FocusInnocence and condemnation
Connection to the wholeThe hearings repeatedly raise Jesus' innocence, yet the demand for His death prevails and Barabbas is released.
interpretation Luke 23:3
KJVAnd Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
Read it in context
Jesus' Trial Before Pilate and Herod
Start reading at Luke 23:1 (Luke 23:1 to Luke 23:23).
The literary unit begins at the start of the chapter, detailing Jesus' trial before Pilate and Herod.
- 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
- 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
- 23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
- 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
- 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
- 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
- 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
- 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
- 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
- 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
- 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
- 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
- 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
- 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
- 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
- 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
- 23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
- 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
- 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
- 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
- 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
- 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
- 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 23:1–23:56): Pilate, Herod, religious leaders, crowds, soldiers, two criminals, women followers, and Joseph of Arimathaea appear in the trial, death, and burial accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Pilate questions Jesus about whether He is the King of the Jews, and Jesus affirms it.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus' true identity as King, even as He stands accused before human authority, and the political nature of the charges brought against Him by the Jewish leaders.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? c. A.D. 30.
Where
- Where did it happen? In Jerusalem, specifically before Pontius Pilate.
- Where was the author located? Uncertain; possibly Caesarea or Rome.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Trial Before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1 to Luke 23:23). Start reading at Luke 23:1. The literary unit begins at the start of the chapter, detailing Jesus' trial before Pilate and Herod.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse presents Jesus' direct response to Pilate's central question, which stems from the Jewish leaders' accusation that Jesus claimed to be 'Christ a King' (Luke 23:2). It is a pivotal moment in Jesus' trial, establishing the grounds for Pilate's subsequent judgment. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus' simple yet profound affirmation, 'Thou sayest it,' confirms His divine kingship, which was the very truth the Jewish leaders rejected and the Roman authority misunderstood. It highlights His willingness to acknowledge His true identity even when it led to His condemnation, fulfilling prophecies of His royal lineage and ultimate reign. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to acknowledge Jesus as King and Lord, even when it is unpopular or leads to opposition, just as He did before Pilate. His example encourages us to stand firm in the truth of His identity and authority.
Cited: Luke 23:1, Luke 23:2, Luke 23:3, Luke 23:4, Luke 23:6-7, Luke 23:11, Luke 23:13-15, Luke 23:18-19, Luke 23:23, Matthew 27:11, Mark 15:2, John 18:33-37, 1 Timothy 6:13, Luke 1:32-33, Luke 19:38-40, Luke 23:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus before Pilate
Parallel accounts
Luke separately records an appearance before Herod. The passages are not a claim that every trial detail appears in each account.
Related passages
- Pilate 1 Tim 6:13
- the King Luke 23:38 Luke 1:32-33 Luke 19:38-40 Mark 15:18,32 John 1:49 John 19:3,19-21
- he answered 1 Tim 6:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 23
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
On the way and on the cross
Luke 23:26–43FocusJudgment, mercy, and appeal
Connection to the wholeJesus addresses the mourners and those around the cross, while the two malefactors display contrasting responses to Him.
interpretation Death and burial
Luke 23:44–56FocusWitnesses and preparation
Connection to the wholeJesus' death, the witnesses' reactions, and Joseph's burial establish the events and location preceding the resurrection account.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.