King James Version

What Does Mark 15:9 Mean?

Mark 15:9 in the King James Version says “But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 15:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς λέγων, Θέλετε ἀπολύσω ὑμῖν τὸν βασιλέα τῶν Ἰουδαίων; ho de Pilatos apekrithē autois legōn, Thelete apolysō hymin ton basilea tōn Ioudaiōn?)—Pilate's question uses the verb θέλω (thelō, to will, desire, want) with deliberate political calculation. He employs the title 'King of the Jews' (βασιλέα τῶν Ἰουδαίων, basilea tōn Ioudaiōn) with apparent irony or contempt—perhaps mocking both Jesus's claims and Jewish nationalism.

Pilate's strategy is transparent: offer the crowd their 'king' expecting they'll choose Jesus over a common criminal. John 18:39 makes this explicit: 'But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?' Pilate attempts to manipulate the amnesty tradition to extricate himself from condemning a man he knows is innocent. The plan backfires spectacularly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilate's use of 'King of the Jews' was probably sarcastic—Roman sources portray him as contemptuous of Jewish sensibilities. He later antagonizes Jewish leaders by insisting the cross inscription remain 'King of the Jews' (John 19:21-22). Here he may be baiting the crowd: 'You want your king freed? Here he is!' Pilate underestimated both the crowd's volatility and the chief priests' influence (v. 11).

Reflection Questions

  1. Is Pilate's use of 'King of the Jews' mocking Jesus, the Jewish people, or both?
  2. Why does Pilate think offering Jesus as 'your king' will secure His release?
  3. How does Pilate's political calculation demonstrate the weakness of compromise with evil?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πιλᾶτος3 of 13

“Pilate”

G4091

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

ἀπεκρίθη4 of 13

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτοῖς5 of 13

“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

λέγων,6 of 13

“saying”

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

Θέλετε7 of 13

“Will ye”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀπολύσω8 of 13

“that I release”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

ὑμῖν9 of 13

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸν10 of 13
G3588

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

βασιλέα11 of 13

“the King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῶν12 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων13 of 13

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:4-5John 18:39Acts 3:13-15Matthew 27:17-21John 19:14-16

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