Luke 23:16

16 Therefore, I'll have him whipped, then let him go."

Luke 23:16 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 23:16

I will therefore chastise him
Give him some correction, as by scourging, or beating with rods: this he proposed, not because he thought him deserving of it, but in complaisance to the Jews; since it would look as if their charges were not altogether weak and groundless; and that Jesus was not entirely innocent: this would carry a show of guilt and punishment, and he hoped this might be thought sufficient, and so he should please them, and save Jesus from dying, which he much desired: and release him; from his bonds, and let him go.

Luke 23:16 In-Context

14 He said to them, "You brought this man before me as one who was misleading the people. I have questioned him in your presence and found nothing in this man's conduct that provides a legal basis for the charges you have brought against him

15 Neither did Herod, because Herod returned him to us. He's done nothing that deserves death.

16 Therefore, I'll have him whipped, then let him go."

18 But with one voice they shouted, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us." (

Footnotes

• [a] Critical editions of the Gk New Testament do not include 23:17 He had to release one prisoner for them because of the festival.