Devine Scripture

Mark 15:14

What does Mark 15:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:14 means

Pilate protests, asking what evil Jesus has done—he seems to recognize Jesus’ innocence. But the crowd’s voice only intensifies; they shout repeatedly for crucifixion. Pilate’s question exposes the lack of substantive charge against Jesus. Their increasing cries demonstrate the crowd’s emotional escalation and the power of mob mentality over reason. Pilate’s rhetorical question marks his weakening authority amid the uproar and foreshadows his decision to yield to public pressure despite misgivings.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Pilate said to them, Why, what evil has he done? But their cry was the louder, To the cross!

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Pilate said to them, `Why--what evil did he?' and they cried out the more vehemently, `Crucify him;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Pilate saith to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more: Crucify him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Pilate said to them, What evil then has he done? But they cried out the more urgently, Crucify him.

Context

Immediately after the crowd first cries for crucifixion, Pilate presses the issue, probing for a specific crime. Their louder cry shows the leaders have moved the crowd beyond rational assessment. This escalation pushes Pilate toward a tragic compromise, and leads to the scourging and handing over of Jesus in verse 15.

v.13And they cried out again, Crucify him.

v.14This passage

v.15And Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 69:4

    They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.

  • Luke 23:21

    but they shouted, saying, Crucify, crucify him.

  • Matthew 27:4

    saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to it.

  • Luke 23:4

    And Pilate said unto the chief priests and the multitudes, I find no fault in this man.

  • Matthew 27:23

    And he said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying, Let him be crucified.

  • Luke 23:14

    and said unto them, Ye brought unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

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