For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
Pilate understood the true root of the matter: envy. The chief priests had handed Christ over not out of love for righteousness, but because His holiness, authority, and influence over the people exposed their hypocrisy and threatened their position. Outwardly they acted in the name of the Law and faith, but inwardly they were driven by envy. This shows the deep danger of sin: envy can cloak evil intentions in the language of holiness. Even Pilate, a pagan judge, saw that Jesus’ case was not based on any real crime. Thus this verse reveals the true condition of the chief priests’ hearts and at the same time emphasizes Christ’s innocence.