A.T. Robertson Commentary John 19

Took and scourged (ελαβεν κα εμαστιγωσεν). First aorist active indicative of λαμβανω and μαστιγοω (from μαστιξ, whip). For this redundant use of λαμβανω see also verse 6. It is the causative use of μαστιγοω, for Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus. He simply ordered it done, perhaps to see if the mob would be satisfied with this penalty on the alleged pretender to royalty (Luke 23:22) whom Pilate had pronounced innocent (John 18:38), an illegal act therefore. It was a preliminary to crucifixion, but Jesus was not yet condemned. The Sanhedrin had previously mocked Jesus (Matthew 26:67f.; Luke 22:63ff.) as the soldiers will do later (Matthew 27:27–30). This later mock coronation (Mark and Matthew) was after the condemnation.

Plaited a crown of thorns (πλεξαντες στεφανον εξ ακανθων). Old verb πλεκω, to weave, in the N.T. only here, Mr 15:17; Matthew 27:19. Not impossible for the mock coronation to be repeated.

Arrayed him (περιεβαλον αυτον). "Placed around him" (second aorist active indicative of περιβαλλω).

In a purple garment (ιματιον πορφυρουν). Old adjective πορφυρεος from πορφυρα, purple cloth (Mr 15:17,20), dyed in purple, in the N.T. only here and Re 18:16. Jesus had been stripped of his outer garment ιματιον (Matthew 27:28) and the scarlet cloak of one of the soldiers may have been put on him (Matthew 27:28).

They came (ηρχοντο). Imperfect middle of repeated action, "they kept coming and saying" (ελεγον) in derision and mock reverence with Αςε (χαιρε, Hail!) as if to Caesar. Note ο βασιλευς (the king) in address.

They struck him with their hands (εδιδοσαν αυτω ραπισματα). Imperfect of διδωμ, repetition, "they kept on giving him slaps with their hands." See on 18:22 for this use of ραπισμα.

I bring him out to you (αγω υμιν αυτον εξω). Vividly pictures Pilate leading Jesus out of the palace before the mob in front.

That ye may know (ινα γνωτε). Final clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω, "that ye may come to know," by this mockery the sincerity of Pilate's decision that Jesus is innocent (18:38). It is a travesty on justice and dignity, but Pilate is trying by a bit of humour to turn the mob from the grip of the Sanhedrin.

Wearing (φορων). Present active participle of φορεω, an early frequentative of φερω, denoting a continual wearing, though not true here (only temporary). Jesus bore the mockery with kingly dignity as part of the shame of the Cross (Hebrews 12:2).

Behold, the man (Ιδου ο ανθρωπος). Ecce Homo! by Pilate. This exclamatory introduction of Jesus in mock coronation robes to the mob was clearly intended to excite pity and to show how absurd the charge of the Sanhedrin was that such a pitiable figure should be guilty of treason. Pilate failed utterly in this effort and did not dream that he was calling attention to the greatest figure of history, the Man of the ages.

Crucify him, crucify him (σταυρωσον, σταυρωσον). First aorist active imperative of σταυροω for which verb see Mt 29:19, etc. Here the note of urgency (aorist imperative) with no word for "him," as they were led by the chief priests and the temple police till the whole mob takes it up (Matthew 27:22).

For I find no crime in him (εγω γαρ ουχ ευρισκω). This is the third time Pilate has rendered his opinion of Christ's innocence (18:38; 19:4). And here he surrenders in a fret to the mob and gives as his reason (γαρ, for) for his surrender the innocence of Jesus (the strangest judicial decision ever rendered). Perhaps Pilate was only franker than some judges!