Luke 23:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 23:22
22 And 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.
Chapter Context
Luke 23 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 23:22
22 And 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.
Analysis
And he said unto them the third time—Pilate's threefold appeal mirrors Peter's threefold denial (22:61) and anticipates Jesus's threefold question to Peter after resurrection (John 21:15-17). His question, Why, what evil hath he done? (τί γὰρ κακὸν ἐποίησεν οὗτος; ti gar kakon epoiēsen houtos), demands specific wrongdoing—'What evil did this one do?' The Greek kakon means 'evil,' 'wicked,' 'harmful.' Pilate's third declaration, I have found no cause of death in him (οὐδὲν αἴτιον θανάτου εὗρον ἐν αὐτῷ, ouden aition thanatou heuron en autō), is his final legal verdict: no capital offense exists.
Yet despite this triple testimony to innocence, Pilate capitulates: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. His logic remains perverse—punishing the innocent to appease the guilty. This threefold declaration establishes beyond doubt that Jesus died, not for his crimes, but for ours. The innocent bore what the guilty deserved. Pilate's question 'What evil hath he done?' echoes through history with one answer: none—'he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth' (Isaiah 53:9).
Historical Context
Pilate's threefold appeal represents extraordinary effort for a Roman governor dealing with a subject people. Typically, Roman authority was swift and absolute. His repeated attempts suggest genuine unease—whether from his wife's dream (Matthew 27:19), superstitious fear of Jesus's claims, or concern about condemning an obviously innocent man. Yet political expediency would ultimately override judicial integrity.
Reflection
- How does Pilate's threefold declaration of innocence magnify the substitutionary nature of Christ's death?
- What does Pilate's question 'What evil hath he done?' reveal about the basis of Jesus's qualification to be our sin-bearer?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 23:14