What Does Mark 15:9 Mean in the King James?

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:9 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Here kingship is spoken aloud while release is still a question.

THE MEANING

Release enters as a question: the one called King stands in the same sentence as the possibility of being set free. The title is clear; the choice remains open.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

A title does not ensure recognition: the King can be named while his freedom remains a question.

THE ROOT

ἀπολύσω

apolýsō

GROWS FROM

λύω

luō

To loosen or untie.

The verb ⁨ἀπολύσω⁩ (apolýsō), “I release,” belongs to ⁨ἀπολύω⁩ (apolýō): apo (“away”) joined to ⁨λύω⁩ (luō), “loosen.” Mark’s word ⁨λύτρον⁩ (lýtron), “ransom,” shares this word family, connecting release with the price of setting someone free.

ALSO GROWS

luō: To loosen, untie.

λύω

This base verb makes release concrete: a bond or hold is loosened.

apolýō: To release, send away, or dismiss.

ἀπολύω

The verse’s verb adds “away” to “loosen,” picturing release as loosening someone from a hold.

lýtron: Ransom; a price given for release.

λύτρον

Mark uses this related word when the Son of Man gives his life as a ransom, joining release with the cost of freeing many.

THE PATTERN

A choice about release reveals what a person recognizes as freedom.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Isaiah 61:1 · KJVFreedom is named as release for people held captive.

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Acts 3:14 · KJVThe desire to release a murderer while denying the Just One makes the choice itself expose what is being recognized.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

John 8:36 · KJVHere freedom is the Son’s act of setting a person free.

THE THREAD

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 · KJV

The word “ransom” is ⁨λύτρον⁩ (lýtron), from the same word family as ⁨λύω⁩ (luō), “loosen,” at the heart of “release.” Mark connects the question of letting the King go with the Son of Man giving his life as the means of release for many.

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