Luke 23:16 Meaning and Explanation
“I will therefore chastise him, and release him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pilate proposes a compromise: he will have Jesus flogged and then release him.
What Does Luke 23:16 Mean?
Unable to convict and unwilling to provoke, Pilate splits the difference — punish an innocent man a little to satisfy a crowd demanding his life. It is the logic of politics applied to a question of justice.
A man found faultless should be released, not chastised; the compromise condemns the judge more than the prisoner. Conscience cannot bargain with a mob and win. Pilate's middle way is the way of everyone who knows who Jesus is and hopes a small concession will quiet the pressure to deny him. The chapter will show where half-measures end.
Luke 23:16 in the Original Language
paideuo (παιδεύω), 'chastise' -- to discipline or correct, as in training a child; here a scourging offered as the lesser penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:16
What does Luke 23:16 mean?
Pilate proposes a compromise: he will have Jesus flogged and then release him.