Mark 15:14
New International Version
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

New Living Translation
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

English Standard Version
And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate was saying to them, "Why? What evil did He commit?" But they shouted much more, "Crucify Him!"

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

New King James Version
Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

New American Standard Bible
But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!”

NASB 1995
But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!”

NASB 1977
But Pilate was saying to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Pilate was saying to them, “Why? What evil did He do?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!”

Amplified Bible
But Pilate asked them, “Why, what has He done that is evil?” But they screamed all the more, “Crucify Him!”

Christian Standard Bible
Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong? ” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Pilate said to them, “Why? What has He done wrong?” But they shouted, “Crucify Him!” all the more.

American Standard Version
And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.

Contemporary English Version
Pilate asked, "But what crime has he done?" "Nail him to a cross!" they yelled even louder.

English Revised Version
And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate said to them, "Why? What has he done wrong?" But they shouted even louder, "Crucify him!"

Good News Translation
"But what crime has he committed?" Pilate asked. They shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

International Standard Version
"Why?" Pilate asked them. "What has he done wrong?" But they shouted even louder, "Crucify him!"

NET Bible
Pilate asked them, "Why? What has he done wrong?" But they shouted more insistently, "Crucify him!"

New Heart English Bible
Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Pilate said to them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Why, what crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they vehemently shouted, "Crucify Him!"
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

World English Bible
Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Pilate said to them, “Why—what evil did He do?” And they cried out the more vehemently, “Crucify Him!”

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate was saying to them, "Why? What evil did He commit?" But they shouted much more, "Crucify Him!"

Young's Literal Translation
And Pilate said to them, 'Why -- what evil did he?' and they cried out the more vehemently, 'Crucify him;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pilate said to them, But what evil has he done? And they cried out more excessively, Crucify him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Pilate saith to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more: Crucify him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, Pilate said to them: “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify him.”

New American Bible
Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.”

New Revised Standard Version
Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Pilate said to them, What evil has he done? but they cried aloud the more, Crucify him!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Pilate said to them, “What evil has he done?” And they were crying out even more, “Crucify him!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Pilate said to them: Why, what evil has he done? But they cried vehemently: Crucify him.

Godbey New Testament
And Pilate said to them, For what evil hath He done? And they cried out uproariously, Crucify Him.

Haweis New Testament
Then Pilate said unto them, But what criminal act hath he done? And they cried the more vociferously, Crucify him.

Mace New Testament
Pilate replied, why, what harm has he done? but they cried out more furiously, crucify him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Why, what crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they vehemently shouted, "Crucify Him!"

Worrell New Testament
And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil did He do?" But they cried out vehemently, "Crucify Him!"

Worsley New Testament
But Pilate said unto them, Why, what ill has He done? And they cried out the more vehemently, Crucify Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pilate Delivers up Jesus
13And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” 14“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” 15And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:23
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Luke 23:22
A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”

John 19:4-6
Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” / When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” / As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

Acts 3:13-15
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. / You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this fact.

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

1 Peter 2:22-23
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Psalm 69:4
Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

John 18:38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

John 19:12-15
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Acts 13:28
And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.

Psalm 94:21
They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Jeremiah 26:15
But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

Why.

Isaiah 53:9
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:4,19,24,54
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that

Luke 23:4,14,15,21,41,47
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man…

And.

Psalm 69:4
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

Isaiah 53:3
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Matthew 27:23-25
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified…

Jump to Previous
Committed Cried Crime Cross Crucify Cry Evil Exceedingly Louder Pilate Shouted Urgently Vehemently
Jump to Next
Committed Cried Crime Cross Crucify Cry Evil Exceedingly Louder Pilate Shouted Urgently Vehemently
Mark 15
1. Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.
6. Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,
12. and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.
16. He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;
21. faints in bearing his cross;
27. hangs between two thieves;
29. suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;
39. but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;
42. and is honorably buried by Joseph.














“Why?” asked Pilate.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, is depicted as a reluctant judge in the trial of Jesus. His question "Why?" indicates his struggle to find a legitimate reason for Jesus' execution. Pilate's role is significant as it fulfills the prophecy of Jesus being handed over to the Gentiles (Matthew 20:19). Historically, Pilate was known for his harsh rule, yet in this instance, he appears hesitant, possibly due to his awareness of Jesus' innocence or his wife's warning (Matthew 27:19).

“What evil has He done?”
Pilate's inquiry highlights the lack of evidence against Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as sinless, fulfilling the role of the unblemished Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19). This question underscores the injustice of the trial and the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the suffering servant who had done no violence nor was any deceit in His mouth. Pilate's question also reflects the Roman legal system's requirement for a clear charge before execution.

But they shouted all the louder,
The crowd's increasing volume signifies their growing insistence and pressure on Pilate. This reflects the influence of the chief priests and elders who had stirred up the crowd (Mark 15:11). The scene illustrates the fulfillment of Psalm 22:16, where the psalmist speaks of being surrounded by a hostile assembly. The crowd's behavior also mirrors the fickle nature of public opinion, which had previously hailed Jesus as a king during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:9-10).

“Crucify Him!”
Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders, particularly those guilty of treason or insurrection. The demand for crucifixion reveals the depth of rejection Jesus faced, as He was condemned to die a death considered cursed under Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:23). This cry for crucifixion fulfills Jesus' own predictions about His death (Mark 10:33-34) and aligns with the typology of the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness (John 3:14-15), symbolizing Jesus being lifted up on the cross for the salvation of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is depicted as a reluctant judge, questioning the crowd about the charges against Jesus.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, who is on trial and facing crucifixion. He is innocent of any wrongdoing, yet is condemned by the crowd.

3. The Crowd
The assembly of people in Jerusalem, influenced by the chief priests and elders, demanding Jesus' crucifixion despite His innocence.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

5. The Chief Priests and Elders
Jewish religious leaders who orchestrated the plot against Jesus, inciting the crowd to demand His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
The Injustice of the World
This passage highlights the reality of injustice, where an innocent man is condemned. As Christians, we are called to stand against injustice and advocate for truth.

The Influence of the Crowd
The crowd's demand for crucifixion shows the danger of mob mentality. Believers should be discerning and not be swayed by popular opinion when it contradicts God's truth.

Pilate's Dilemma
Pilate's struggle reflects the conflict between political expediency and moral integrity. Christians are encouraged to prioritize righteousness over convenience.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.

The Silence of Jesus
Jesus' silence in the face of false accusations exemplifies humility and trust in God's justice. Believers can learn to respond to false accusations with grace and patience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Mark 15:14?

2. How does Pilate's question in Mark 15:14 reveal his internal conflict?

3. What does Pilate's response teach about standing for truth despite pressure?

4. How does Mark 15:14 connect to Isaiah's prophecy about the suffering servant?

5. How can we discern truth when faced with conflicting voices like Pilate?

6. What steps can we take to avoid Pilate's indecision in our faith journey?

7. Why did Pilate ask, "What evil has He done?" in Mark 15:14?

8. How does Mark 15:14 challenge the concept of justice in the Bible?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Mark 15:14?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 15?

11. Who killed Jesus?

12. Why does Pilate appear unusually sympathetic to Jesus when historical records describe him as ruthless?

13. What key events occur in Journey to the Cross, Part 39?

14. What key events occur in Journey to the Cross, Part 39?
What Does Mark 15:14 Mean
“Why?” asked Pilate

Pilate is already convinced of Jesus’ innocence. Earlier he declared, “I find no basis for a charge against this man” (Luke 23:4) and again, “I find no fault in Him” (John 18:38). His single-word question, “Why?”, exposes the emptiness of the accusations and underscores God’s providence in placing an unbelieving governor as a reluctant witness to Christ’s blamelessness.

• The legal authority of Rome is forced to acknowledge the integrity of the true King (cf. 1 Timothy 6:13).

• Pilate’s hesitation fulfills Isaiah 53:11, where the righteous Servant is declared innocent yet still bears sin.

• Even though Pilate cannot see the whole picture, his question highlights that the coming sacrifice is not for any wrongdoing of Jesus but for ours (2 Corinthians 5:21).


“What evil has He done?”

Pilate presses the crowd, hoping logic will sway them. Scripture repeatedly affirms that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).

• Jesus’ spotless character satisfies the requirement for a perfect Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:5; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

• The prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 is on full display: “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth,” yet He is numbered with transgressors.

• By asking this rhetorical question, Pilate unwittingly testifies that the only “evil” Jesus will bear is the sin of the world laid upon Him (John 1:29).


But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

The crowd’s volume drowns out reason, revealing hardened hearts. Within a week, “Hosanna” has turned into a demand for death (Mark 11:9 compared with 15:14).

• Their persistent cry fulfills Psalm 22:16: “A band of evildoers has encircled Me.”

Acts 2:23 reminds us this was “by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge”; divine sovereignty uses human rebellion to accomplish redemption.

• Their insistence spotlights the tragic power of mob mentality and the deceptive influence of the chief priests (Mark 15:11), yet God’s plan cannot be thwarted (Romans 8:32).


summary

Mark 15:14 captures the collision of innocence and injustice, reason and rage. Pilate’s questions affirm Jesus’ sinlessness while the crowd’s shouts reveal humanity’s deep-seated rebellion. Though no evil is found in Christ, He willingly faces crucifixion, turning the loud demand of “Crucify Him!” into the very means by which He offers life to all who believe (Romans 5:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Why?”
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

asked
ἔλεγεν (elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Pilate.
Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

“What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

has He done
ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

wrong?”
κακόν (kakon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they shouted
ἔκραξαν (ekraxan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

all the louder,
περισσῶς (perissōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4057: Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.

“Crucify
Σταύρωσον (Staurōson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4717: From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish passion or selfishness.

Him!”
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


Links
Mark 15:14 NIV
Mark 15:14 NLT
Mark 15:14 ESV
Mark 15:14 NASB
Mark 15:14 KJV

Mark 15:14 BibleApps.com
Mark 15:14 Biblia Paralela
Mark 15:14 Chinese Bible
Mark 15:14 French Bible
Mark 15:14 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Mark 15:14 Pilate said to them Why what evil (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 15:13
Top of Page
Top of Page