What does Luke 23:17 mean?

This verse is not found in the most reliable early copies of the Bible. The same idea is stated elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). It's possible a scribe copied the book and added notes on the margin. A later scribe who made a copy of the copy might think the note belonged in the text. So, the note became part of the copied text. Because of the massive number of New Testament manuscripts, such copyist errors are reasonably easy to determine. Several other verses in the Bible fit this description but none create contradictions or change interpretations.

Pilate has completed his legal investigation. This determined that Jesus has not stirred up the people. He has not told them to boycott Roman taxes. Nor has He presented Himself as a king who is going to threaten Roman occupation (Luke 23:1–5, 14). However, Jewish religious leaders have riled up a crowd. Pilate knows they will not take this verdict easily, so he offers to beat Jesus and release Him (Luke 23:16).

This verse introduces the reaction of the Jewish leaders and assembled mob. They do not want Jesus released. They would rather Pilate release Barabbas, a convicted insurrectionist and murderer. They want Jesus crucified (Luke 23:18–21). Pilate continues to proclaim Jesus' innocence, but the crowd becomes too volatile. Pilate feels he must give in or risk a rebellion led by Jesus' accusers (Luke 23:23–25).