Matthew 27:23
"Why?" asked Pilate. "What evil has He done?" But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify Him!"
Why?
This question posed by Pilate reflects a moment of hesitation and inquiry. In the Greek, "τί" (ti) is a simple interrogative pronoun, yet it carries the weight of Pilate's internal conflict. Historically, Pilate was a Roman governor known for his pragmatic and often ruthless rule. His question here suggests a struggle between his understanding of justice and the pressure from the crowd. This moment invites reflection on the nature of truth and justice, and how often they are overshadowed by societal pressures.

asked Pilate
Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, is a pivotal figure in the Passion narrative. His role is historically corroborated by various sources, including the writings of Josephus and Tacitus. Pilate's governance was marked by tension with the Jewish population, and his involvement in Jesus' trial highlights the intersection of Roman authority and Jewish leadership. Pilate's questioning underscores his attempt to distance himself from the decision, reflecting a political maneuver to maintain order while grappling with his conscience.

What evil has He done?
This phrase is a direct inquiry into the charges against Jesus. The Greek word for "evil" is "κακόν" (kakon), which denotes something morally wrong or harmful. Pilate's question implies a search for a legitimate accusation, as he finds no fault in Jesus. This moment is crucial in the narrative, emphasizing Jesus' innocence and the unjust nature of His condemnation. It serves as a reminder of the prophetic fulfillment of the suffering servant, as described in Isaiah 53, who was "oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth."

But they shouted all the louder
The crowd's response is one of increasing intensity and fervor. The Greek verb "κραυγάζω" (kraugazō) means to cry out or shout, indicating a collective, vehement demand. This reflects the mob mentality and the influence of the chief priests and elders who incited the crowd. Historically, this scene illustrates the volatile atmosphere in Jerusalem during Passover, a time when tensions were high. The crowd's insistence highlights the tragic reality of human nature, prone to follow the majority rather than seek truth.

'Crucify Him!'
The call for crucifixion is a demand for the most severe and humiliating form of Roman execution. Crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals and was a public spectacle meant to deter dissent. Theologically, this moment is central to the Christian faith, as it marks the path to the atonement of sins through Jesus' sacrifice. The crowd's demand fulfills the prophetic words of Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, where the Messiah is portrayed as suffering for the transgressions of humanity. This cry for crucifixion, though rooted in injustice, becomes the means through which redemption is offered to all.

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 who questions the crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, who is on trial and facing crucifixion despite being innocent of any wrongdoing.

3. The Crowd
The group of people, likely influenced by the chief priests and elders, who demand Jesus' crucifixion despite Pilate's questioning of His guilt.

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 orchestrate the demand for Jesus' crucifixion, viewing Him as a threat to their authority.
Teaching Points
The Injustice of the World
The trial of Jesus exemplifies how truth and justice can be overshadowed by mob mentality and political expediency. Believers are called to stand for truth even when it is unpopular.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, affirming the divine plan of salvation. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His unfolding plan.

The Role of Leadership
Pilate's actions demonstrate the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice. Christian leaders are reminded to act with integrity and courage, even under pressure.

The Power of Influence
The crowd's behavior shows how easily people can be swayed by influential voices. Christians are encouraged to discern truth and not be led astray by popular opinion.

The Innocence of Christ
Despite being sinless, Jesus willingly suffers for humanity's sins. This underscores the depth of His love and the call for believers to live sacrificially.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Pilate's question, "What evil has He done?" challenge us to consider the nature of justice in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the events of Matthew 27:23, and how does this strengthen our faith?

3. How can we, as Christians, ensure that we are not swayed by the "crowd" but instead stand firm in our convictions?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pilate's leadership, and how can we apply these lessons in our roles of influence, whether in family, work, or community?

5. Reflect on the innocence of Christ and His willingness to suffer for us. How does this understanding impact our daily walk with Him and our interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 53
This passage prophetically describes the suffering servant, which Christians interpret as a foretelling of Jesus' unjust suffering and death.

John 19:4-6
Pilate's repeated declaration of Jesus' innocence and the crowd's persistent demand for crucifixion highlight the injustice of the situation.

Acts 3:13-15
Peter's sermon references the crowd's choice to release Barabbas over Jesus, emphasizing the rejection of the "Holy and Righteous One."
The Actors in a Momentous TragedyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 27:11-31
Christ Before Pilate. No. 2Marcus Dods Matthew 27:15-30
Christ Before Pilate -- Munkassy's PictureW. M. Taylor, D. D.Matthew 27:21-23
The Choice -- Barabbas or JesusE, B. Pusey, D. D.Matthew 27:21-23
People
Barabbas, Eli, Elias, Elijah, Israelites, James, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Pilate, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Arimathea, Cyrene, Field of Blood, Galilee, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Place of the Skull
Topics
Committed, Cried, Cries, Crime, Cross, Crucified, Crucify, Crying, Evil, Exceedingly, Furiously, Governor, Kept, Loud, Louder, Pilate, Saying, Shouted, Shouting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 27:11-26

     5203   acquittal
     5593   trial

Matthew 27:14-31

     2585   Christ, trial

Matthew 27:15-26

     5349   injustice, examples

Matthew 27:17-31

     5838   disrespect

Matthew 27:19-26

     5714   men

Matthew 27:20-23

     2545   Christ, opposition to

Matthew 27:20-24

     5936   riots

Matthew 27:21-26

     5884   indecision

Matthew 27:22-23

     6231   rejection of God

Library
The Blind Watchers at the Cross
'And sitting down they watched Him there.' --MATT. xxvii. 36. Our thoughts are, rightly, so absorbed by the central Figure in this great chapter that we pass by almost unnoticed the groups round the cross. And yet there are large lessons to be learned from each of them. These rude soldiers, four in number, as we infer from John's Gospel, had no doubt joined with their comrades in the coarse mockery which preceded the sad procession to Calvary; and then they had to do the rough work of the executioners,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Veil Rent
'Behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.'--MATT. xxvii. 51. As I suppose we are all aware, the Jewish Temple was divided into three parts: the Outer Court, open to all; the Holy Place, to which the ministering priests had daily access to burn incense and trim the lamps; and the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest was permitted to go, and that but once a year, on the great Day of Atonement. For the other three hundred and sixty-four days the shrine lay silent,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sentence which Condemned the Judges
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked Him, saying, Art Thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12. And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13. Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? 14. And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Crucifixion
'And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34. They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink. 35. And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots. 36. And sitting down they watched Him there; 37. And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'See Thou to That!'
'I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. 24. I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.'--MATT. xxvii. 4, 24. So, what the priests said to Judas, Pilate said to the priests. They contemptuously bade their wretched instrument bear the burden of his own treachery. They had condescended to use his services, but he presumed too far if he thought that that gave him a claim upon their sympathies. The tools of more
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Taunts Turning to Testimonies
'... The chief priests mocking Him ... said, 42. He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him.' --MATT. xxvii. 41-43. It is an old saying that the corruption of the best is the worst. What is more merciful and pitiful than true religion? What is more merciless and malicious than hatred which calls itself 'religious'? These priests, like many a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourth Word
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani."--ST. MATT. XXVII. 46; ST. MARK XV. 34. There are three peculiar and distinguishing features of this fourth word which our Saviour uttered from His Cross. 1. It is the only one of the Seven which finds a place in the earliest record of our Lord's life, contained in the matter common to St. Matthew and St. Mark. 2. It is the only one which has been preserved to us in the original Aramaic, in the very syllables which were formed by the lips of Christ. 3. It is the
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

Let Him Deliver Him Now
It is very painful to the heart to picture our blessed Master in his death-agonies, surrounded by a ribald multitude, who watched him and mocked him, made sport of his prayer and insulted his faith. Nothing was sacred to them: they invaded the Holy of holies of his confidence in God, and taunted him concerning that faith in Jehovah which they were compelled to admit. See, dear friends, what an evil thing is sin, since the Sin-bearer suffers so bitterly to make atonement for it! See, also, the shame
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Rent Veil
THE DEATH of our Lord Jesus Christ was fitly surrounded by miracles; yet it is itself so much greater a wonder than all besides, that it as far exceeds them as the sun outshines the planets which surround it. It seems natural enough that the earth should quake, that tombs should be opened, and that the veil of the temple should be rent, when He who only hath immortality gives up the ghost. The more you think of the death of the Son of God, the more will you be amazed at it. As much as a miracle excels
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Lama Sabachthani?
Our Lord was then in the darkest part of his way. He had trodden the winepress now for hours, and the work was almost finished. He had reached the culminating point of his anguish. This is his dolorous lament from the lowest pit of misery--"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I do not think that the records of time or even of eternity, contain a sentence more full of anguish. Here the wormwood and the gall, and all the other bitternesses, are outdone. Here you may look as into a vast abyss;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 36: 1890

Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--Matthew 27:46. IF any one of us, lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ had been anywhere near the cross when he uttered those words, I am sure our hearts would have burst with anguish, and one thing is certain--we should have heard the tones of that dying cry as long as ever we lived. There is no doubt that at certain times they would come to us again, ringing shrill and clear through the thick darkness. We should
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Eloi.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--ST MATTHEW xxvii. 46. I do not know that I should dare to approach this, of all utterances into which human breath has ever been moulded, most awful in import, did I not feel that, containing both germ and blossom of the final devotion, it contains therefore the deepest practical lesson the human heart has to learn. The Lord, the Revealer, hides nothing that can be revealed, and will not warn away the foot that treads in naked humility even upon the
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Third Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Formally Condemned by the Sanhedrin and Led to Pilate.
(Jerusalem. Friday After Dawn.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 1, 2; ^B Mark XV. 1; ^C Luke XXII. 66-23:1; ^D John XVIII. 28. ^a 1 Now when morning was come, ^c 66 And as soon as it was day, ^b straightway ^c the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, ^a all the chief priests and { ^b with} the elders ^a of the people ^b and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and ^a took counsel against Jesus to put
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First Time.
(Jerusalem. Early Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 11-14; ^B Mark XV. 2-5; ^C Luke XXIII. 2-5; ^D John XVIII. 28-38. ^d and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. [See p. 641.] 29 Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee. [The Jewish rulers first attempt to induce
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Remorse and Suicide of Judas.
(in the Temple and Outside the Wall of Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 3-10; ^E Acts I. 18, 19. ^a 3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned [Judas, having no reason to fear the enemies of Jesus, probably stood in their midst and witnessed the entire trial], repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. [There are two Greek words which are translated "repented,"
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Crucifixion.
Subdivision A. On the Way to the Cross. (Within and Without Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 31-34; ^B Mark XV. 20-23; ^C Luke XXIII. 26-33; ^D John XIX. 17. ^a 31 And when they had mocked him, they took off from him the ^b purple, ^a robe, and put on him his garments [This ended the mockery, which seems to have been begun in a state of levity, but which ended in gross indecency and violence. When we think of him who endured it all, we can not contemplate the scene without a shudder. Who
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
It matters little as regards their guilt, whether, pressing the language of St. John, [6034] we are to understand that Pilate delivered Jesus to the Jews to be crucified, or, as we rather infer, to his own soldiers. This was the common practice, and it accords both with the Governor's former taunt to the Jews, [6035] and with the after-notice of the Synoptists. They, to whom He was delivered,' led Him away to be crucified:' and they who so led Him forth compelled' the Cyrenian Simon to bear the Cross.
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus in the Tomb.
It was about three o'clock in the afternoon, according to our manner of reckoning,[1] when Jesus expired. A Jewish law[2] forbade a corpse suspended on the cross to be left beyond the evening of the day of the execution. It is not probable that in the executions performed by the Romans this rule was observed; but as the next day was the Sabbath, and a Sabbath of peculiar solemnity, the Jews expressed to the Roman authorities[3] their desire that this holy day should not be profaned by such a spectacle.[4]
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The vicariousness of Prayer
The Vicariousness of Prayer I The work of the ministry labours under one heavy disadvantage when we regard it as a profession and compare it with other professions. In these, experience brings facility, a sense of mastery in the subject, self-satisfaction, self-confidence; but in our subject the more we pursue it, the more we enter into it, so much the more are we cast down with the overwhelming sense, not only of our insufficiency, but of our unworthiness. Of course, in the technique of our work
P. T. Forsyth—The Soul of Prayer

The Fifth Word from the Cross
The fourth word from the cross we looked upon both as the climax of the struggle which had gone on in the mind of the divine Sufferer during the three hours of silence and darkness which preceded its utterance and as the liberation of His mind from that struggle. This view seems to be confirmed by the terms in which St. John introduces the Fifth Word--"After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished,[2] that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst." The phrase, "that the
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before Mentioned,
be convinced of the truth and certainty of the Christian religion, and be persuaded to make it the rule and guide of all their actions, would not be convinced, (so far as to influence their practice and reform their lives,) by any other evidence whatsoever; no, not though one should rise on purpose from the dead to endeavour to convince them. That the evidence which God has afforded us of the truth of our religion is abundantly sufficient. From what has been said, upon the foregoing heads, it is
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

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