Bible Names

Pilate: meaning of the name

Pilate means “armed with a dart.”
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (1869)

Pilate in Hebrew and Greek

Πιλᾶτος G4091

Pilâtos — close-pressed, i.e. firm; Pilatus, a Roman

of Latin origin;

Pilate in Scripture

“Pilate” appears in 54 verses of the King James Version; here are the first 8.

  • Matthew 27:2

    And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

  • Matthew 27:13

    Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

  • Matthew 27:17

    Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

  • Matthew 27:22

    Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

  • Matthew 27:24

    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 27:58

    He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

  • Matthew 27:62

    Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

  • Matthew 27:65

    Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.