Matthew 27:23

23 And the governor said, `Why, what evil did he?' and they were crying out the more, saying, `Let be 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 and the governor answering said to them, `Which of the two will ye [that] I shall release to you?' And they said, `Barabbas.'
22 Pilate saith to them, `What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all say to him, `Let be crucified!'
23 And the governor said, `Why, what evil did he?' and they were crying out the more, saying, `Let be crucified.'
24 And Pilate having seen that it profiteth nothing, but rather a tumult is made, having taken water, he did wash the hands before the multitude, saying, `I am innocent from the blood of this righteous one; ye -- ye shall see;'
25 and all the people answering said, `His blood [is] upon us, and upon our children!'
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.