TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Complete Jewish Bible
He asked, "Why? What crime has he committed?" But they only shouted louder, "Put him to death on the stake!"
Berean Standard Bible
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
American Standard Version
And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.
World English Bible Messianic
Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Pilate said vnto them, But what euill hath he done? And they cryed the more feruently, Crucifie him.
Young's Literal Translation
And Pilate said to them, `Why--what evil did he?' and they cried out the more vehemently, `Crucify him;'
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Commentary on Mark 15 verses 1–14
1 ¶ And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Here we have, I. A consultation held by the great Sanhedrim for the effectual prosecution of our Lord Jesus. They met early in the morning about it, and went into a grand committee, to find out ways and means to get him put to death; they lost no time, but followed their blow in good earnest, lest there should be an uproar among the people. The unwearied industry of wicked people in doing that which is evil, should shame us for our backwardness and slothfulness in that which is good. They that war against Christ and thy soul, are up early; How long then wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?
II. The delivering of him up a prisoner to Pilate; they bound him. He was to be the great sacrifice, and sacrifices must be bound with cords, Psa 118:27. Christ was bound, to make bonds easy to us, and enable us, as Paul and Silas, to sing in bonds. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. They led him through the streets of Jerusalem, to expose him to contempt, who, while he taught in the temple, but a day or two before, was had in veneration; and we may well imagine how miserably he looked after such a night's usage as he had had; so buffeted, spit upon, and abused. Their delivering him to the Roman power was a type of ruin of their church, which hereby they merited, and brought upon themselves; it signified that the promise, the covenant, and the oracles, of God, and the visible state church, which were the glory of Israel, and had been so long in their possession, should now be delivered up to the Gentiles. By delivering up the king they do, in effect, deliver up the kingdom of God, which is therefore, as it were, by their own consent, taken from them, and given to another nation. If they had delivered up Christ, to gratify the desires of the Romans, or to satisfy and jealousies of theirs concerning him, it had been another matter; but they voluntarily betrayed him that was Israel's crown, to them that were Israel's yoke.
III. The examining of him by Pilate upon interrogatories (Mar 15:2); "Art thou the king of the Jews? Dost thou pretend to be so, to be that Messiah whom the Jews expect as a temporal prince?" - "Yea," saith Christ, "it is as thou sayest, I am that Messiah, but not such a one as they expect." He is the king that rules and protects his Israel according to the spirit, who are Jews inwardly by the circumcision of the spirit, and the king that will restrain and punish the carnal Jews, who continue in unbelief.
IV. The articles of impeachment exhibited against him, and his silence under the charge and accusation. The chief priests forgot the dignity of their place, when they turned informers, and did in person accuse Christ of many things (Mar 15:3), and witness against him, Mar 15:4. Many of the Old Testament prophets charge the priests of their times with great wickedness, in which well did they prophesy of these priests; see Eze 22:26; Hos 5:1; Hos 6:9; Mic 3:11; Zep 3:4; Mal 1:6; Mal 2:8. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans is said to be for the iniquity of the priests that shed the blood of the just, Lam 4:13. Note, Wicked priests are generally the worst of men. The better any thing is, the worse it is when it is corrupted. Lay persecutors have been generally found more compassionate than ecclesiastics. These priests were very eager and noisy in their accusation; but Christ answered nothing, Mar 15:3. When Pilate urged him to clear himself, and was desirous he should (Mar 15:4), yet still he stood mute (Mar 15:5), he answered nothing, which Pilate thought very strange. He gave Pilate a direct answer (Mar 15:2), but would not answer the prosecutors and witnesses, because the things they alleged, were notoriously false, and he knew Pilate himself was convinced they were so. Note, As Christ spoke to admiration, so he kept silence to admiration.
V. The proposal Pilate made to the people, to have Jesus released to them, since it was the custom of the feast to grace the solemnity with the release of one prisoner. The people expected and demanded that he should do as he had ever done to them (Mar 15:8); it was not an ill usage, but they would have it kept up. Now Pilate perceived that the chief priests delivered up Jesus for envy, because he had got such a reputation among the people as eclipsed theirs, Mar 15:10. It was easy to see, comparing the eagerness of the prosecutors with the slenderness of the proofs, that it was not his guilt, but his goodness, not any thing mischievous or scandalous, but something meritorious and glorious, that they were provoked at. And therefore, hearing how much he was the darling of the crowd, he thought that he might safely appeal from the priests to the people, and that they would be proud of rescuing him out of the priests' hands; and he proposed an expedient for their doing it without danger of an uproar; let them demand him to be released, and Pilate will be ready to do it, and stop the mouths of the priests with this - that the people insisted upon his release. There was indeed another prisoner, one Barabbas, that had an interest, and would have some votes; but he questioned not but Jesus would out-poll him.
VI. The unanimous outrageous clamours of the people have Christ put to death, and particularly to have him crucified. It was a great surprise to Pilate, when he found the people so much under the influence of the priests, that they all agreed to desire that Barabbas might be released, Mar 15:11. Pilate opposed it all he could; "What will ye that I shall do to him whom ye call the King of the Jews? Would not ye then have him released too?" Mar 15:12. No, say they, Crucify him. The priests having put that in their mouths, the insist upon it; when Pilate objected, Why, what evil has he done? (a very material question in such a case), they did not pretend to answer it, but cried out more exceedingly, as they were more and more instigated and irritated by the priests, Crucify him, crucify him. Now the priests, who were very busy dispersing themselves and their creatures among the mob, to keep up the cry, promised themselves that it would influence Pilate two ways to condemn him. 1. It might incline him to believe Christ guilty, when there was so general an out-cry against him. "Surely," might Pilate think, "he must needs be a bad man, whom all the world is weary of." He would now conclude that he had been misinformed, when he was told what an interest he had in the people, and that the matter was not so. But the priest had hurried on the prosecution with so much expedition, that we may suppose that they who were Christ's friends, and would have opposed this cry, were at the other end of the town, and knew nothing of the matter. Note, It has been the common artifice of Satan, to put Christ and his religion into an ill name, and so to run them down. When once this sect, as they called it, comes to be every where spoken against, though without cause, then that is looked upon as cause enough to condemn it. But let us judge of persons and things by their merits, and the standard of God's word, and not prejudge by common fame and the cry of the country. 2. It might induce him to condemn Christ, to please the people, and indeed for fear of displeasing them. Though he was not so weak as to be governed by their opinion, to believe him guilty, yet he was so wicked as to be swayed by their outrage, to condemn him, though he believed him innocent; induced thereunto by reasons of state, and the wisdom of the world. Our Lord Jesus dying as a sacrifice for the sins of many, he fell a sacrifice to the rage of many.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–14. Public domain.
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Pseudo-Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Here are two goats; one is the scape goat, that is, one loosed and sent out into the wilderness of hell with the sin of the people; the other is slain, as a lamb, for the sins of those who are forgiven. The Lord's portion is always slain; the devil's part, (for he is the master of those men, which is the meaning of Barabbas,) when freed, is cast headlong into hell.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Mark
But they cried out more: Crucify him. That it might be fulfilled which was said in the twenty-first psalm: Many dogs surrounded me, the assembly of the wicked enclosed me (Psalm XXI); and that from Jeremiah: My heritage is become to me as a lion in the forest, they have given forth their voice against me (Jeremiah XII). Isaiah also agrees in this sentiment: And I looked for judgment, but behold iniquity and not righteousness, but a cry (Isaiah V).
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(ubi sup.) Pilate furnished many opportunities of releasing Jesus, in the first place contrasting a robber with the Just One. Wherefore it is said, Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
(ubi sup.) This demand which the Jews made with such toil to themselves still sticks to them. Because, when the choice was given to them, they chose a robber instead of Christ, a murderer instead of the Saviour, they deservedly lost their salvation and their life, and they subjected themselves to such a degree to robbery and sedition, that they lost their country and their kingdom which they preferred to Christ, and never regained their liberty, body or soul. Then Pilate gives another opportunity of releasing the Saviour, when there follows, And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I should do unto the King of the Jews?
(ubi sup.) But the Jews giving loose to their madness do not answer the question of the judge. Wherefore it goes on, And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him, that those words of the Prophet Jeremiah might be fulfilled, Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest, it crieth out against me. (Jer. 12:8) There follows, And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
(ubi sup.) We must understand that Jesus was scourged by no other than Pilate himself. For John writes, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him, (John 13:1) which we must suppose that he did, that the Jews might be satisfied with His pains and insults, and cease from thirsting for His blood.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Now see the wickedness of the Jews, and the moderation of Pilate, though he too was worthy of condemnation for not resisting the people. For they cried out, Crucify; he faintly tries to save Jesus from their determined sentence, and again puts a question to them. Wherefore there follows, Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? For he wished in this way to find an opportunity for releasing Christ, who was innocent.
He wished indeed to satisfy the people, that is, to do their will, not what was agreeable to justice and to God.
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(non occ.) Which indeed he was accustomed to do, to obtain favour with the people, and above all, on the feast day, when the people of the whole province of the Jews flocked to Jerusalem. And that the wickedness of the Jews might appear the greater, the enormity of the sin of the robber, whom they preferred to Christ, is next described. Wherefore there follows: And there was one Barabbas, who lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. In which words their wickedness is shown both from the heinousness of his signal crime, in that he had committed murder, and from the way in which he did it, because he had in doing it raised a sedition and disturbed the city, and also because his crime was notorious, for he was bound with seditious persons. It goes on: And the multitude, when it had come up, began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Mark 15:14 captures the climactic moment in Jesus's trial before Pontius Pilate, illustrating the Roman governor's desperate attempt to find a legitimate charge against Jesus and the escalating, irrational fury of the Jewish crowd. Despite Pilate's recognition of Jesus's innocence, the relentless and intensified demands for crucifixion from the manipulated populace ultimately override justice, forcing Pilate's hand and setting the stage for Jesus's execution.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Mark 15:14 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is Contrast, starkly evident between Pilate's reasoned, legal question ("Why, what evil hath he done?") and the crowd's irrational, visceral response ("Crucify him!"). This highlights the conflict between justice and mob rule, reason and passion. Dramatic Irony pervades the scene, as Pilate, a pagan governor, implicitly acknowledges Jesus's innocence and asks about "evil," while the truly evil act is being perpetrated by the very crowd demanding Jesus's death. The crowd's escalating cry, "cried out the more exceedingly," employs Hyperbole to emphasize the overwhelming and relentless nature of their demand, creating a sense of suffocating pressure. Finally, the entire scene serves as powerful Foreshadowing, directly preceding and setting the stage for the crucifixion, the central event of the Gospel narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:14 stands as a profound theological statement on human depravity, the nature of justice, and divine sovereignty. It reveals the terrifying power of collective sin and the ease with which truth can be suppressed by popular demand. Despite Pilate's attempts to uphold a semblance of justice, the will of the fallen human heart, manipulated by spiritual forces and religious leaders, triumphs over reason and innocence. This moment underscores the depth of humanity's rejection of God's Anointed One, demonstrating that even when confronted with blamelessness, sin chooses violence and death. Yet, even in this profound injustice, God's sovereign plan of redemption is at work, using human sin to accomplish His ultimate purpose for salvation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:14 serves as a sobering mirror for us today, challenging us to examine our own susceptibility to popular opinion and the courage required to stand for truth. In a world saturated with information and often driven by emotional appeals, this passage warns against the dangers of "mob mentality" – whether in social media, political discourse, or even within religious communities. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, to critically evaluate narratives, and to resist the urge to follow the loudest voices when they contradict justice, compassion, or biblical truth. Furthermore, reflecting on Jesus's innocent suffering reminds us of the cost of righteousness and the profound love that led Him to endure such injustice for our sake. It calls us to a deeper appreciation of His sacrifice and inspires us to live lives that reflect His character, even when it means standing against the tide.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Pilate, who found no fault in Jesus, succumb to the crowd's demand for crucifixion?
Answer: Pilate's actions in Mark 15:14 and the subsequent verses reveal a complex interplay of political expediency, fear, and moral weakness. While the Gospels consistently portray Pilate as finding no legitimate charge against Jesus (Luke 23:4), he was ultimately a Roman governor whose primary concern was maintaining peace and order in a volatile province. The Jewish leaders had already threatened to accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar if he released Jesus, claiming Jesus was making Himself king (see John 19:12). Faced with a rapidly escalating riot and the potential for a report to Rome that could jeopardize his career, Pilate chose political survival over justice. His question, "Why, what evil hath he done?", was a final, desperate attempt to elicit a reason that might justify his actions or appease the crowd, but their unwavering cry for crucifixion left him with what he perceived as no other option to prevent a full-scale uprising. He prioritized the stability of his rule over the life of an innocent man.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:14, though a scene of profound human injustice, serves as a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The unjust condemnation of Jesus, despite Pilate's recognition of His innocence, perfectly aligns with the Old Testament prophecies of the Suffering Servant who would be "cut off from the land of the living" for the transgressions of His people (Isaiah 53:8). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God (John 1:29), willingly submitted to this unrighteous verdict, not because He was powerless, but because it was the Father's determined purpose for Him to bear the sins of humanity. His silence in the face of false accusations and the clamor for His death (Isaiah 53:7) underscores His obedient submission to God's will. Thus, the very "evil" Pilate questioned became the means by which God demonstrated His profound love for a sinful world, offering salvation through the atoning sacrifice of His Son, who "bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). The crowd's cry, "Crucify him!", though intended for destruction, ironically set in motion the greatest act of love and redemption, leading to Jesus's resurrection and the triumph over sin and death, for "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).