King James Version

What Does Mark 15:13 Mean?

Mark 15:13 in the King James Version says “And they cried out again, Crucify him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they cried out again, Crucify him.”

Mark 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

12

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

13

And they cried out again, Crucify him.

14

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

15

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they cried out again, Crucify him (οἱ δὲ πάλιν ἔκραξαν, Σταύρωσον αὐτόν, hoi de palin ekraxan, Staurōson auton)—The verb κράζω (krazō) means to cry out, shout, scream—a visceral, loud demand. The adverb πάλιν (palin, 'again') suggests they'd already begun shouting this before Pilate's question in v. 12. The imperative σταύρωσον (staurōson, 'crucify!') demanded Rome's most shameful execution method. σταυρόω (stauroō) means to fix to a cross, to crucify.

Crucifixion was reserved for slaves, pirates, insurrectionists—the lowest criminals. For a Jewish crowd to demand this for a fellow Jew shows the depths of manipulation achieved. The cry echoes ironically against Palm Sunday's 'Hosanna!' (11:9-10)—the same city that welcomed Jesus now screams for His blood. The crowd fulfilled unwittingly Psalm 22:16: 'they pierced my hands and feet' and Isaiah 53:12: 'he was numbered with the transgressors.' Human voices demand what divine decree ordained.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion (Latin: crux, crucifixio) was introduced to the Mediterranean by Persians, adopted by Alexander the Great, and perfected by Romans as public deterrent. Cicero called it 'the most cruel and disgusting penalty' (In Verrem 5.64). The victim died slowly through asphyxiation, exposure, and shock—lasting hours or days. Jewish law considered crucifixion victims cursed: 'he that is hanged is accursed of God' (Deuteronomy 21:23)—which Paul cites to show Christ becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the crowd's demand for crucifixion—Rome's most shameful death—reveal about the completeness of their rejection?
  2. How does the cry 'Crucify him!' fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering?
  3. What spiritual dynamic causes a crowd to go from 'Hosanna!' to 'Crucify him!' in five days?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
οἱ1 of 6
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 6

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάλιν3 of 6

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἔκραξαν4 of 6

“they cried out”

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

Σταύρωσον5 of 6

“Crucify”

G4717

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

αὐτόν6 of 6

“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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 15:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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