What does John 19:2 mean?

Pilate has already determined that Jesus is innocent. His only reason for continuing the charade is the threat of an angry mob (Matthew 27:20). He's not interested in doing any favors for Jewish religious leaders, so he's looked for ways to have Jesus released (John 18:33–40). When those efforts fail to appease the mob, Pilate orders Jesus to be "flogged" and abused. Flogging, also known as "scourging," used a specialized whip called a flagrum. This combination of leather strips and weights sometimes included hooks, rocks, or glass, and could easily strip flesh from bone (John 19:1).

On top of being physically mutilated, Jesus is also shamed by Roman soldiers. Their teasing fits the theme of Jesus' accused crimes: claiming to be "King" (John 18:37). They sarcastically outfit Jesus with a crown and a robe and mockingly proclaim His throne (John 19:3).

Had Pilate originally intended to kill Jesus, he would have simply done so. The scourging, abuse, and spectacle seem to be an attempt to leave Jesus alive, if forever humiliated. This might be due to spite for Jewish leaders, a sincere act of conscience, or fear about who Jesus really is (John 19:7–9; Matthew 27:19). The effort will not sway the mob, and Pilate will eventually give in by signing an innocent man's death warrant (John 19:16).