Mark 15:14
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλεγεν
said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
Τί
what
G5101
Τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
Why
G1063
γὰρ
Why
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κακόν
evil
G2556
κακόν
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
8 of 15
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἐποίησεν
hath he done
G4160
ἐποίησεν
hath he done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔκραξαν
they cried out
G2896
ἔκραξαν
they cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
Historical Context
Pilate's threefold declaration of innocence (here and in Luke/John) was legally significant—Roman law required formal finding of guilt for execution. His question 'What evil has he done?' sought to force the accusers to state charges. Their non-response and escalating demands put Pilate in an impossible position: uphold justice and risk riot, or capitulate to injustice and maintain order. His choice reveals the moral cowardice of 'going along' with evil for pragmatic reasons.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Pilate continue asking for charges when he's already determined to condemn Jesus?
- How does the crowd's escalating volume rather than reasoned response reveal the nature of mob mentality?
- What does this verse teach about the conflict between justice and political expediency?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς, Τί γὰρ ἐποίησεν κακόν; ho de Pilatos elegen autois, Ti gar epoiēsen kakon?)—Pilate's question uses τί (ti, 'what?') seeking specific charges, and κακόν (kakon, 'evil') asking for actual wrongdoing. The perfect tense ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) asks what evil Jesus has done/committed. Pilate's question is judicial—demanding legal grounds for execution. It's also testimony: the Roman governor found no fault (cf. Luke 23:22, John 18:38, 19:4, 19:6).
And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him (οἱ δὲ περισσῶς ἔκραξαν, Σταύρωσον αὐτόν, hoi de perissōs ekraxan, Staurōson auton)—The adverb περισσῶς (perissōs) means exceedingly, abundantly, all the more. Rational argument fails before mob hysteria. They answer Pilate's demand for charges not with evidence but with louder screaming. Truth cannot penetrate hearts hardened by envy (v. 10) and manipulation (v. 11). This scene fulfills the madness of Psalm 2:1-2: 'Why do the heathen rage...against the LORD, and against his anointed.'