New Testament
Matthew 27:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Pilate asked, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all shouted, "Crucify him!"
Compare translations
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
What Matthew 27:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, is faced with a difficult decision regarding Jesus, who is referred to as the Christ. Pilate is trying to understand the crowd's demands and seeks to know what they want him to do with Jesus. The crowd responds emphatically, calling for Jesus' crucifixion. This moment highlights the intense pressure Pilate is under from the people, who are influenced by religious leaders and their own expectations. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate ultimately gives in to the crowd's demands, illustrating the conflict between justice and public opinion. This scene sets the stage for the crucifixion, a pivotal event in the Christian faith, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. It also raises questions about moral responsibility and the consequences of yielding to societal pressure, as Pilate's decision leads to significant historical and spiritual ramifications.
How to apply Matthew 27:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider how we respond to societal pressures and the importance of standing firm in our beliefs. It reminds us to seek truth and justice, even when faced with overwhelming opposition or popular opinion.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11–31)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 27:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 27:22
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Pilate's question about Jesus signify?
Pilate's question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?' signifies his struggle with authority and moral responsibility. He is caught between his role as a governor, the demands of the crowd, and his own judgment that finds no fault in Jesus. This moment reflects the tension between political power and personal conviction.
Why did the crowd choose crucifixion for Jesus?
The crowd chose crucifixion for Jesus due to a combination of factors, including influence from religious leaders, fear of losing their status, and a desire for a scapegoat for their societal issues. The call for crucifixion illustrates how public opinion can be swayed and how collective voices can lead to tragic outcomes.
What can we learn from Pilate's decision?
Pilate's decision to yield to the crowd's demands teaches us about the dangers of succumbing to societal pressure. It serves as a reminder to prioritize truth and justice over popularity, encouraging individuals to stand firm in their beliefs even when faced with overwhelming opposition.
How does this verse relate to themes of justice?
This verse highlights the theme of justice by showcasing Pilate's internal conflict. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, he ultimately prioritizes public opinion over justice, raising questions about the integrity of legal systems and the moral dilemmas faced by those in authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.