Mark 15:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 15:14
14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Chapter Context
Mark 15 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, grace. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
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 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 15:14
14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
Analysis
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.'
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 23:41