Matthew 27:23

23 Pilate asked, "Why? What wrong has he done?" But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!"

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 Pilate said, "I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which do you want me to set free for you?" The people answered, "Barabbas."
22 Pilate asked, "So what should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify him!"
23 Pilate asked, "Why? What wrong has he done?" But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!"
24 When Pilate saw that he could do nothing about this and that a riot was starting, he took some water and washed his handsn in front of the crowd. Then he said, "I am not guilty of this man's death. You are the ones who are causing it!"
25 All the people answered, "We and our children will be responsible for his death."
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.