Mark 15:8
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 10
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἀεί
he had ever
G104
ἀεί
he had ever
Strong's:
G104
Word #:
8 of 10
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
Historical Context
The 'multitude' (ὄχλος) was likely composed of Jerusalemites rather than Galilean pilgrims who had supported Jesus (11:9-10). The chief priests could mobilize their dependents—Temple workers, merchants, those economically tied to the Temple establishment. The timing (early morning) also meant Jesus's supporters, primarily Galilean pilgrims camped outside the city, wouldn't have arrived yet. The chief priests thus controlled the crowd composition.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Mark note the crowd initially asks for the customary release without naming Barabbas?
- How does the crowd's composition (likely Jerusalem establishment supporters vs. Galilean pilgrims) affect the outcome?
- What does the crowd's malleability teach about mob dynamics and manipulation by authorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do (καὶ ἀναβὰς ὁ ὄχλος ἤρξατο αἰτεῖσθαι καθὼς ἀεὶ ἐποίει αὐτοῖς, kai anabas ho ochlos ērxato aiteisthai kathōs aei epoiei autois)—The participle ἀναβάς (anabas, 'going up') suggests the ὄχλος (ochlos, crowd/multitude) approached the judgment seat. The verb αἰτέω (aiteō) means to ask, request, or demand. As he had ever done unto them (καθὼς ἀεὶ ἐποίει, kathōs aei epoiei)—the adverb ἀεί (aei, 'always, customarily') confirms this was established practice.
Initially, the crowd seems neutral, simply requesting the customary release without specifying whom. Pilate will attempt to leverage this (v. 9), but the chief priests will manipulate them (v. 11). This crowd may not have been Jesus's supporters—those likely scattered after the arrest (14:50), and the trial occurred at dawn when Jesus's followers would not yet have gathered. The crowd consisted of those sympathetic to the Temple establishment or eager for Barabbas's release.