Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

MATTHEW 27:22KJV
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Matthew 27:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:22 mean?

Matthew 27:22 shows the Roman governor Pilate asking the crowd what he should do with Jesus, who is called the Christ, and the crowd responding that Jesus should be crucified. This verse highlights the moment when the decision about Jesus’ fate is placed before the people, and they call for his execution by crucifixion.

In this scene, Pilate is speaking directly to a gathered crowd during Jesus’ trial. Pilate refers to Jesus as “the Christ,” acknowledging the title many believed Jesus claimed. The crowd’s unified demand for crucifixion reveals the intensity of public opinion against Jesus at this point and sets in motion the events leading to his death.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:22

  • Χριστός (Christos): This Greek word means “anointed one” or “Messiah.” Pilate’s use of this title shows he is aware of the claims about Jesus’ identity, even if he does not personally believe them.
  • Σταυρόω (stauroō, “crucified”): The crowd’s demand uses the specific word for crucifixion, a Roman method of execution reserved for the worst criminals. Their choice of this punishment shows the severity of their rejection.

Why Matthew 27:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Pilate did not act alone but involved the crowd in the decision, highlighting the shared responsibility for Jesus’ death.
  • The use of the title “Christ” in Pilate’s question underlines the central issue of Jesus’ identity and the expectations surrounding him.
  • Matthew 27:22 connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, showing how public opinion played a direct role in the outcome.

Where else these words appear

“crucified” 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.

“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.