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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/27-19.htm" title="Matthew 27:19">◄</a> Matthew 27:20 <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm" title="Matthew 27:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/27.htm">New International Version</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. <a href="/nlt/matthew/27.htm">New Living Translation</a> Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. <a href="/esv/matthew/27.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. <a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus. <a href="/kjv/matthew/27.htm">King James Bible</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/27.htm">New King James Version</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. <a href="/nasb/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. <a href="/lsb/matthew/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. <a href="/amp/matthew/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. <a href="/csb/matthew/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. <a href="/asv/matthew/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/cev/matthew/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But the chief priests and the leaders convinced the crowds to ask for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed. <a href="/erv/matthew/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/gwt/matthew/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But the chief priests and leaders persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus. <a href="/gnt/matthew/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask Pilate to set Barabbas free and have Jesus put to death. <a href="/isv/matthew/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> But the high priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to demand that Jesus be put to death. <a href="/msb/matthew/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. <a href="/net/matthew/27.htm">NET Bible</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. <a href="/nheb/matthew/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/wbt/matthew/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The High Priests, however, and the Elders urged the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand the death of Jesus. <a href="/web/matthew/27.htm">World English Bible</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus; <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus. <a href="/ylt/matthew/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the chief priests and the elders did persuade the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus; <a href="/slt/matthew/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But the leaders of the priests and the elders persuaded the people, so that they would ask for Barabbas, and so that Jesus would perish. <a href="/nabre/matthew/27.htm">New American Bible</a> The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But the high priests and the elders urged the people to ask for Bar-Abbas, and to destroy Jesus. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But the Chief Priests and the Elders had persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabba, but to destroy Yeshua.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitude to ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/godbey/matthew/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/haweis/matthew/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the populace that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/mace/matthew/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but the chief priests and senators persuaded the people to demand Barabbas, and put to death Jesus. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The High Priests, however, and the Elders urged the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand the death of Jesus. <a href="/worrell/matthew/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But the high priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes, that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. <a href="/worsley/matthew/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the common people to ask for Barabbas, and so to destroy Jesus. <a href="/parallel/matthew/27-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=8684" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">The Crowd Chooses Barabbas</a> …19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” 20<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/749.htm" title="749: archiereis (N-NMP) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">chief priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders</a> <a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: epeisan (V-AIA-3P) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">persuaded</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlous (N-AMP) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">crowds</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aitēsōntai (V-ASM-3P) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">ask for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/912.htm" title="912: Barabban (N-AMS) -- Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite.">Barabbas</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apolesōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">to have Jesus put to death.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites."></a> 21“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/15-11.htm">Mark 15:11</a> But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. <a href="/luke/23-18.htm">Luke 23:18-23</a> 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.) / Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, ... <a href="/john/18-40.htm">John 18:40</a> “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.) <a href="/acts/3-14.htm">Acts 3:14</a> You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. <a href="/acts/13-28.htm">Acts 13:28</a> And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. <a href="/john/19-15.htm">John 19:15</a> At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. <a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward <a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38-39</a> But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. <a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a> Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ... <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Acts 4:25-28</a> You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. ... <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/matthew/21-15.htm">Matthew 21:15</a> But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-3</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.persuaded.<a href="/mark/15-11.htm">Mark 15:11</a> But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.<a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Acts 14:18,19</a> And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them… <a href="/acts/19-23.htm">Acts 19:23-29</a> And the same time there arose no small stir about that way… should.<a href="/luke/23-18.htm">Luke 23:18-20</a> And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: … <a href="/john/18-40.htm">John 18:40</a> Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.<a href="/john/19-15.htm">John 19:15,16</a> But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/matthew/6-8.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/26-55.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/matthew/26-61.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">However</a> <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/matthew/26-55.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-18.htm">Persuade</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-15.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Request</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/matthew/16-20.htm">Urged</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/mark/5-17.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/mark/2-4.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">Death</a> <a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/matthew/27-40.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">However</a> <a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/27-24.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/mark/6-33.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/matthew/28-14.htm">Persuade</a> <a href="/luke/16-31.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/matthew/27-58.htm">Request</a> <a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/15-11.htm">Urged</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 27</div>1. <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Judas hangs himself.</a> 19. <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Pilate, admonished of his wife,</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/27-33.htm">crucified;</a> 39. <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">reviled;</a> 50. <a href="/matthew/27-50.htm">dies, and is buried;</a> 62. <a href="/matthew/27-62.htm">his tomb is sealed and watched.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But the chief priests and elders The chief priests and elders were influential leaders within the Jewish religious hierarchy. The chief priests included the high priest and those who had previously held the position, while the elders were respected leaders within the community. Their authority was significant in Jewish society, and they played a crucial role in maintaining religious and social order. This group was often resistant to Jesus' teachings, which challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law. Their involvement in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order.persuaded the crowds The act of persuasion indicates a deliberate effort by the religious leaders to sway public opinion. This reflects the leaders' fear of losing control and their determination to eliminate Jesus, whom they saw as a threat. The crowd, likely composed of pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, may have been easily influenced due to the leaders' authority and the charged atmosphere. This manipulation of the crowd contrasts with Jesus' earlier popularity among the people, as seen in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.to ask for Barabbas Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, known for insurrection and murder. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas presented a stark contrast: Jesus, the peaceful teacher and healer, versus Barabbas, a violent rebel. The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus symbolizes the rejection of the true Messiah in favor of a worldly figure who represented rebellion against Roman rule. This decision fulfilled the prophecy of the suffering servant, as Jesus was rejected by His own people.and to have Jesus put to death The demand for Jesus' death was the culmination of the religious leaders' plot against Him. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation and the leaders' success in turning the crowd against Jesus. The call for crucifixion, a Roman method of execution reserved for the worst criminals, highlights the depth of the rejection Jesus faced. This event fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death, such as <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of redemption, where Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will for the salvation of humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests_and_elders.htm">Chief Priests and Elders</a> Religious leaders of the Jewish community who held significant influence over the people. They were instrumental in orchestrating the plot against Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowds.htm">The Crowds</a> The general populace present during the trial of Jesus. They were swayed by the religious leaders to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/b/barabbas.htm">Barabbas</a> A notorious prisoner who was chosen by the crowd to be released instead of Jesus. His name means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which presents a stark contrast to Jesus, the true Son of the Father. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the Christian faith, who was unjustly condemned to death despite His innocence. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pilate's_judgment_hall.htm">Pilate's Judgment Hall</a> The place where Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who ultimately succumbed to the crowd's demands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> The chief priests and elders used their influence to sway the crowd. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward truth and righteousness. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_mob_mentality.htm">The Danger of Mob Mentality</a> The crowd, easily swayed by the leaders, chose Barabbas over Jesus. This serves as a warning against following the majority without discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> Jesus' rejection by His own people fulfills Old Testament prophecies, affirming the divine plan and sovereignty of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_choice_between_two_sons.htm">The Choice Between Two Sons</a> The choice between Barabbas ("son of the father") and Jesus, the true Son of God, symbolizes the spiritual choices we face between the ways of the world and the way of Christ. <a href="/topical/s/standing_firm_in_truth.htm">Standing Firm in Truth</a> Despite the pressure from the crowd, Pilate had the opportunity to stand for truth. This challenges us to uphold truth even when it is unpopular.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) The chief priests and elders.--Brief as the statement is it implies much; the members of the Sanhedrin standing before Pilate's palace, mingling with the crowd, whispering--now to this man, now to that--praises of the robber, scoffs and slander against the Christ. As the next verse shows, they did their work effectively.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude. For a short time the people appear to have wavered in their choice, and Pilate had hopes that his stratagem worked well. But the Sanhedrists were at hand with their insidious suggestions; not a voice was raised for Christ; all his friends were scattered or silenced; and his enemies easily swayed the fickle crowd. That they should ask (ask for) Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. By directing popular favour to Barabbas, they could make the condemnation of Jesus more certain. The expression in the Greek implies that they used their persuasive powers in order that (ἵνα) the people should demand the release of Barabbas, and compass the death of Jesus. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/27-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chief priests ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. elders πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. persuaded ἔπεισαν (epeisan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. crowds ὄχλους (ochlous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3793.htm">Strong's 3793: </a> From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. ask for αἰτήσωνται (aitēsōntai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. Barabbas Βαραββᾶν (Barabban) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_912.htm">Strong's 912: </a> Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. to have Jesus put to death. ἀπολέσωσιν (apolesōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders (Matt. 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