Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 15:14
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
14. But they cried out the more ] “Why and wherefore?” There were no questions with them. They were resolved to have His life. Nothing else would satisfy. The cry was kept up unbroken, Away with this man, Crucify Him! Crucify Him! In vain Pilate expostulated. In vain he washed his hands openly before them all (Mat 27:24) in token of his conviction of the perfect innocence of the Accused. His wavering in the early stage of the trial was bringing on its terrible consequences.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Then Pilate said unto them,…. The third time,
Lu 23:22;
why, what evil hath he done? worthy of death. They had charged him with many things, but proved nothing against him. Pilate could find no fault in him, and judged him an innocent person, and therefore was loth to condemn him:
and they cried out the more exceedingly; with louder voices, and greater vehemency, the more they found he was inclined to save him:
crucify him; nothing short of death would satisfy them, and no other death but that of the cross; [See comments on Mt 27:22],
[See comments on Mt 27:23].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
1) “Then Pilate said unto them, Why,’‘ (ho de Pilatos elegen autois ti) “Then Pilate replied to them the crowd, Why?” Mat 27:23.
2) “What evil hath He done?” (ti gar epoiesen kakon) ”For what? What evil has He done? to justify crucifying Him?” He once again certified that he had found no fault in Jesus, at all, Luk 23:22; Isa 53:9, “because He had no violence, neither was deceit in His mouth,” 2Pe 2:22.
3) “And they cried out the more exceedingly,” (hoi de perissos ‘ekraksan) “Then they cried out even more boisterously,” Mat 27:22; Luk 23:23, as their cries and those of the priests prevailed.
4) “Crucify Him.” (stauroson auton) “Crucify Him.” They repeatedly called for His crucifixion, Mat 27:23; Luk 23:21; Luk 23:23; Joh 19:15, fulfilling David’s prophecy, Psa 69:20.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
‘And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” ’
Pilate’s reply suggests that he was taken by surprise. Knowing the Jews and their obstinacy and patriotic fervour he had expected a demand for a further release. He could not understand their vindictiveness against this man whom he clearly saw as innocent. But he had not counted on the hatred of the Chief Priests and their allies. However, having once consulted the crowd he was now in a dilemma. He foresaw his ‘popular’ measure turning into a disaster. For while he could not understand their vitriolic hatred against this obviously innocent man, he did recognise that they were becoming too enflamed and excited.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
‘But they cried out even more forcefully, “Crucify him.” ’
What rouses a crowd to such a frenzy of hatred? Many of them might not have realised Who Jesus was, and simply have been carried along on a wave of emotion, assuming that he must be guilty of something serious in order for him to be on trial there on that first day of the feast. But those who wanted the release of Barabbas would fear lest their prize be snatched from them, and would have no truck with anyone else, and they were already worked up, and it is very probable that they saw Jesus as not on their side. He did not seem to support violent action. While those who wanted to be rid of Jesus completely would be doubly emphatic and determined. Together they again demanded His crucifixion and it was clear to Pilate that by now that they were not to be trifled with. Passions were running high. Pilate would have recognised the signs of a crowd approaching the point of getting out of control.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Mar 15:14 . This final speech of Pilate presents a subtle combination of honesty and craft. He says what he really thinks: that Jesus is innocent, and he makes sure that the people really mean to stand to what they have said. , beyond measure: the positive here is stronger than the comparative (T.R.), and it is far better attested.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
evil. Greek kakos. App-128.
hath He done = did He do (at any time). Aorist.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Why: Isa 53:9, Mat 27:4, Mat 27:19, Mat 27:24, Mat 27:54, Luk 23:4, Luk 23:14, Luk 23:15, Luk 23:21, Luk 23:41, Luk 23:47, Joh 18:38, Joh 19:6, Heb 7:26, 1Pe 1:19
And: Psa 69:4, Isa 53:3, Mat 27:23-25, Luk 23:23, Luk 23:24, Joh 19:12-15, Act 7:54-57, Act 19:34, Act 22:22, Act 22:23
Reciprocal: Dan 6:16 – the king Luk 23:13 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4
According to Mark’s account the Jews would not state any evil against Jesus, but Joh 18:30 reports that they accused him of being a “malefactor,” which merely means an evildoer, so that they evaded the governor’s question.