Mark 15 14

Mark 15:14 kjv

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

Mark 15:14 nkjv

Then Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, "Crucify Him!"

Mark 15:14 niv

"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

Mark 15:14 esv

And Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him."

Mark 15:14 nlt

"Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?" But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!"

Mark 15 verses

Mark 15 14 Meaning

Mark 15:14 depicts a pivotal exchange during Jesus' trial before Pilate. Pilate, perplexed by the crowd's demand for crucifixion despite apparent lack of compelling evidence, inquires, "Why, what evil has he done?" His question signifies an absence of a capital crime under Roman law and perhaps his own discernment of Jesus' innocence. However, the crowd, manipulated by religious leaders and driven by mob mentality, vehemently overrides logic and justice. Their escalating cry, "Crucify him!" is not an answer to Pilate's question, but a fervent, unyielding demand for Jesus' death, demonstrating their complete rejection and intense animosity.

Mark 15 14 Context

Mark chapter 15 records Jesus’ appearance and trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, immediately following his conviction by the Jewish Sanhedrin for blasphemy (Mk 14:64) and Peter’s denial (Mk 14:66-72). The Jewish authorities lacked the power to execute Jesus for a religious crime under Roman rule, necessitating Pilate's involvement and a shift in charges to a political threat (claiming to be King of the Jews, perceived as treason against Caesar). Pilate's role was to uphold Roman law and order in Judea. This specific verse takes place after Pilate attempts to release Jesus by offering a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a known rebel and murderer, a customary practice during Passover. The crowd, incited by the chief priests (Mk 15:11), vehemently rejects Jesus in favor of Barabbas. Pilate's question in Mark 15:14 represents his attempt to find a legitimate legal basis for the crowd’s extreme demand for Jesus’ execution, revealing his own recognition of Jesus' apparent innocence and highlighting the extraordinary pressure exerted by the inflamed mob.

Mark 15 14 Word analysis

• "Why," (Greek: `Τί` - Ti): This interrogative word expresses Pilate’s perplexity and demand for justification. It signals his lack of understanding as to the reason for the mob’s ferocious hatred, suggesting that from a legal and practical standpoint, no substantial "evil" had been presented to him to warrant such a death sentence.
• "what evil" (Greek: `κακὸν` - kakon, meaning evil, harm, bad deed; `ἐποίησεν` - epoiesen, has he done): Pilate seeks a concrete, criminal action that Jesus has committed. This points to the absence of demonstrable Roman criminal offense and implies Pilate’s view that Jesus was not a significant political threat. This questions the very foundation of the Jewish leaders’ charges to him.
• "has he done?" (Greek: `ἐποίησεν` - epoiesen): This perfect tense verb emphasizes that Pilate is looking for an action Jesus has already committed that warrants a capital charge, not merely a theological claim. It further highlights his judicial search for tangible evidence.
• "asked Pilate." (Greek: `ἔφη ὁ Πιλᾶτος` - ephē ho Pilatos): This states Pilate's action in posing the question. It places him in the role of judge, attempting to bring rationality to an increasingly irrational proceeding. His questioning demonstrates his reluctant involvement in a process he did not fully sanction.
• "But they" (Greek: `οἱ δὲ` - hoi de): The conjunction "but" creates a sharp contrast, shifting from Pilate's rational inquiry to the crowd's emotional and illogical response. "They" refers to the assembled multitude, now functioning as an agitated mob.
• "shouted" (Greek: `ἔκραξαν` - ekraxan): This is a strong verb, indicating a loud, vociferous cry or scream. It suggests an emotional outburst rather than reasoned discourse, showing the escalating frenzy of the crowd.
• "all the more," (Greek: `περισσότερως` - perissoterōs): This adverb intensifies "shouted," emphasizing the growing volume and vehemence of their demand. It illustrates the crowd's determined opposition to Pilate's questioning and their resolve to get their way by sheer clamor.
• "Crucify him!" (Greek: `Σταύρωσον αὐτόν` - Staurōson auton): This is a direct, imperative command demanding Jesus' death by the most brutal and humiliating Roman method. It overrides all reason, evidence, or judicial process. The singular focus on crucifixion reveals the depth of the crowd's hatred and their desire for complete obliteration of Jesus and his claims. It bypasses any legal argument Pilate might attempt to make.

• "Why, what evil has he done?" asked Pilate. This phrase showcases Pilate’s judicial hesitation and a faint effort towards justice. It underscores Jesus' legal innocence in Pilate's eyes, who struggles to find grounds for the severe punishment demanded. Pilate's repeated inquiry demonstrates his conscience or reluctance to condemn an apparently harmless man without cause. This question contrasts with the unsubstantiated zeal of the accusers and serves as an important witness to Jesus' blamelessness before a secular authority (Jn 19:4).
• "But they shouted all the more, 'Crucify him!'" This sentence vividly portrays the escalating mob mentality, rejecting reason and procedure in favor of raw emotion and intimidation. The intensified shouting and singular demand for crucifixion highlight the crowd’s preference for brutality over justice and their unyielding determination to see Jesus eliminated. It reflects humanity's broader rejection of divine truth and the preference for chaos over order when provoked by dark spiritual forces and carnal desires (Acts 7:51-53).

Mark 15 14 Bonus section

• Silence of Jesus: While not explicitly stated in Mark 15:14, Jesus’ silence before Pilate's earlier questioning (Mk 15:5, referencing Pilate’s surprise at Jesus making "no reply") directly informs Pilate’s bewildered query here. This silence aligns with Isaiah 53:7, portraying the Suffering Servant who "did not open his mouth," highlighting His complete submission to the Father’s will and demonstrating His unique divine nature distinct from human reactions.
• Political Expediency: Pilate’s questioning, despite his clear understanding of Jesus' innocence (implied by the question), ultimately leads to his yielding to the crowd in Mark 15:15. This showcases how political expediency and fear of public unrest often supersede moral justice and righteous judgment in human affairs, illustrating the fallibility of worldly authority when faced with pressure.
• Spiritual Blindness and Malice: The crowd's vehement demand, despite Pilate’s invitation for logical explanation, exemplifies deep-seated spiritual blindness and malice. Their refusal to articulate a specific crime indicates their animosity was not based on legitimate grievances but rather rooted in hardened hearts and manipulated fervor against truth and righteousness.

Mark 15 14 Commentary

Mark 15:14 encapsulates the agonizing climax of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Pilate, likely weary and attempting to maintain semblance of Roman justice amidst an inflamed Jewish crowd, demands to know what specific crime Jesus has committed warranting such a severe punishment. His question "Why, what evil has he done?" is a tacit acknowledgment of Jesus' apparent innocence and reflects Pilate's inability to find grounds for the accusations brought by the Sanhedrin. Yet, this reasonable plea is met not with rational argument but with an amplified, irrational roar from the crowd: "Crucify him!" The escalating intensity of their shouts, described as "all the more," reveals a complete abandonment of fairness and a fervent commitment to mob rule. This powerful demand underscores the profound hatred and rejection of Jesus by those He came to save, preferring a violent criminal (Barabbas) over the innocent Messiah (Lk 23:18). This moment showcases the dark irony of humanity condemning God's perfectly righteous Son, echoing prophecies of the innocent suffering for the guilty, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus' sacrificial death.