Bible Strands
Mark 15:9
“Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pilate speaks to the assembled crowd at Passover, posing a question about prisoner release immediately after they request he maintain his customary practice.
The words — The Greek thelete (Wish you) and apolusō (I may release) frame the inquiry as a direct request for the assembly’s preference regarding a condemned prisoner.
The thread — This exchange runs parallel to Matthew 27:17 and John 18:39, where Pilate similarly offers the crowd a choice between Barabbas and Jesus during the festival.
Why it lands — The text records Pilate explicitly offering the crowd the option to have Jesus released under the title “King of the Jews.” It requires a reader to note that the choice is presented plainly before the narrative records how the crowd responds.
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
But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
- John 18:39 But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
- John 19:4 Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”
- John 19:14 It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!”
- Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him.