Who was Pontius Pilate?
Who was Pontius Pilate? Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus, found Him innocent, but ultimately sentenced Him to crucifixion under pressure from the crowd.
Key verse: Matthew 27:24 (KJV)
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus, found Him innocent, but ultimately sentenced Him to crucifixion under pressure from the crowd.
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus, found Him innocent, but ultimately sentenced Him to crucifixion under pressure from the crowd.
"When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it." — Matthew 27:24 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea from approximately AD 26-36. He is most known for his role in Jesus' trial and crucifixion. When the Jewish leaders brought Jesus before Pilate, he found no fault in Him and tried multiple times to release Him — sending Him to Herod, offering to release a prisoner (Barabbas), and having Jesus scourged. When the crowd demanded crucifixion, Pilate famously washed his hands, declaring himself innocent of Jesus' blood. His question to Jesus — 'What is truth?' — has echoed through history. Historical sources describe Pilate as a harsh administrator eventually recalled to Rome.
Key Scripture References
"When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it."
"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."
"Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
What Is the Meaning of the Cross?
The cross is where God's justice and mercy met — Christ bore the penalty for human sin, satisfying divine wrath and offering free salvation to all who believe.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Pontius Pilate in the Bible
The Reluctant Judge
Pontius Pilate Bible Quiz
The Roman governor who delivered Jesus to be crucified.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Moses?
People & Characters
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who was Pontius Pilate?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.