Definition: And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 27:23. It’s a really important and dramatic part of Jesus’ final moments. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.” Here's what’s happening in plain English: The Governor is Asking a Question: The governor – a leader of the Roman authorities – is asking why Jesus did something so terrible. He’s trying to understand why someone committed such a crime. They Are Expressing Anger and Distress: “But they cried out the more” means they were very upset, probably in a way that was loud and intense. They weren't just mildly annoyed; they were really frustrated and worried about what this meant. "Let Him Be Crucified": This is the core of the verse. The people are demanding that Jesus be put to death – that he be crucified (a very gruesome form of execution). They want his suffering to be seen as a serious crime. What it means – It's about Justice and Punishment: This verse tells us that Jesus was accused of something wicked, but the people were outraged because they believed he did something deeply wrong. They wanted his punishment to be severe, and so they demanded he be crucified. It’s a powerful moment because… It shows the power of the crowd: The sheer volume of people demanding Jesus' death highlights how important and influential he was to them. It illustrates the gravity of the situation: The governor is dealing with a huge, potentially dangerous situation – a political and religious challenge. It’s a key part of Jesus' crucifixion: This event is considered the starting point of the Christian faith. It’s the moment where Jesus was unjustly accused and ultimately suffered a death that marked the beginning of his mission. In short, this verse describes a moment of intense public anger and a desperate plea for justice – a pivotal moment in history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Tell you about the historical context of this event? Answer any specific questions you have about it?