Devine Scripture

Mark 15:8

What does Mark 15:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:8 means

The crowd rises to demand that Pilate perform the customary act of mercy—release a prisoner. Their petition seems benign on the surface, but Mark implies their choice is influenced by the chief priests and mob pressure. The language “went up and began to ask” suggests a rising tide of public demand. This verse shows how ritual and populism can be turned into political manipulation, and it foreshadows the crowd’s tragic decision to prefer a violent man over Jesus’s life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the people went up, requesting him to do as he had done for them in other years.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the multitude having cried out, began to ask for themselves as he was always doing to them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the multitude was come up, they began to desire that he would do as he had ever done unto them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the crowd crying out began to beg [that he would do] to them as he had always done.

Context

This follows the identification of Barabbas and the custom of release. The crowd’s appeal sets into motion a pivotal choice between Barabbas and Jesus. It prepares the narrative for Pilate’s ironic offer and the crowd’s eventual cry for crucifixion, influenced by both leaders and mob dynamics.

v.7And there was one called Barabbas, lying bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

v.8This passage

v.9And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

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