King James Version

What Does Luke 23:4 Mean?

Luke 23:4 in the King James Version says “Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

Luke 23:4 · KJV


Context

2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

3

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

4

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

5

And they were the more fierce, saying , He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

6

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I find no fault in this man (οὐδὲν εὑρίσκω αἴτιον, ouden heuriskō aition)—Pilate's first declaration of Jesus's innocence. The Greek aition means 'cause' or 'legal charge,' making this a formal acquittal: 'I find no basis for an accusation.' Luke records Pilate's innocence declaration three times (vv. 4, 14, 22), establishing Jesus's legal blamelessness before Roman law.

This verdict fulfills Isaiah 53:9 ('he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth') and demonstrates the injustice of what follows. Pilate's assertion contradicts the Sanhedrin's accusations of perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming kingship (v. 2). The Roman prefect's public exoneration exposes the fabricated nature of the charges while ironically testifying to Christ's sinlessness—the very qualification necessary for him to be humanity's spotless sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 1:19).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legal procedure (cognitio extra ordinem) required the governor to investigate charges personally. Pilate, governing Judea AD 26-36, was known for his contempt of Jewish sensibilities (Josephus, Philo) yet feared popular unrest that could threaten his position. His verdict here reflects standard Roman jurisprudence—without evidence of sedition or treason, he had no legal grounds for execution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pilate's triple declaration of innocence magnify the injustice of Jesus's crucifixion and our own guilt in requiring it?
  2. What does it reveal about human nature that Pilate could recognize Jesus's innocence yet still condemn him to death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Πιλᾶτος3 of 17

Pilate

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

εἶπεν4 of 17

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς5 of 17

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς6 of 17
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεῖς7 of 17

the chief priests

G749

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

καὶ8 of 17

and

G2532

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

τοὺς9 of 17
G3588

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

ὄχλους10 of 17

to the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Οὐδὲν11 of 17

no

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

εὑρίσκω12 of 17

I find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αἴτιον13 of 17

fault

G158

a reason or crime (like g0156)

ἐν14 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ15 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπῳ16 of 17

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τούτῳ17 of 17

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)


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 23:4 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 23:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study