Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

LUKE 23:20KJV
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Luke 23:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:20 mean?

Luke 23:20 shows that Pilate wanted to let Jesus go and spoke again to the crowd, trying to persuade them. The verse highlights Pilate’s willingness to release Jesus, even as the situation was growing more tense.

In this scene, Pilate—the Roman governor—addresses the crowd that had gathered for Jesus’ trial. The verse makes it clear that Pilate was not eager to condemn Jesus and tried once more to convince the people. This moment comes as the crowd was calling for Jesus’ death, and Pilate’s repeated efforts show his reluctance to carry out their wishes.

The Greek behind Luke 23:20

  • θέλων (thelōn, "willing"): This word means "wanting" or "wishing," and it emphasizes that Pilate’s desire was to release Jesus, not just a passive allowance but an active wish.
  • ἀπολῦσαι (apolysai, "to release"): This verb means "to set free" or "to let go," underlining that Pilate was considering freeing Jesus from custody.
  • πάλιν (palin, "again"): This word means "again" or "once more," showing that this was not Pilate’s first attempt to speak to the crowd—he was persistent.

Why Luke 23:20 matters

  • Luke 23:20 clarifies that Pilate was not simply following orders or indifferent; he was actively looking for a way to release Jesus, which adds complexity to his role in the trial.
  • The verse shows the growing pressure Pilate faced from the crowd, setting up the dramatic tension that follows when the crowd continues to demand Jesus’ crucifixion.
  • This detail helps explain why, in the larger story, Pilate’s eventual decision to hand Jesus over was not straightforward but came after repeated attempts to avoid condemning him.

Where else these words appear

“spake” Greek G4377 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

“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.

“release” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 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.

“again” Greek G3825 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • John 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
  • Acts 11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.