Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

MARK 15:14KJV
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Mark 15:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:14 mean?

Mark 15:14 shows Pilate questioning the crowd about what wrong Jesus has done, but the crowd only becomes more insistent, demanding that Jesus be crucified. The verse highlights Pilate’s uncertainty about Jesus’ guilt and the crowd’s growing determination to see Jesus executed.

In this scene, Pilate, the Roman governor, is speaking directly to the gathered crowd in Jerusalem during Jesus’ trial. Pilate asks, “Why, what evil hath he done?” because he cannot find a valid reason for Jesus to be put to death. Despite Pilate’s hesitation, the crowd responds with even greater intensity, shouting for Jesus to be crucified, showing how public pressure and emotion are overtaking justice.

The Greek behind Mark 15:14

  • κακόν (kakon, transliterated as "kakon") means “evil” or “wrong.” Pilate is asking what actual wrongdoing Jesus has committed, emphasizing his doubt about any real charge.
  • περισσῶς (perissōs, transliterated as "perissōs") means “exceedingly” or “all the more.” The Greek here shows that the crowd’s cries are not just repeated, but are growing louder and more intense, underlining the escalation of the situation.
  • σταύρωσον (staurōson, transliterated as "staurōson") means “crucify [him].” This is a direct and forceful demand, not just a suggestion, showing the crowd’s single-minded insistence.

Why Mark 15:14 matters

  • Mark 15:14 makes clear that Pilate does not see any legitimate reason for Jesus’ execution, which highlights the injustice of the trial.
  • The verse shows how the crowd’s emotional response and pressure override careful judgment, a theme that runs through the trial narrative.
  • This moment connects to the wider story by showing the shift from legal questioning to mob-driven decision, setting the stage for Jesus’ crucifixion despite the lack of evidence against him.

Where else these words appear

“exceedingly” Greek G4056 · used in 12 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
  • Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

“Crucify” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“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.
  • Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
  • 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.