Bible Strands
Mark 15:12
So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pilate addresses the chief priests and the assembled crowd immediately after they demand Barabbas's release and just before they shout for crucifixion. He poses a direct question regarding the specific action he should take concerning Jesus, whom they acknowledge as the King of the Jews.
The words — πάλιν (palin) translates literally to "again," marking this inquiry as a second attempt after the crowd's initial demand. τί (ti) means "what," structuring the question around the precise measure Pilate is expected to enact.
The thread — The text explicitly names Jesus as the King of the Jews, a title that aligns with the Davidic reign promised in Isaiah 9:6 and Jeremiah 23:5, while the judicial dilemma reflects the wisdom and judgment motifs of Proverbs 2:6.
Why it lands — The passage states Pilate's repeated question to the crowd before recording their rejection of Jesus, establishing that political pressure directly precedes the crucifixion demand. It requires a reader to recognize how authority figures can be forced into unjust decisions when crowds prioritize immediate grievances over declared kingship.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
Cross-references
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.
- Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
- Matthew 2:2 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
- Matthew 21:5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
- Matthew 27:22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”
- Mark 11:9 The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
- Mark 15:1 Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.
- Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”