Matthew 27:23

23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

Matthew 27:23 in Other Translations

23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

23 And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!"

23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

23 He objected, "But for what crime?" But they yelled all the louder, "Nail him to a cross!"

23 Then he said, "Why? What has He done wrong?" But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him!" all the more.

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 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.

22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”

23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”