Bible Commentary

Matthew 27:23

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Why, what evil hath he done? τι ì γα Ìρ κακο Ìν ἐποι ìησεν; The particle γα Ìρ implies a certain reasoning in the question, the speaker for the nonce putting himself in the people's position, and demanding the ground of their decision.

The authorized translation is adequate. Pilate thus showed his pusillanimity and irresolution, while exercising no control over the feelings of the excited mob. But they cried out the more ( περισσῶς ἐ ìκραζον, they kept shouting out exceedingly).

The very sight of the governor's predilection, combined with his indecision, excited them to more vehement clamour; they saw that he would end by yielding to their violence. Jerome refers, in illustration, to , "He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry."

Recommended reading

More for Matthew 27:23

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66Matthew 27:1-66 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)Matthew Henry on Matthew 27:11-25Matthew 27:11-25 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryHaving no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, an…Christ at the Bar of PilateMatthew 27:11-25 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleCHRIST AT THE BAR OF PILATE. We have here an account of what passed in Pilate's judgment-hall, when the blessed Jesus was brought thither betimes in the morning. Though it was no court-day, Pilate immediately took his c…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-31Matthew 27:11-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe actors in a momentous tragedy. The scene is laid in Jerusalem, in the palace of the Roman governor. The occasion is the trial of the Lord Jesus for his life. The whole human race and all the ages are interested. Beh…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-25Matthew 27:11-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryChrist before Pilate. I. THE ACCUSATION. 1. Pilate's question. Pilate was proud and cruel; he despised and hated the Jews. But he had something of the old Roman love of justice—he would not condemn the Lord unheard, as…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:15-26Matthew 27:15-26 · The Pulpit CommentaryBarabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, John 18:40.)
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66EXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 27:11-25Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, an…Matthew HenrycommentaryChrist at the Bar of PilateCHRIST AT THE BAR OF PILATE. We have here an account of what passed in Pilate's judgment-hall, when the blessed Jesus was brought thither betimes in the morning. Though it was no court-day, Pilate immediately took his c…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-31The actors in a momentous tragedy. The scene is laid in Jerusalem, in the palace of the Roman governor. The occasion is the trial of the Lord Jesus for his life. The whole human race and all the ages are interested. Beh…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-25Christ before Pilate. I. THE ACCUSATION. 1. Pilate's question. Pilate was proud and cruel; he despised and hated the Jews. But he had something of the old Roman love of justice—he would not condemn the Lord unheard, as…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:15-26Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, John 18:40.)Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:15-30Christ before Pilate. No. 2. The other evangelists tell us of Pilate's first and fatal mistake, in offering, while convinced of his Prisoner's innocence, to chastise him and let him go. He showed the Jews he was afraid…Joseph S. Exell and contributors