Introduction: The Purpose of Betrayal
The final words of Mark 15:15 record the intended outcome of Pilate’s decision:
ἵνα σταυρωθῇ — “in order that he might be crucified.”
This is a classic ἵνα-clause, which expresses purpose or result, but what stands out is the verb form: σταυρωθῇ, an aorist passive subjunctive. In context, this passive verb is not merely grammatical—it is theological: Jesus is not just crucified by men, but according to the plan of God.
Ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος… παρέδωκε τὸν Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας· ἵνα σταυρωθῇ.
Let’s turn to the final clause in Mark 15:15:
ἵνα σταυρωθῇ — “that he might be crucified.”
This brief but profound phrase uses the ἵνα-clause (purpose or result clause) paired with a divine passive verb—σταυρωθῇ {staurōthē}, the aorist passive subjunctive of σταυρόω. Grammatically, it expresses intent, but theologically, it conveys the fulfillment of divine will through human agency.
Morphological Breakdown of σταυρωθῇ
- σταυρωθῇ {staurōthē} –
Root: σταυρόω {stauróō};
Form: aorist passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular;
Tense: aorist (point-action viewed as whole);
Voice: passive (subject receives the action);
Mood: subjunctive (potential/contingent; governed by ἵνα);
Meaning: “that he might be crucified.”
Notes: Often considered a divine passive, indicating God’s ultimate agency behind the action.
Syntactical Analysis: Purpose Clause with Subjunctive Passive
The structure ἵνα + subjunctive forms a final clause, showing intended result or purpose. The clause answers the question: Why was Jesus handed over and scourged?
Answer:
ἵνα σταυρωθῇ — so that he might be crucified.
This use of the passive voice allows the subject (Jesus) to remain grammatically acted upon, while the agent remains unstated—a hallmark of divine passives in biblical Greek.
Semantic and Theological Implications
The passive form invites reflection:
– Who crucifies Jesus? Historically, Romans. Legally, Pilate. Theologically, God permits it.
– The passive here is not vague—it is deliberately indirect, because the ultimate agent is divine.
The subjunctive mood, governed by ἵνα, shows that crucifixion is:
– Not accidental
– Not random
– But deliberate and destined
This aligns with Johannine and Lucan themes (cf. Luke 22:22): “The Son of Man goes as it has been determined.”
Literary and Discourse Significance
This compact final clause gives closure to the entire sentence:
– Action 1: Barabbas is released
– Action 2: Jesus is scourged
– Action 3: Jesus is handed over
– Purpose: ἵνα σταυρωθῇ
The flow moves from human decision (Pilate) to divine purpose (crucifixion). The absence of an explicit subject in σταυρωθῇ keeps the focus on what must happen, not who makes it happen.
This mirrors the Gospel’s theology: the crucifixion is both human injustice and divine intention.
That He Might Be Crucified
In ἵνα σταυρωθῇ, grammar becomes destiny.
A final clause contains the teleology of the Gospel.
– Aorist: the event is fixed.
– Passive: Jesus yields.
– Subjunctive: the outcome is purposed, not coerced.
Thus, ἵνα σταυρωθῇ is not just a grammatical tag—it is a window into the heart of redemption.
He was handed over, not merely to die, but to die as it was written.
