Matthew 27:23

23 The justice saith to them, What evil hath he done? And they cried more, and said, Be he crucified. [+The president said to them, Soothly what of evil hath he done/Soothly what evil hath he done? And they cried more, saying, Be he crucified.]

Matthew 27:23 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, why, what evil hath he done?
&c.] What reason can be given, why he should be crucified? what sin has he committed, that deserves such a death? From whence it is clear, that of all the things they had accused him, they had not, in Pilate's account, given proof of one single action, that was criminal, nor had he done any: he came into the world without sin, he did none in it; he knew no sin, nor could any be found in him, by Satan, nor his accusers, nor his judge:

but they cried out the more, saying, let him be crucified:
the more they saw Pilate inclined to favour him, and pleaded for him, and attested his innocence; the more clamorous, outrageous, and urgent they were to have him crucified.

Matthew 27:23 In-Context

21 But the justice answered, and said to them, Whom of the twain will ye, that be delivered to you [Forsooth the president answering saith to them, Whom of the two will ye to be let go, or delivered, to you]? And they said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith to them, What then shall I do of Jesus, that is said Christ [which is said Christ]? All they say, Be he crucified.

23 The justice saith to them, What evil hath he done? And they cried more, and said, Be he crucified. [+The president said to them, Soothly what of evil hath he done/Soothly what evil hath he done? And they cried more, saying, Be he crucified.]

24 And Pilate seeing that he profited nothing, but that more [a] noise was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the people, and said, I am guiltless of the blood of this rightful man; busy you [+saying, I am innocent, or guiltless, of the blood of this just man; see ye].

25 And all the people answered, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.