And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

LUKE 23:13KJV
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Luke 23:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:13 mean?

Luke 23:13 describes Pilate bringing together several groups involved in Jesus’ case. Pilate, the Roman governor, is about to address both the leaders who have brought Jesus before him and the people gathered with them.

The verse follows Jesus’ return from Herod. The KJV sentence continues into verse 14, where Pilate begins to speak. Luke’s wording sets the scene for a public announcement rather than a private discussion.

The Greek behind Luke 23:13

  • “together” — συγκαλέω (synkaleō): This word carries the sense of calling people to come together. It shows Pilate taking the initiative to assemble his audience.
  • “rulers” — ἄρχων (archōn): This word refers to people who hold authority. Luke names the rulers alongside the chief priests and the people as groups gathered before Pilate.
  • “people” — λαός (laos): This word can refer to a people or a gathered group of people. Here it distinguishes the wider gathering from the named leaders.

Why Luke 23:13 matters

  • Pilate’s audience includes more than the chief priests. Luke names “the rulers and the people” too, so the announcement that follows is made before a broader gathering.
  • The verse marks a shift to Pilate’s response to the case. In verse 14, Pilate addresses those gathered about the accusation brought against Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4779 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Luke 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
  • Acts 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

“rulers” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“Pilate” Greek G4091 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

“priests” Greek G749 · used in 120 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.