I will therefore punish and release him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate proposes to "chastise" Jesus, a term often translated as "scourge," suggesting a punishment that, in Roman eyes, was less severe than execution. This reveals Pilate's desperate attempt to appease the crowd with a superficial injustice, hoping a beating would be enough to satisfy their bloodlust and allow him to release an innocent man. It highlights the immense pressure Pilate was under, ultimately showing his weakness in succumbing to mob rule rather than upholding justice.
I will therefore punish and release him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate, having declared Jesus innocent and finding no fault with him, attempts to appease the angry crowd and religious leaders by offering to have Jesus scourged and then released, a compromise he hoped would satisfy them, especially in light of the custom of releasing a prisoner during the festival. However, this tactic backfires as the crowd, incited by the priests, demands the release of Barabbas instead and insists on Jesus' crucifixion.
Pilate declared Jesus innocent, yet offered to scourge Him. What does this word 'chastise' really reveal about the corrupting nature of fear and compromise?
The Greek word used here, translated as 'chastise,' originally meant to teach or discipline, like a child. However, in this context, it took on a harsher meaning: to scourge or whip. This wasn't a gentle correction; it was a brutal Roman punishment.
Notice the incredible tension: Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He stated it clearly. Yet, instead of releasing Him, he proposed this 'chastisement.' Why?
Pilate offered a choice: Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer, or Jesus, the King of the Jews. The decision was shocking, revealing a deep spiritual blindness.
This moment wasn't just about Pilate's weakness; it was about the people's terrifying choice. The Jewish leaders had deliberately stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas's release.
Ask a follow-up
Consider who Barabbas was: a prisoner known for insurrection and murder. In contrast, Jesus was presented as innocent.
Understand the original words
paideusas · Greek Verb
To inflict a penalty or chastisement as a consequence of wrongdoing; in this legal context, Pilate suggests a scourging as a compromise to appease the crowd.
apolyson · Greek Verb
To set free, forgive a debt, or let go from custody; in the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe the release of a prisoner or the remission of sins.
This verse reveals Pilate's desperate attempt to navigate political pressure and maintain a semblance of justice by offering a reduced punishment (scourging) to appease the crowd, even while recognizing Jesus' innocence.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' teachings and miracles gained a large following but also drew the ire of the religious elite in Judea.
Passover week, AD 30-33
Jesus' Arrest and Trials
Following his arrest, Jesus was interrogated by Jewish authorities and then brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
Passover week, AD 30-33
Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent
After hearing the accusations, Pilate stated he found no fault in Jesus, attempting to avoid condemning an innocent man.
Passover week, AD 30-33— this verse
Pilate Offers Barabbas or Jesus
Pilate offered the crowd a choice during the Passover festival: release Jesus or the notorious prisoner Barabbas. He proposed to scourge Jesus and then release him as a compromise.
Passover week, AD 30-33
Crowd Demands Barabbas and Crucifixion
The chief priests and elders incited the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, overriding Pilate's attempts at a lesser punishment.
This passage directly parallels Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence, highlighting the internal conflict and unjust decision-making that led to the scourging and crucifixion.
Matthew 27:24This verse shows Pilate's public washing of his hands, a symbolic act to absolve himself of responsibility, underscoring the immense pressure and moral compromise involved in his decision to 'punish and release'.
Isaiah 53:5This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant being 'pierced for our transgressions' and 'crushed for our iniquities,' connecting the unjust scourging and condemnation by Pilate to the larger redemptive purpose of Jesus' suffering.
1 Peter 2:22-24This passage reflects on Jesus' suffering, stating that 'he committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth' and 'bore our sins in his body on the tree,' which directly speaks to the injustice of Pilate's sentence despite knowing Jesus' innocence.
barnesLuke 23:16: "I will therefore chastise him, and release him."
I will therefore chastise him - The word "chastise" here means to "scourge or to whip." This was usually done before capital punishment, to increase the sufferings of the man condemned. It is not easy to see the reason why, if Pilate supposed Jesus to be "innocent," he should propose publicly to scourge him. It was as "really" unjust to do that as it was to crucify him. But probably he expected by this to conciliate the minds of his…
calvinLuke 23:13-23: "And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,"
- Now the governor was wont at the festival to release to the multitude one prisoner, whomsoever they wished. 16. And they had at that time a notable prisoner, who was called Barabbas. 17. When they were assembled, therefore, Pilate said, Which of them do you wish that I should release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? 18. For he knew that they had delivered him up through…
Pilate proposes to "chastise" Jesus, a term often translated as "scourge," suggesting a punishment that, in Roman eyes, was less severe than execution. This reveals Pilate's desperate attempt to appease the crowd with a superficial injustice, hoping a beating would be enough to satisfy their bloodlust and allow him to release an innocent man. It highlights the immense pressure Pilate was under, ultimately showing his weakness in succumbing to mob rule rather than upholding justice.
Pilate, having declared Jesus innocent and finding no fault with him, attempts to appease the angry crowd and religious leaders by offering to have Jesus scourged and then released, a compromise he hoped would satisfy them, especially in light of the custom of releasing a prisoner during the festival. However, this tactic backfires as the crowd, incited by the priests, demands the release of Barabbas instead and insists on Jesus' crucifixion.
Pilate, having declared Jesus innocent and finding no fault with him, attempts to appease the angry crowd and religious leaders by offering to have Jesus scourged and then released, a compromise he hoped would satisfy them, especially in light of the custom of releasing a prisoner during the festival. However, this tactic backfires as the crowd, incited by the priests, demands the release of Barabbas instead and insists on Jesus' crucifixion.
"I will therefore punish and release him.”" — Pilate proposes to "chastise" Jesus, a term often translated as "scourge," suggesting a punishment that, in Roman eyes, was less severe than execution. This reveals Pilate's desperate attempt to appe…
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Last reviewed October 2026