Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Pilatos
Pilate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 53 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Pilatos refers to Pontius Pilate, the sixth Roman procurator of Judea who presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Of Latin origin, the name appears fifty-three times in the New Testament, with significant occurrences in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as in Acts and 1 Timothy.
Lexical sources note that the name is associated with the meaning "armed with a spear," reflecting its Roman roots. This title identifies a historical figure whose authority was central to the passion narratives. In these accounts, Pilate is depicted wrestling with political pressure, ultimately ordering Jesus' execution despite finding no legal fault in him, as seen in Luke 23:4 and John 19:6.
The consistent use of this name across multiple biblical books underscores his role as a key historical agent in the Christian narrative. Early papyri from the late antique period also preserve variations of the spelling, showing how the name was recorded in contemporary administrative documents. The text presents Pilate not merely as a villain, but as a complex political actor navigating the tensions between Roman law and local Jewish expectations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Pontius Pilate stands as a stark reminder of how fear can override conscience. When faced with the truth of Jesus, he knew there was no legal fault in him, yet he chose political safety over moral courage. His story warns us against the slow erosion of integrity when we prioritize human approval above divine conviction.
Yet this narrative also highlights the sovereignty of God. Even through the actions of a reluctant governor, the plan for salvation moved forward. Pilate’s inability to stop Jesus shows that no earthly power can thwart God’s purpose. We are invited to trust that God is working even in the midst of human failure and injustice.
Your faith does not depend on the righteousness of those in authority. Instead, it rests on the unshakeable truth that Jesus is who He claimed to be. This history encourages you to stand firm in your convictions, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to God alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 53 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pilate33×
- Pilate;13×
- to Pilate3×
- Pilate.3×
- to Pilate.2×
- of Pilate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Πιλᾶτος25×
- Πιλᾶτος·13×
- Πιλᾶτον5×
- Πιλάτῳ4×
- Πιλάτου3×
- Πιλᾶτος.1×
- Πιλᾶτον.¶1×
- Πιλᾶτον.1×
- Πιλάτῳ.¶1×
- Πιλάτῳ.1×
Key Verses
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Luke 23:4
Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
This verse captures Pilate’s moral dilemma, as he publicly declares his finding of no guilt against Jesus despite the mounting pressure.
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Matthew 27:24
So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.”
Here Pilate performs a symbolic act of washing his hands, attempting to shift responsibility for Jesus’ death onto the crowd.
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Mark 15:15
Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.
This occurrence shows the tragic result of Pilate’s compromise, as he yields to the mob’s demand to crucify Jesus to maintain order.
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Luke 23:3
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”
Pilate’s question about kingship reveals his confusion regarding Jesus’ identity and the nature of His authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Pilatos mean?
Why is Pilate mentioned so often in the Gospels?
Did Pilate believe Jesus was innocent?
How does Pilate’s story apply to Christians today?
Every Occurrence (53 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 8 verses
They bound him, led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.
Matthew 27:13Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?”
Matthew 27:17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…
Matthew 27:22Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…
Matthew 27:58This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.
Matthew 27:62Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered…
Matthew 27:65Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”