Matthew 27:23

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

And {G1161} the governor {G2232} said {G5346}, Why {G1063}, what {G5101} evil {G2556} hath he done {G4160}? But {G1161} they cried out {G2896} the more {G4057}, saying {G3004}, Let him be crucified {G4717}.

When he asked, "Why? What crime has he committed?" they shouted all the louder, "Put him to death on the stake!"

“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

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

Context

Matthew 27:23 is a pivotal moment in the trial of Jesus before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Following Jesus' arrest and initial questioning by the Jewish Sanhedrin, He was brought to Pilate because the Jewish authorities lacked the power to execute Him (John 18:31). Pilate, finding no legitimate charge against Jesus, attempted to release Him, offering the crowd a choice between Jesus and a notorious prisoner named Barabbas (Matthew 27:17). However, under the influence of the chief priests and elders (Matthew 27:20), the crowd vehemently demanded Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Innocence of Jesus: Pilate's question, "Why, what evil hath he done?", underscores his repeated declaration that he found no fault in Jesus (Luke 23:4; John 19:4). This highlights the unjust nature of Jesus' condemnation, as He was found innocent by the very authority presiding over His trial.
  • Mob Mentality and Irrationality: The crowd's response, "But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified," reveals a dangerous mob mentality. Despite Pilate's reasonable question and Jesus' evident lack of wrongdoing, their demands grew louder and more aggressive, driven by passion and external manipulation rather than justice or reason.
  • Political Pressure and Compromise: This verse foreshadows Pilate's ultimate decision to succumb to the crowd's will, washing his hands of the matter (Matthew 27:24). It illustrates the tragic choice of political expediency over moral rectitude and justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cried out the more" translates the Greek ekrazon perissoterōs, emphasizing the escalating intensity and volume of the crowd's shouts. It suggests a growing frenzy and a refusal to be swayed by logic or appeals to justice. The word "crucified" (Greek: staurōthētō) refers to the brutal and humiliating form of Roman execution, a painful death reserved for the worst criminals or rebels, highlighting the severity of the crowd's demand for Jesus, who was innocent.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:23 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Beware of Crowd Influence: It cautions against blindly following popular opinion or succumbing to group pressure, especially when it contradicts truth and justice. The cries of the crowd led to the condemnation of an innocent man.
  • Standing for Truth: Pilate's struggle, though he ultimately failed, prompts reflection on the importance of standing firm for what is right, even when it is unpopular or politically inconvenient.
  • The Cost of Sin and Redemption: Ultimately, this unjust condemnation of Jesus highlights the depth of human sin and the immense sacrifice Jesus made. He willingly allowed Himself to be condemned by an irrational mob, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 53:7) to provide redemption for humanity's sins.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:12

    ¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

  • Acts 23:15

    Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

  • Genesis 37:18

    And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

  • Genesis 37:19

    And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

  • Acts 7:57

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

  • 1 Samuel 19:3

    And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou [art], and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

  • 1 Samuel 19:15

    And Saul sent the messengers [again] to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.

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