King James Version

What Does Mark 15:8 Mean?

Mark 15:8 in the King James Version says “And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.”

Mark 15:8 · KJV

Context

6

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

7

And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

8

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

9

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

10

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do (καὶ ἀναβὰς ὁ ὄχλος ἤρξατο αἰτεῖσθαι καθὼς ἀεὶ ἐποίει αὐτοῖς, kai anabas ho ochlos ērxato aiteisthai kathōs aei epoiei autois)—The participle ἀναβάς (anabas, 'going up') suggests the ὄχλος (ochlos, crowd/multitude) approached the judgment seat. The verb αἰτέω (aiteō) means to ask, request, or demand. As he had ever done unto them (καθὼς ἀεὶ ἐποίει, kathōs aei epoiei)—the adverb ἀεί (aei, 'always, customarily') confirms this was established practice.

Initially, the crowd seems neutral, simply requesting the customary release without specifying whom. Pilate will attempt to leverage this (v. 9), but the chief priests will manipulate them (v. 11). This crowd may not have been Jesus's supporters—those likely scattered after the arrest (14:50), and the trial occurred at dawn when Jesus's followers would not yet have gathered. The crowd consisted of those sympathetic to the Temple establishment or eager for Barabbas's release.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'multitude' (ὄχλος) was likely composed of Jerusalemites rather than Galilean pilgrims who had supported Jesus (11:9-10). The chief priests could mobilize their dependents—Temple workers, merchants, those economically tied to the Temple establishment. The timing (early morning) also meant Jesus's supporters, primarily Galilean pilgrims camped outside the city, wouldn't have arrived yet. The chief priests thus controlled the crowd composition.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Mark note the crowd initially asks for the customary release without naming Barabbas?
  2. How does the crowd's composition (likely Jerusalem establishment supporters vs. Galilean pilgrims) affect the outcome?
  3. What does the crowd's malleability teach about mob dynamics and manipulation by authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναβοήσας2 of 10

“crying aloud”

G310

to halloo

ὁ3 of 10
G3588

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

ὄχλος4 of 10

“the multitude”

G3793

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

ἤρξατο5 of 10

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

αἰτεῖσθαι6 of 10

“to desire”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

καθὼς7 of 10

“him to do as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἀεί8 of 10

“he had ever”

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

ἐποίει9 of 10

“done”

G4160

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

αὐτοῖς10 of 10

“unto 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

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 15:8 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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