Luke 23:16

16 I will therefore have him flogged and release him."

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 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him

15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death.

16 I will therefore have him flogged and release him."

17

18 Then they all shouted out together, "Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!"

Footnotes

• [a] Here, or after verse 19, other ancient authorities add verse 17, [Now he was obliged to release someone for them at the festival]