Luke 23:20

20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,

Luke 23:20 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 23:20

Pilate therefore willing to release Jesus
Being more and more convinced of his innocence; and still seeing more clearly into the wickedness, malice, and envy of his accusers; and having received a message from his wife:

spake again to them;
putting it again to them, which he should release; asking them what he should do with Jesus; plainly signifying his mind, that he thought him innocent, and that it would be right to let him go. The Ethiopic version represents him, saying, "will ye that I save for you, or release to you the Lord Jesus?"

Luke 23:20 In-Context

18 Then they all cried out together, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!"

19 (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,

21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify! Crucify Him!"

22 A third time he said to them, "Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him whipped and [then] release Him."