Mark 15:14

KJV

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Pilate {G4091} said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Why {G1063}, what {G5101} evil {G2556} hath he done {G4160}? And {G1161} they cried out {G2896} the more exceedingly {G4056}, Crucify {G4717} him {G846}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the dramatic peak of Jesus's Roman trial, immediately following Pilate's offer to release Jesus according to the Passover custom. In [Mark 15:6-8](/mark/15-6-8 "Mark 15:6-8 - The Passover Custom and Pilate's Offer"), Pilate presents a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious rebel. The chief priests, however, skillfully incite the crowd to demand Barabbas's release instead, as detailed in [Mark 15:11](/mark/15-11 "Mark 15:11 - The Crowd Chooses Barabbas"). Pilate's question in verse 14, "Why, what evil hath he done?", is a final, bewildered plea for reason, highlighting his own conviction of Jesus's innocence and his reluctance to condemn Him without cause. The crowd's subsequent intensified clamor for crucifixion seals Jesus's fate, leading directly to Pilate's decision to hand Him over for execution in [Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before Pilate occurred within the framework of Roman provincial governance. Pilate, as the Roman prefect of Judea, held ultimate judicial authority, including the power of capital punishment. While Roman law typically required a clear accusation and evidence for conviction, governors like Pilate also had considerable discretionary power (known as *cognitio extra ordinem*). The Passover festival brought a large, often volatile, Jewish population to Jerusalem, and Roman authorities were acutely sensitive to potential unrest. Pilate's primary concern would have been maintaining peace and order, and avoiding any accusation of sedition against Rome. The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover was a gesture of goodwill, but it also placed Pilate in a precarious position, caught between his legal judgment of Jesus's innocence and the intense political pressure from the Jewish leadership and the agitated crowd, who could appeal to Caesar if their demands were not met, as hinted at in [John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Injustice and Mob Rule**, where truth and legal process are utterly overwhelmed by popular opinion and manipulation, leading to the condemnation of an innocent man. This moment also underscores the **Rejection of Truth**, as the crowd's response is not a reasoned argument but an irrational, intensified demand for death, signifying a willful blindness to Jesus's blamelessness and His divine claims. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Pilate's Moral Compromise**, revealing his weakness and political expediency as he prioritizes appeasing the volatile crowd over administering true justice, a decision that has profound theological implications. Ultimately, this scene is a critical step in the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus's unjust suffering and condemnation by both Jewish and Roman authorities were foretold in Old Testament scriptures concerning the Messiah, particularly in passages describing the suffering servant, such as [Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant's Silence and Condemnation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _kakós'_):** From G2556, this word signifies something intrinsically worthless, depraved, or injurious. Pilate's question, "what evil hath he done?", seeks a concrete, morally reprehensible act. The crowd's inability to articulate any specific "evil" underscores Jesus's innocence and highlights the baselessness of their demands. Their accusation is not about a specific wrong Jesus committed, but about His very person and claims, which they perceived as a threat or blasphemy.
* **cried out (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, this verb means to "croak" or scream, to call aloud, shriek, or entreat. It conveys a visceral, animalistic, and uncontrolled sound. The use of this word emphasizes the raw, unthinking, and intense nature of the crowd's demand, suggesting a mob mentality that has lost all sense of reason and decorum. It paints a picture of a chaotic, intimidating scene where rational discourse is impossible.
* **more exceedingly (Greek, _perissotérōs'_):** From G4056, this adverb means "more superabundantly," "exceedingly," or "much more." It intensifies the verb "cried out," indicating that the crowd's shouts were not merely loud, but grew in volume, fervor, and insistence. This escalation of their demand for crucifixion demonstrates their unwavering determination and the overwhelming pressure they exerted on Pilate, leaving him with little room to maneuver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done?":** This clause reveals Pilate's final, desperate attempt to find a legal justification for Jesus's condemnation, or perhaps, to elicit a reason that would allow him to release Jesus. His question is rhetorical, born of frustration and a clear understanding that Jesus has committed no capital offense. It underscores Pilate's internal conflict and his recognition of Jesus's innocence, contrasting sharply with the crowd's irrational hatred.
* **"And they cried out the more exceedingly, ":** This phrase describes the crowd's immediate and intensified reaction. Instead of providing a logical answer to Pilate's question, they respond with an even louder, more fervent, and overwhelming clamor. The use of "more exceedingly" emphasizes the escalating pressure and the sheer volume of their collective voice, demonstrating the dangerous power of an incited mob.
* **"Crucify him.":** This is the crowd's chilling and singular demand. It is not a suggestion or a plea, but an insistent, unified cry for the most brutal and humiliating form of Roman execution. This direct and unwavering demand reveals the depth of their animosity and their determination to see Jesus eliminated, regardless of His innocence or Pilate's attempts at justice.

#### 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.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determined Purpose")

### 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
* **How do I discern between popular opinion and divine truth in my own life and in society?**
* **What pressures do I face that might tempt me to compromise my convictions, similar to Pilate?**
* **How does Jesus's innocent suffering in this verse deepen my understanding of His love and sacrifice for me?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, contribute to a "mob mentality" that dismisses truth or justice?**

### 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 (cf. [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")), 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](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar")). 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](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant Cut Off")). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), 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](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")) 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](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")).

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

Luke 23:41

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Psalms 69:4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

Acts 7:54

¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

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 19:34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.