King James Version

What Does Luke 23:23 Mean?

Luke 23:23 in the King James Version says “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief pr...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”

Luke 23:23 · KJV

Context

21

But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

22

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

23

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

24

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. gave: or, assented

25

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They were instant with loud voices (ἐπέκειντο φωναῖς μεγάλαις, epekeinto phōnais megalais)—literally 'they kept pressing upon him with great voices,' 'they were urgent/insistent.' The imperfect tense indicates continuous action—relentless pressure. Their demand: requiring that he might be crucified (αἰτούμενοι αὐτὸν σταυρωθῆναι, aitoumenoi auton staurōthēnai)—'asking for him to be crucified.' The word staurōthēnai (crucified) specifies Roman execution, not Jewish stoning, fulfilling Jesus's prophecy of how he would die (John 12:32-33).

The phrase the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed (κατίσχυον αἱ φωναὶ αὐτῶν, katischyon hai phōnai autōn) means 'their voices were stronger,' 'they overpowered.' Not truth, not justice, not three declarations of innocence—but loud, persistent voices prevailed. This is mob rule overcoming rule of law, the tyranny of the urgent drowning the claims of the eternal. Yet even this human rage serves divine purpose: 'Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain' (Acts 2:23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient crowds could be volatile, especially during Passover when Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000. Roman governors feared riots that could threaten their position. The crowd's 'loud voices' likely echoed through the stone courtyard of the Praetorium, creating acoustic and psychological pressure. Pilate's capitulation demonstrates how mob pressure could override Roman justice when political stability was threatened.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the crowd's 'loud voices' prevailing over justice warn us about the danger of passionate intensity divorced from truth?
  2. What does this scene teach us about standing for truth when 'voices' around us—cultural pressure, popular opinion—demand we compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἱ1 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπέκειντο3 of 16

“they were instant”

G1945

to rest upon (literally or figuratively)

φωναὶ4 of 16

“the voices”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλαις5 of 16

“with loud”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

αἰτούμενοι6 of 16

“requiring”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

αὐτῶν7 of 16

“of them”

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

σταυρωθῆναι8 of 16

“might be crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

καὶ9 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατίσχυον10 of 16

“prevailed”

G2729

to overpower

αἱ11 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωναὶ12 of 16

“the voices”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

αὐτῶν13 of 16

“of them”

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

καὶ14 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερέων.16 of 16

“of the chief priests”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

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 23:23 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 23:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 11:8Psalms 57:4Luke 23:5Psalms 22:12-13

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