15:8 15:8

Mark 15:9

15:10 15:10

Bible Versions

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
But {G1161} Pilate {G4091} answered {G611} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Will ye {G2309} that I release {G630} unto you {G5213} the King {G935} of the Jews {G2453}?
e asked them, "Do you want me to set free for you the `King of the Jews'?"
“Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked.
And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:9 (KJV)

"But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"

This verse captures a key moment in Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the Passover festival, it was a custom (likely established by the Roman governors to appease the Jewish population) to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate, faced with the dilemma of a seemingly innocent Jesus brought before him by the hostile Jewish leaders, sees this custom as an opportunity to release Jesus and avoid a confrontation or potential riot.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Pilate's Attempt to Release Jesus: Pilate appears hesitant to condemn Jesus and uses the Passover custom to shift the decision back to the crowd, hoping they will choose Jesus.
  • The Title "King of the Jews": Pilate uses the very title that the Jewish leaders presented as the charge against Jesus (claiming He was a political threat to Roman rule). His use of the title here is significant; it highlights the specific accusation and frames the choice presented to the people regarding Jesus' identity and status.
  • The Crowd's Choice: This question sets the stage for the crowd's fateful decision to demand Barabbas instead of Jesus, effectively rejecting their true King.

Linguistic Insights:

The title "King of the Jews" (Greek: βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων - basileus tōn Ioudaiōn) was the political charge. While Jesus is indeed King, His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Pilate's use of this specific title underscores the tension between the earthly accusation and Jesus' true, spiritual kingship.

Cross-references:

Parallel accounts of this offer by Pilate are found in Matthew 27:17, Luke 23:18-19, and John 18:39-40.

Practical Application:

This moment serves as a stark reminder of the world's rejection of Jesus. Like the crowd, each person is presented with a choice regarding Jesus: will we accept Him as our King, or will we choose something (or someone) else?

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.

  • Matthew 27:17

    Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

  • Matthew 27:21

    The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

  • Acts 3:13

    The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [him] go.

  • Acts 3:15

    And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

  • 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.

  • John 19:5

    Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!

  • John 19:14

    And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
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