King James Version

What Does Luke 23:16 Mean?

Luke 23:16 in the King James Version says “I will therefore chastise him, and release him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I will therefore chastise him, and release him.”

Luke 23:16 · KJV

Context

14

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

15

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

16

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

17

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

18

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will therefore chastise him, and release him—Pilate's compromise exposes judicial corruption. The Greek paideusas (chastise) means 'discipline,' 'punish,' often through scourging (flagellation). John 19:1 describes this brutal flogging. Pilate's logic is perverse: 'I find him innocent, therefore I will torture him.' This attempted middle ground—satisfying bloodlust without execution—violates Roman law itself, which prohibited punishing the innocent.

The word paideusas (from paideia, discipline/training) carries educational connotations, but here it's purely punitive violence. Pilate hoped the sight of a scourged, broken Jesus would satiate the mob's demand for blood. Yet this 'chastisement' fulfills Isaiah 53:5: 'the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.' What Pilate intended as political expedience, God ordained as substitutionary atonement. Every lash Pilate inflicted was the punishment our sins deserved, borne by the sinless Lamb.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman scourging (flagellatio) was brutal—leather whips embedded with bone or metal shards flayed flesh from the back, often causing death. It normally preceded crucifixion but could serve as independent punishment. Pilate's proposal to scourge and release violated legal principle (innocent parties should face no penalty) but reflected pragmatic governance—yielding partially to demands while avoiding full capitulation to injustice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pilate's willingness to punish the innocent man he just acquitted expose the corruption of human justice?
  2. In what ways does the 'chastisement' intended to satisfy the crowd actually accomplish God's redemptive purpose for humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 4 words
παιδεύσας1 of 4

“I will”

G3811

to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)

οὖν2 of 4

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτὸν3 of 4

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπολύσω4 of 4

“and release”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 23:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 23:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:26Luke 23:22Mark 15:15John 19:1-4Isaiah 53:5Acts 16:37

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