Matthew 27:22
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν
is called
G3004
λέγουσιν
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 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
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 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
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσω
shall I do
G4160
ποιήσω
shall I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Ἰησοῦν
with Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
with Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγουσιν
is called
G3004
λέγουσιν
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 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
λέγουσιν
is called
G3004
λέγουσιν
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 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
Cross References
Isaiah 49:7Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.Acts 13:38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Historical Context
Crucifixion involved scourging, mockery, carrying the crossbeam (patibulum), public nakedness, nailing or binding to the cross, and slow asphyxiation over hours or days. It was designed for maximum pain and humiliation, deterring rebellion through terror.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pilate's question 'What shall I do with Jesus?' confront every person with an unavoidable choice?
- What does the demand for crucifixion—the most shameful death—reveal about the depth of hatred toward God's holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified (Σταυρωθήτω)—The Greek imperative staurōthētō (let him be crucified) demands the most shameful, agonizing death Rome inflicted. Crucifixion was so horrific that Roman citizens were exempt; it was for slaves and rebels.
Pilate's question hangs over history: 'What shall I do with Jesus?' Every person must answer. Neutrality is impossible—even Pilate's attempted non-decision became a decision. The crowd's unanimous demand (pantes, all) shows mass complicity in deicide.