**: This clause reveals Pilate's proposed action. The "therefore" (oûn) links back to his repeated declarations of Jesus' innocence. Having found no fault deserving of death, Pilate seeks a middle ground. "Chastise" (paideúō) here refers to a severe scourging, a brutal Roman punishment. It signifies Pilate's attempt to appease the crowd's bloodlust and demand for action against Jesus, even though he knows Jesus is innocent. This is a profound act of injustice, driven by political expediency rather than a commitment to truth.
* **"and release [him]."**: This second clause states Pilate's ultimate intention for Jesus after the chastisement. He plans to set Jesus free, hoping that the flogging would be sufficient to satisfy the crowd and allow him to avoid the capital punishment they demanded. This part of his statement highlights his desire to avoid condemning an innocent man to death, yet it is tragically undermined by his willingness to inflict severe, unjust suffering upon Him. It sets up the dramatic conflict that follows, where the crowd rejects this compromise and demands Barabbas instead.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:16 powerfully employs **Irony**. Pilate, the Roman governor, repeatedly declares Jesus innocent, yet proposes to "chastise him." This is a profound and tragic irony, as the one who should uphold justice instead inflicts punishment on an innocent man to satisfy an unjust mob. The very act of "chastising" (disciplining) someone found blameless is a perversion of justice. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, as the proposed "chastisement" (scourging) ultimately becomes a part of Jesus' actual suffering before His crucifixion, even though Pilate's immediate intention was to release Him afterwards. This unjust suffering, though intended by Pilate as a compromise, aligns with the divine plan for Jesus' atoning sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:16 serves as a stark illustration of the human tendency to compromise truth and justice under pressure, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history. Pilate's actions, driven by fear of a riot and a desire to maintain his own authority, exemplify the dangers of political expediency overriding moral conviction. Theologically, this moment underscores the profound innocence of Jesus and the unjust nature of His suffering, which was nonetheless part of God's sovereign plan for redemption. It highlights that even human wickedness and injustice can be woven into the fabric of divine purpose, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of prophecy and the salvation of humanity.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan in Jesus' Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:16 challenges believers to examine their own willingness to compromise truth and righteousness in the face of pressure. Pilate's tragic failure to stand firm for justice, despite knowing Jesus' innocence, serves as a sobering warning against succumbing to popular opinion, political expediency, or fear of reprisal. For us today, this means having the courage to uphold biblical principles in our workplaces, communities, and personal lives, even when it is unpopular or costly. It also reminds us of the immense suffering Jesus endured, not for His own sin, but for ours, deepening our appreciation for His sacrificial love and the cost of our redemption. We are called to live lives of integrity, reflecting the character of Christ, who never compromised with sin or injustice, but faithfully pursued God's will to the end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise your convictions for the sake of peace or popularity?**
* **How does Pilate's fear of the crowd compare to pressures you face to conform to societal norms that contradict biblical truth?**
* **What does Jesus' innocent suffering in this verse teach you about the nature of true justice and God's sovereign plan?**
* **How can reflecting on Jesus' unjust chastisement deepen your gratitude for His sacrifice and strengthen your resolve to live righteously?**

### FAQ

**Why did Pilate want to chastise Jesus if he found Him innocent?**

Answer: Pilate found himself in an impossible political bind. He had repeatedly declared Jesus innocent of any capital crime, stating that he found "no fault in this man" ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")) and that "nothing worthy of death has been done by him" ([Luke 23:15](/luke/23-15 "Luke 23:15 - Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent")). However, the Jewish religious leaders and the crowd were vehemently demanding Jesus' crucifixion. To release Jesus outright would risk a riot during the sensitive Passover festival, potentially leading to Pilate's recall by Rome. His proposal to "chastise him, and release [him]" was a desperate compromise. He hoped that by inflicting a severe, humiliating scourging, he could appease the crowd's bloodlust and satisfy their demand for some form of punishment, thereby allowing him to release Jesus without a full-blown uprising. It was an act of political expediency and cowardice, sacrificing justice for the sake of maintaining order and his own position.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:16, though a testament to human injustice, paradoxically points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Pilate's proposed "chastisement," a severe scourging, was an unjust punishment for an innocent man, yet it precisely foreshadowed the suffering Jesus would indeed endure, not to be released, but to be crucified. This suffering was not arbitrary but a deliberate act of divine love and justice, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the Suffering Servant, who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy")). The physical pain and humiliation Jesus endured, even at Pilate's unjust hand, became part of the atoning work through which He bore the sins of humanity. His innocent suffering, as described in passages like [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins"), became the means by which believers are healed and reconciled to God. Thus, Pilate's attempt to compromise justice unwittingly contributed to the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy, demonstrating that even human wickedness serves God's sovereign purposes in bringing about salvation through Christ's sacrifice, as affirmed in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Plan").

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

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

Luke 23:22

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.

Mark 15:15

¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

John 19:1

¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].

John 19:4

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

Acts 16:37

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Acts 5:40

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.