Luke 23:4
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
7 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
to the people
G3793
ὄχλους
to the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
10 of 17
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
Οὐδὲν
no
G3762
Οὐδὲν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
11 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
Cross References
John 18:38Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.Mark 15:14Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.Luke 23:22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.1 Peter 2:22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Historical Context
Roman legal procedure (cognitio extra ordinem) required the governor to investigate charges personally. Pilate, governing Judea AD 26-36, was known for his contempt of Jewish sensibilities (Josephus, Philo) yet feared popular unrest that could threaten his position. His verdict here reflects standard Roman jurisprudence—without evidence of sedition or treason, he had no legal grounds for execution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pilate's triple declaration of innocence magnify the injustice of Jesus's crucifixion and our own guilt in requiring it?
- What does it reveal about human nature that Pilate could recognize Jesus's innocence yet still condemn him to death?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I find no fault in this man (οὐδὲν εὑρίσκω αἴτιον, ouden heuriskō aition)—Pilate's first declaration of Jesus's innocence. The Greek aition means 'cause' or 'legal charge,' making this a formal acquittal: 'I find no basis for an accusation.' Luke records Pilate's innocence declaration three times (vv. 4, 14, 22), establishing Jesus's legal blamelessness before Roman law.
This verdict fulfills Isaiah 53:9 ('he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth') and demonstrates the injustice of what follows. Pilate's assertion contradicts the Sanhedrin's accusations of perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming kingship (v. 2). The Roman prefect's public exoneration exposes the fabricated nature of the charges while ironically testifying to Christ's sinlessness—the very qualification necessary for him to be humanity's spotless sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 1:19).