King James Version

What Does Mark 15:14 Mean?

Mark 15:14 in the King James Version says “Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 15:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. Praetorium: or, the palace, or, hall of audience

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς, Τί γὰρ ἐποίησεν κακόν; ho de Pilatos elegen autois, Ti gar epoiēsen kakon?)—Pilate's question uses τί (ti, 'what?') seeking specific charges, and κακόν (kakon, 'evil') asking for actual wrongdoing. The perfect tense ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) asks what evil Jesus has done/committed. Pilate's question is judicial—demanding legal grounds for execution. It's also testimony: the Roman governor found no fault (cf. Luke 23:22, John 18:38, 19:4, 19:6).

And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him (οἱ δὲ περισσῶς ἔκραξαν, Σταύρωσον αὐτόν, hoi de perissōs ekraxan, Staurōson auton)—The adverb περισσῶς (perissōs) means exceedingly, abundantly, all the more. Rational argument fails before mob hysteria. They answer Pilate's demand for charges not with evidence but with louder screaming. Truth cannot penetrate hearts hardened by envy (v. 10) and manipulation (v. 11). This scene fulfills the madness of Psalm 2:1-2: 'Why do the heathen rage...against the LORD, and against his anointed.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilate's threefold declaration of innocence (here and in Luke/John) was legally significant—Roman law required formal finding of guilt for execution. His question 'What evil has he done?' sought to force the accusers to state charges. Their non-response and escalating demands put Pilate in an impossible position: uphold justice and risk riot, or capitulate to injustice and maintain order. His choice reveals the moral cowardice of 'going along' with evil for pragmatic reasons.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Pilate continue asking for charges when he's already determined to condemn Jesus?
  2. How does the crowd's escalating volume rather than reasoned response reveal the nature of mob mentality?
  3. What does this verse teach about the conflict between justice and political expediency?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πιλᾶτος3 of 15

“Pilate”

G4091

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

ἔλεγεν4 of 15

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτόν5 of 15

“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

Τί6 of 15

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ7 of 15

“Why”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κακόν8 of 15

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἐποίησεν9 of 15

“hath he done”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οἱ10 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ11 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

περισσοτέρως12 of 15

“the more exceedingly”

G4056

more superabundantly

ἔκραξαν13 of 15

“they cried out”

G2896

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

Σταύρωσον14 of 15

“Crucify”

G4717

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

αὐτόν15 of 15

“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 15:14 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 Mark 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:41John 19:6Acts 22:22-23Matthew 27:23-25Acts 19:34Hebrews 7:26

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