Mark 15:9
New International Version
“Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate,

New Living Translation
“Would you like me to release to you this ‘King of the Jews’?” Pilate asked.

English Standard Version
And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked.

Berean Literal Bible
But Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you wish that I should release to you the King of the Jews?"

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

New King James Version
But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

New American Standard Bible
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

NASB 1995
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

NASB 1977
And Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

Amplified Bible
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to set free for you the King of the Jews?”

Christian Standard Bible
Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the King of the Jews for you?”

American Standard Version
And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Contemporary English Version
Pilate asked them, "Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?"

English Revised Version
And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate answered them, "Do you want me to free the king of the Jews for you?"

Good News Translation
he asked them, "Do you want me to set free for you the king of the Jews?"

International Standard Version
Pilate answered them, "Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?? Pilate asked.

NET Bible
So Pilate asked them, "Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?"

New Heart English Bible
Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

Webster's Bible Translation
But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release to you the King of the Jews?

Weymouth New Testament
"Shall I release for you the King of the Jews?" answered Pilate.

World English Bible
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Pilate answered them, saying, “Will you [that] I will release to you the King of the Jews?”

Berean Literal Bible
But Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you wish that I should release to you the King of the Jews?"

Young's Literal Translation
and Pilate answered them, saying, 'Will ye that I shall release to you the king of the Jews?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye I loose to you the King of the Jews?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Pilate answered them, and said: Will you that I release to you the king of the Jews?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Pilate answered them and said, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”

New American Bible
Pilate answered, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Pilate answered and said, Are you willing that I release to you the King of the Jews?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Pilate answered and said, “Are you willing that I release to you The King of the Judeans?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Pilate answered them, saying: Do you wish me to release to you the King of the Jews?

Godbey New Testament
And Pilate responded to them, saying, Do you wish that I may release unto you the King of the Jews?

Haweis New Testament
Then Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the king of the Jews?

Mace New Testament
but Pilate answered them, saying, do you chuse to have Jesus releas'd, the king of the Jews?

Weymouth New Testament
"Shall I release for you the King of the Jews?" answered Pilate.

Worrell New Testament
And Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you wish me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

Worsley New Testament
But Pilate answered them, saying, Would ye have me release to you the king of the Jews?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
8So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. 9“Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. 10For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.…

Cross References
John 18:39-40
But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” / “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)

Matthew 27:17-21
So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” / For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. / While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” ...

Luke 23:18-25
But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” / (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) / Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, ...

John 19:14-15
It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” / At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests.

Acts 3:13-14
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.

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Psalm 22:6-8
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

John 1:11
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Luke 19:14
But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

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.

Isaiah 49:7
Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”

1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Will.

Matthew 27:17-21
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? …

John 18:39
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?

John 19:4,5,14-16
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him…

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Desire Free Jews Pilate Release Want
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Desire Free Jews Pilate Release Want
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.














Do you want me to release to you
This question is posed by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, during the trial of Jesus. Pilate's role as a Roman official is significant, as he represents the occupying power in Judea. The question implies a choice given to the crowd, highlighting the practice of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival, a tradition meant to appease the Jewish populace. This moment underscores the tension between Roman authority and Jewish expectations. The choice offered by Pilate is ironic, as it contrasts the innocence of Jesus with the guilt of Barabbas, a known insurrectionist.

the King of the Jews?
The title "King of the Jews" is used mockingly by Pilate, yet it holds profound truth. This title is central to the charges against Jesus, as it implies a challenge to Roman authority and a claim to messianic kingship. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as their king, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant rejected by his own people. The title also connects to the Davidic covenant, where God promised David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus, as the true King, represents the fulfillment of this promise, though His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).

Pilate asked.
Pilate's questioning reveals his internal conflict and political maneuvering. Historically, Pilate is known for his harsh rule, yet in this instance, he appears reluctant to condemn Jesus, recognizing His innocence (Luke 23:4). Pilate's question is part of a larger narrative where he attempts to absolve himself of responsibility, ultimately washing his hands of the decision (Matthew 27:24). This act of questioning and subsequent actions fulfill the divine plan, as Jesus' crucifixion is central to the redemption narrative, aligning with prophecies such as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is depicted as a figure caught between his own judgment and the demands of the crowd.

2. Jesus Christ
Referred to here as "the King of the Jews," Jesus is the central figure of the New Testament, whose trial and crucifixion are pivotal events in Christian theology.

3. The Jewish Crowd
The assembly of people present at Jesus' trial, who were influenced by the chief priests to demand Jesus' crucifixion.

4. The Chief Priests
Jewish religious leaders who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and sought to have Him executed.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life at the time.
Teaching Points
The Dilemma of Pilate
Pilate's question reflects his struggle between justice and political expediency. As believers, we are often faced with decisions that test our integrity and faithfulness to God's truth.

The Influence of the Crowd
The crowd's choice to reject Jesus serves as a warning about the dangers of following popular opinion over divine truth. Christians are called to stand firm in their convictions, even when it is unpopular.

The Identity of Jesus
Pilate's reference to Jesus as "the King of the Jews" invites reflection on Jesus' true identity as the Messiah and King of Kings. Believers are encouraged to recognize and submit to His lordship in every area of life.

Prophecy Fulfilled
The events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan. This should strengthen our faith and trust in God's promises.

The Cost of Redemption
Jesus' willingness to endure rejection and suffering underscores the depth of His love and the cost of our redemption. This calls us to live lives of gratitude and obedience in response to His sacrifice.(9) Will ye that I release unto you . . .?--The form of the question in the Greek implies (as the like form in John 18:39) a half hope of an affirmative answer.

Verse 9. - Pilate doubtless hoped that they would ask for Jesus. He knew that the chief priests had delivered our Lord for envy. That he could not help observing, as a shrewd Roman judge, from their gestures and manner. And then he knew also, at least by report, of the purity of Jesus, and of the holy freedom with which he rebuked their vices. So he thought, reasonably enough, that if the chief priests wished to destroy him for envy, the people, who had experienced so many kindnesses from him, would desire that he should live.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Do you want
Θέλετε (Thelete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

me to release
ἀπολύσω (apolysō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

to you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

King
Βασιλέα (Basilea)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews?”
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

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

asked.
ἀπεκρίθη (apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.


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