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.
And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846} the third time {G5154}, Why {G1063}, what {G5101} evil {G2556} hath {G4160} he {G3778} done {G4160}? I have found {G2147} no {G3762} cause {G158} of death {G2288} in {G1722} him {G846}: I will {G3811} therefore {G3767} chastise {G3811} him {G846}, and let him go {G630}.
A third time he asked them, “But what has this man done wrong? I haven’t found any reason to put him to death. So I’m going to have him flogged and set free.”
A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”
And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath this man done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him and release him.
-
Luke 23:14
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: -
Luke 23:20
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. -
1 Peter 3:18
¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: -
Luke 23:16
I will therefore chastise him, and release [him]. -
1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Luke 23:22 captures a pivotal moment in the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This verse highlights Pilate's persistent attempts to release Jesus, despite the escalating demands of the Jewish crowd for His crucifixion.
Context
This statement marks the third time Pilate publicly declared Jesus innocent of any capital crime. Earlier, he had stated, "I find no fault in this man" (Luke 23:4), and reiterated it after questioning Herod, saying, "I have found no cause of death in him" (Luke 23:14). Faced with an unruly mob instigated by the chief priests and scribes, Pilate sought a compromise: he would have Jesus scourged (a severe flogging) and then release Him, hoping this lesser punishment would satisfy their fervor and prevent a riot. This scene underscores the immense pressure Pilate was under from the Jewish leaders and the crowd, who preferred the release of Barabbas, a murderer, over Jesus.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "chastise" (Greek: paideuo) here implies a form of corporal punishment, specifically scourging or flogging. While it can mean to educate or discipline, in this context, it refers to a severe physical beating intended to inflict pain and humiliation. This was a common Roman practice before crucifixion, as seen in John 19:1.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us of the profound injustice Jesus endured, not for His own sins, but for ours. It highlights how fear, political expediency, and mob mentality can override truth and justice. For believers, it reinforces the truth of Jesus' sinless nature, which was essential for Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins (1 Peter 2:22). It also serves as a cautionary tale against compromising one's convictions under pressure and encourages us to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular.