Luke 23:24
What does Luke 23:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:24 means
Pilate issues the sentence the crowd demanded. The judge who knew Jesus was innocent chooses to gratify the multitude rather than uphold justice. The language is stark: he decrees that their will be done. This tragic capitulation shows how fear and political calculation can lead to grave wrongs. It also shows that God can accomplish His purpose even through the failures of rulers. The decree of a Roman governor becomes the means by which the true Passover Lamb is offered up, in fulfillment of the Scriptures and for the redemption of sinners.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Pilate gave sentence that what they asked for should be done.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Pilate gave sentence that what they asked for should be done.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Pilate gave his decision for their desire to be put into effect.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Pilate gave judgment for their request being done,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Pilate adjudged that what they begged should take place.
Context
After the people’s voices prevail, Pilate formalizes their desire into law. This verse is the hinge between deliberation and execution. The next verse will describe the exchange: Barabbas is released, and Jesus is handed over. From here, Luke leaves the courtroom and moves to the place of crucifixion. The focus will shift from legal pronouncements to the suffering and words of Jesus, along with the reactions of soldiers, rulers, criminals, and bystanders.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to wrest justice:
- Proverbs 17:15
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
- Matthew 27:26
Then released he unto them Barabbas; but Jesus he scourged and delivered to be crucified.
- John 19:1
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
- Mark 15:15
And Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
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