Luke 23:1
And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστὰν
arose
G450
ἀναστὰν
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
2 of 11
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἤγαγεν
and led
G71
ἤγαγεν
and led
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Pontius Pilate served as Roman prefect of Judea (AD 26-36) and alone possessed ius gladii (the right of the sword)—capital jurisdiction. The Sanhedrin's early morning assembly (Luke 22:66) allowed them to bring Jesus before Pilate at dawn when Roman officials conducted business. This scene occurs during Passover week (c. AD 30 or 33) when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims and Roman authorities were especially vigilant against unrest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the religious leaders' need for Roman approval expose both their political powerlessness and their moral bankruptcy?
- What does Jesus's silence before his accusers teach us about responding to false charges and unjust persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate—The Sanhedrin's night trial concludes with a unanimous verdict of blasphemy (22:71), but they lack authority to execute capital punishment under Roman occupation (John 18:31). The phrase the whole multitude (ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος, hapan to plēthos) emphasizes the corporate guilt of Israel's leadership in delivering their Messiah to Gentile crucifixion—fulfilling Jesus's prediction that he would be 'delivered unto the Gentiles' (18:32).
This transfer from Jewish to Roman jurisdiction marks a pivotal moment: the religious charge of blasphemy must be reframed as political sedition to secure Roman execution. Luke's narrative carefully documents the legal proceedings, demonstrating both the illegitimacy of the trials and the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture (Isaiah 53:8, Psalm 2:1-2). The verb led (ἤγαγον, ēgagon) portrays Jesus as the silent Suffering Servant 'led as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isaiah 53:7).