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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/mark/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner—anyone the people requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And at <i>the</i> feast, he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now at <i>that</i> feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now at <i>the Passover</i> Feast he used to release for them <i>any</i> one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now at <i>the</i> feast he used to release for them <i>any</i> one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release for them <i>any</i> one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now at the [Passover] feast Pilate used to set free for them any one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At the festival it was Pilate&#8217s custom to release for the people a prisoner they requested. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />During Passover, Pilate always freed one prisoner chosen by the people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />At every Passover festival, Pilate would free one prisoner whom the people asked for.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At every Passover Festival Pilate was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the people asked for. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At every festival, Pilate would release any one prisoner whom the people requested. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was Pilate?s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />During the feast it was customary to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, whom they desired.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now at the Festival it was customary for Pilate to release to the Jews any one prisoner whom they might beg off from punishment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whomever they asked of him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And at every celebration he was releasing to them one prisoner, whomsoever they were asking for;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And at <i>the</i> feast, he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And at every feast he was releasing to them one prisoner, whomsoever they were asking;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And at the festival he loosed to them one in bonds, whomsoever they asked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now on the festival day he was wont to release unto them one of the prisoners, whomsoever they demanded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now on the feast day, he was accustomed to release to them one of the prisoners, whomever they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now it was the custom on every feast to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked for.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But he had set a time at every feast to release one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Now it was his custom to release to them, at the feast, one prisoner, whomever they desired.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But during the feast he was accustomed to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now at the feast, he released one prisoner to them, whomsoever they petitioned for.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Now during the feast, it was customary to release a prisoner, to be nominated by the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now at the Festival it was customary for Pilate to release to the Jews any one prisoner whom they might beg off from punishment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Now at the feast he was wont to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/15-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=5268" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/15.htm">The Crowd Chooses Barabbas</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5</span>But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now it was Pilate’s custom</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: Kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">at</a> <a href="/greek/1859.htm" title="1859: heortēn (N-AFS) -- A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.">the feast</a> <a href="/greek/630.htm" title="630: apelyen (V-IIA-3S) -- From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.">to release</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to the people</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hena (Adj-AMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a</a> <a href="/greek/1198.htm" title="1198: desmion (N-AMS) -- One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.">prisoner</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/3868.htm" title="3868: parētounto (V-IIM/P-3P) -- From para and the middle voice of aiteo; to beg off, i.e. Deprecate, decline, shun.">of their choosing.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15</a></span><br />Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-17.htm">Luke 23:17</a></span><br />Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-39.htm">John 18:39</a></span><br />But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Acts 25:11</a></span><br />If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-16.htm">Acts 25:16</a></span><br />I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a></span><br />From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16-17</a></span><br />At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. / So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-18.htm">Luke 23:18-19</a></span><br />But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” / (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-40.htm">John 18:40</a></span><br />“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-14.htm">Acts 3:14</a></span><br />You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-13.htm">Acts 3:13</a></span><br />The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-5.htm">Matthew 26:5</a></span><br />“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-25.htm">Luke 23:25</a></span><br />As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-16.htm">John 19:16</a></span><br />Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Acts 24:27</a></span><br />After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-2.htm">Matthew 26:2,5</a></b></br> Ye know that after two days is <i>the feast of</i> the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15</a></b></br> Now at <i>that</i> feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-16.htm">Luke 23:16,17</a></b></br> I will therefore chastise him, and release <i>him</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/5-17.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/mark/9-18.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/mark/8-7.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/mark/14-2.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/mark/14-52.htm">Free</a> <a href="/mark/15-2.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/mark/15-5.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/matthew/27-26.htm">Release</a> <a href="/mark/7-35.htm">Released</a> <a href="/john/19-12.htm">Releasing</a> <a href="/mark/14-35.htm">Request</a> <a href="/mark/4-10.htm">Requested</a> <a href="/mark/14-49.htm">Used</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Whomsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/luke/4-38.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/luke/2-43.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/luke/7-36.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/luke/22-1.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/mark/15-9.htm">Free</a> <a href="/mark/15-9.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/mark/15-8.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/luke/23-17.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/mark/15-9.htm">Release</a> <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Released</a> <a href="/luke/2-29.htm">Releasing</a> <a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Request</a> <a href="/luke/14-24.htm">Requested</a> <a href="/mark/15-41.htm">Used</a> <a href="/luke/4-6.htm">Whomsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-6.htm">Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-12.htm">and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-16.htm">He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-21.htm">faints in bearing his cross;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-27.htm">hangs between two thieves;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-29.htm">suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-39.htm">but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/15-42.htm">and is honorably buried by Joseph.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This custom is not documented outside the Gospels, but it aligns with Roman practices of clemency and political pragmatism. The feast refers to Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery, which draws large crowds to Jerusalem.<p><b>to release to the people</b><br>The act of releasing a prisoner to the people underscores the political dynamics at play. Pilate, the Roman governor, sought to appease the Jewish populace and prevent unrest. This gesture of releasing a prisoner was a way to placate the masses and maintain order. The people’s involvement in choosing the prisoner highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish autonomy.<p><b>a prisoner of their choosing</b><br>The choice given to the people introduces a dramatic element to the narrative, emphasizing the theme of choice and responsibility. This moment foreshadows the decision between Jesus and Barabbas, symbolizing the broader spiritual choice between the path of Christ and the path of rebellion. The concept of substitution is central here, as Jesus, the innocent, is offered in place of Barabbas, the guilty, reflecting the theological theme of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb who takes the place of sinners.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pilate.htm">Pilate</a></b><br>The Roman governor of Judea, known for his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. He is depicted as a figure who struggles with the decision to condemn Jesus, ultimately succumbing to the pressure of the crowd.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_feast.htm">The Feast</a></b><br>Refers to the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. It was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner to the Jewish people during this time as a gesture of goodwill.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>The Jewish crowd present at the feast, who had the opportunity to choose which prisoner would be released. Their choice reflects the societal and political tensions of the time.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prisoner.htm">Prisoner</a></b><br>Although not named in this verse, the context reveals that Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, was the prisoner released instead of Jesus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/custom.htm">Custom</a></b><br>The practice of releasing a prisoner during the feast, which highlights the political dynamics and Pilate's attempt to maintain peace and order among the Jewish populace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_custom_and_culture.htm">Understanding Custom and Culture</a></b><br>Recognize the significance of cultural customs in biblical accounts and how they influence events. Pilate's custom reflects the political and social dynamics of the time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_choice.htm">The Power of Choice</a></b><br>Reflect on the choices we make and their consequences. The crowd's choice to release Barabbas over Jesus serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the impact of collective decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_as_our_substitute.htm">Jesus as Our Substitute</a></b><br>Embrace the theological truth that Jesus took our place, much like He took Barabbas' place. This act of substitution is central to the Christian faith and calls us to live in gratitude and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority.htm">The Role of Authority</a></b><br>Consider the responsibilities of those in authority, like Pilate, and the pressures they face. This can lead to discussions on how Christians should engage with and pray for leaders today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_the_crowd.htm">The Influence of the Crowd</a></b><br>Be aware of the influence of societal pressures and the crowd mentality. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, even when it goes against popular opinion.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/in_what_year_did_jesus_die.htm">In what year did Jesus die?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_historical_proof_of_passover_release.htm">In Matthew 27:15–26, the tradition of releasing a prisoner at Passover is mentioned; where is the historical evidence for this practice? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_barabbas_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Barabbas in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_john_18_28_align_with_passover.htm">John 18:28 - How do we reconcile the precise timing of Jesus' trial and the Passover feast with other accounts that seem to present a different chronology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">He released . . . whomsoever they desired.</span>--Both verbs are in the tense which implies custom.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - St. Mark omits here what took place next in the order of events, namely, the sending of our Lord by Pilate to Herod (<a href="/luke/23-5.htm">Luke 23:5</a>). This was Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee; and Pilate, apparently convinced of our Lord's innocence, hoped to escape the responsibility of condemning an innocent man, by handing him over to Herod; for Pilate had heard that our Lord was a Galilean. Moreover, he hoped to accomplish another good result, namely, to recover the favor of Herod, which was desirable on political grounds. The first intention failed; for Herod sent our Lord back to Pilate in mockery, "arraying him in gorgeous apparel" (<span class="greek">περιβαλὼν ἐσθῆτα λαμπρὰν</span>). But the second succeeded: "Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day" (<a href="/luke/23-12.htm">Luke 23:12</a>). There was now, however, another resource. <span class="cmt_word">At the feast</span> (<span class="greek">κατα ἑορτὴν</span>) - literally, <span class="accented">at feast-time <span class="cmt_word">-</span> he used to release unto them one prisoner,</span> <span class="cmt_word">whom they asked of him</span> <span class="greek">ὅνπερ ἠτοῦντο</span>). In St. John (<a href="/john/18-39.htm">John 18:39</a>) we read that Pilate said, "Ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/15-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Now {it was Pilate’s custom}</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at</span><br /><span class="grk">Κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(Kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] feast</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑορτὴν</span> <span class="translit">(heortēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1859.htm">Strong's 1859: </a> </span><span class="str2">A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to release</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπέλυεν</span> <span class="translit">(apelyen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_630.htm">Strong's 630: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [the people]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a</span><br /><span class="grk">ἕνα</span> <span class="translit">(hena)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prisoner</span><br /><span class="grk">δέσμιον</span> <span class="translit">(desmion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1198.htm">Strong's 1198: </a> </span><span class="str2">One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of their choosing.</span><br /><span class="grk">παρῃτοῦντο</span> <span class="translit">(parētounto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3868.htm">Strong's 3868: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and the middle voice of aiteo; to beg off, i.e. Deprecate, decline, shun.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/15-6.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 15:6 Now at the feast he used (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/15-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 15:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 15:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/15-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 15:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 15:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>