Luke 23:20
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 9
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 9
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλων
willing
G2309
θέλων
willing
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 9
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀπολῦσαι
to release
G630
ἀπολῦσαι
to release
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
7 of 9
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
Historical Context
Pilate's position was politically precarious. Previous conflicts with Jews (slaughtering Galileans in the temple, Luke 13:1; using temple funds for aqueducts, Josephus) had strained his relationship with the province. A delegation to Emperor Tiberius could end his governorship. His 'willingness' to release Jesus was genuine, but his greater willingness to preserve his power would prove determinative.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Pilate's 'willingness' without corresponding action teach us about the insufficiency of good intentions?
- How does Pilate's failure despite knowing the truth challenge us when we face pressure to compromise convictions?
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Analysis & Commentary
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them—The word willing (θέλων, thelōn) indicates genuine desire, though weak resolve. This is Pilate's repeated attempt to free Jesus despite mounting pressure. The phrase spake again (προσεφώνησεν, prosephōnēsen) suggests he 'called out to' or 'addressed' the crowd, attempting to persuade them toward justice. Pilate's moral conviction that Jesus was innocent battled his political calculation that execution was expedient.
This moment exposes the tragedy of moral cowardice—Pilate knew the right course (thelōn, willing to release) but lacked courage to enact it against opposition. His repeated appeals demonstrate both his recognition of Jesus's innocence and his fatal weakness before the crowd. The governor's inner conflict between justice and political survival makes him a cautionary figure: truth known but not acted upon becomes judgment. James 4:17 applies: 'to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.'