17. When, therefore, they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to release for you, Bar Abba or Yehoshua called Moshiach?
18. For Pilate knew that because of kinah (envy) they had delivered Yehoshua up.
19. And while Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that Tzaddik; for last night I suffered greatly in a chalom (dream) because of Yehoshua.
20. However, the Rashei Hakohanim and the Zekenim persuaded the multitudes to ask for Bar-Abba, but Yehoshua they should destroy.
21. But the Governor answered, saying to them, Which of the two do you want me to release for you? And they said, Bar-Abba.
22. In reply, Pilate says to them, What, therefore, may I do with Yehoshua, the one called the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach? Everyone says, Let him be made TALUI AL HAETZ (being hanged on the Tree!) Be hanged on HAETZ! [DEVARIM 21:23]
23. But Pilate said, Why? What rah (evil) has he done? But they kept shouting all the more, saying, Let him be hanged on HAETZ!
24. And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, I am innocent of this man's blood; see to that yourselves.