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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 27:15 Now it was the governor's custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/27-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/40_Mat_27_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 27:15 - The Crowd Chooses Barabbas" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now it was the governor's custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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> Now it was the governor&#8217s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. <a href="/nlt/matthew/27.htm">New Living Translation</a> Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. <a href="/esv/matthew/27.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing. <a href="/kjv/matthew/27.htm">King James Bible</a> Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/27.htm">New King James Version</a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/nasb/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/lsb/matthew/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/amp/matthew/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose. <a href="/csb/matthew/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> At the festival the governor&#8217s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. <a href="/asv/matthew/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. <a href="/cev/matthew/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> During Passover the governor always freed a prisoner chosen by the people. <a href="/erv/matthew/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. <a href="/gwt/matthew/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At every Passover festival the governor would free one prisoner whom the crowd wanted. <a href="/gnt/matthew/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> At every Passover Festival the Roman governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the crowd asked for. <a href="/isv/matthew/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> At every festival the governor had a custom of releasing to the crowd any prisoner whom they wanted. <a href="/msb/matthew/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now it was the governor?s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. <a href="/net/matthew/27.htm">NET Bible</a> During the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted. <a href="/nheb/matthew/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner, whom they desired. <a href="/wbt/matthew/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now at that feast, the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired; <a href="/web/matthew/27.htm">World English Bible</a> Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And at the celebration the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed, <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they were wishing. <a href="/ylt/matthew/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed, <a href="/slt/matthew/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And in the festival the leader was accustomed to loose one imprisoned to the crowd, which they desired.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now on the solemn day, the procurator was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whomever they wished. <a href="/nabre/matthew/27.htm">New American Bible</a> Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now on every feast day it was the custom of the governor to release one prisoner to the people, anyone whom they wanted. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Now, at every feast, the Governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they had chosen.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now at the feast, the governor was in the habit of releasing to the multitude one prisoner, whom they chose. <a href="/godbey/matthew/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the governor during the feast was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they wished. <a href="/haweis/matthew/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now at the feast, the governor had been accustomed to release one prisoner to the people, whomsoever they chose. <a href="/mace/matthew/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Now it was customary at that feast for the governor to release a prisoner, such as the people should nominate. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Now it was the Governor's custom at the Festival to release some one prisoner, whomsoever the populace desired; <a href="/worrell/matthew/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired; <a href="/worsley/matthew/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now the governor used at the feast to release a prisoner to the people, whomsoever they desired: <a href="/parallel/matthew/27-15.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=8640" 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> 14But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. 15<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">it was the</a> <a href="/greek/2232.htm" title="2232: hēgemōn (N-NMS) -- From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province.">governor’s</a> <a href="/greek/1486.htm" title="1486: eiōthei (V-LIA-3S) -- To be accustomed, custom, what was customary. A primary verb; to be used; neuter perfect participle usage.">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: apolyein (V-PNA) -- From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.">to release</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlō (N-DMS) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">crowd</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. ">of</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelon (V-IIA-3P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">their choosing.</a> 16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.…<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/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6-15</a> Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. / And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. / So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. ... <a href="/luke/23-17.htm">Luke 23:17-25</a> Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast. / 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.) ... <a href="/john/18-39.htm">John 18:39-40</a> 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?” / “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.) <a href="/acts/3-13.htm">Acts 3:13-14</a> 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. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-16</a> 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.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... <a href="/matthew/26-5.htm">Matthew 26:5</a> “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” <a href="/john/18-28.htm">John 18:28-32</a> Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ... <a href="/matthew/20-18.htm">Matthew 20:18-19</a> “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death / and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.” <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-7</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. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ... <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a> Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9</a> Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. <a href="/daniel/9-26.htm">Daniel 9:26</a> Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. <a href="/psalms/22-6.htm">Psalm 22:6-8</a> But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” <a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a> I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22-23</a> The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now at that feast the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would.<a href="/matthew/26-5.htm">Matthew 26:5</a> But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.<a href="/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6,8</a> Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired… <a href="/luke/23-16.htm">Luke 23:16,17</a> I will therefore chastise him, and release him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/13-23.htm">Accustomed</a> <a href="/matthew/24-31.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/matthew/26-55.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/matthew/26-5.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Free</a> <a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Governor's</a> <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-11.htm">Populace</a> <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-20.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Whomsoever</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-10.htm">Willed</a> <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Wont</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Accustomed</a> <a href="/mark/13-20.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/mark/3-13.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/mark/6-21.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/mark/14-2.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Free</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Governor's</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/acts/12-22.htm">Populace</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/luke/6-13.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/mark/3-13.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/matthew/27-41.htm">Way</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Whomsoever</a> <a href="/mark/3-13.htm">Willed</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Wont</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>Now it was the governor’s custom The practice of releasing a prisoner during a festival was a Roman custom, reflecting the Roman authority's attempt to maintain peace and goodwill among the subjugated populations. This custom is not documented outside the Gospels, but it aligns with Roman practices of clemency and public appeasement. The governor here refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, who held the power to grant such pardons.at the feast The feast mentioned is the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. This time of year drew large crowds to Jerusalem, increasing the potential for unrest, which Roman authorities were keen to manage. The Passover's themes of liberation and deliverance provide a poignant backdrop for the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.to release to the crowd The act of releasing a prisoner to the crowd underscores the political dynamics at play. Pilate's decision to involve the crowd in the choice of prisoner reflects his attempt to placate the Jewish populace and avoid inciting a riot. This interaction highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish expectations.a prisoner of their choosing The choice given to the crowd introduces the concept of substitution, a key theme in Christian theology. The crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas (a known insurrectionist) symbolizes the broader spiritual choice between sin and salvation. This moment foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Christ, where Jesus takes the place of sinners. The decision also reflects the fickle nature of public opinion and the influence of religious leaders in swaying the crowd's choice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/governor.htm">Governor (Pontius Pilate)</a> The Roman governor of Judea, responsible for maintaining order and administering justice. Pilate plays a crucial role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_feast.htm">The Feast (Passover)</a> A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner to the Jewish people during this time as a gesture of goodwill. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The assembly of Jewish people present in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. They are given the choice to release a prisoner, which becomes a pivotal moment in the Passion account. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prisoner.htm">Prisoner</a> The individual chosen by the crowd to be released. In the context of <a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">Matthew 27</a>, this refers to Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. 5. <a href="/topical/b/barabbas.htm">Barabbas</a> A criminal who was imprisoned for insurrection and murder. The crowd chooses to release him instead of Jesus, highlighting the rejection of Christ by His own people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_custom_and_tradition.htm">Understanding Custom and Tradition</a> The practice of releasing a prisoner during Passover reflects the intersection of Roman authority and Jewish tradition. It serves as a reminder of how cultural customs can influence significant events. <a href="/topical/t/the_choice_of_the_crowd.htm">The Choice of the Crowd</a> The decision to release Barabbas over Jesus illustrates the fickle nature of public opinion and the danger of following the crowd without discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_rejection_of_jesus.htm">The Rejection of Jesus</a> This event foreshadows the broader rejection of Jesus by His own people, fulfilling prophetic scriptures about the Messiah being despised and rejected. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_decisions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Decisions</a> Despite the crowd's choice, God's redemptive plan through Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection was not thwarted. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and purpose even in human decisions. <a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection_on_choices.htm">Personal Reflection on Choices</a> Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own choices and allegiances, ensuring they align with Christ rather than the prevailing opinions of the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27</a> <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> <a href="/q/who_was_barabbas_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Barabbas in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_the_leaves_symbolize_for_healing.htm">What events occurred on Day 6 of the journey?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_gospel_accounts_conflict_with_roman_law.htm">Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion conflict with known Roman legal and execution procedures?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) The governor was wont to release.--It is not known when the practice began, nor whether it was primarily a Jewish or a Roman one. The fact that the release of criminals was a common incident of a Latin lectisternium, or feast in honour of the gods, makes the latter the more probable. If introduced by Pilate (and this is the only recorded instance of the practice) it was, we may believe, a concession intended to conciliate those whom his previous severities had alienated. Before this stage of the proceedings we have to place (1) the second conference between Pilate and the priests after his dialogue with our Lord (<a href="/context/luke/23-4.htm" title="Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.">Luke 23:4-5</a>), and their definite charge of sedition, now urged for the first time; and (2) his attempt, catching at the word "Galilee" as the scene of our Lord's work, to transfer the responsibility of judging to Herod (<a href="/context/luke/23-6.htm" title="When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.">Luke 23:6-12</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 15-26. - Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (<a href="/mark/15-6.htm">Mark 15:6-15</a>; <a href="/luke/23-17.htm">Luke 23:17-25</a>; <a href="/john/18-39.htm">John 18:39, 40</a>.) Verse 15. - Pilate now tries another expedient for delivering himself from the responsibility of condemning Jesus. At that feast (κατὰ ἑορτήν, at a feast, at feast time). Doubtless the Passover is meant, which was the feast especially of the Jews, and it is very improbable that the practice mentioned in the clause was allowed at any other of the feasts. The governor was wont to release unto the people (τῷ ὄχλῳ, the multitude), etc. St. Luke says, "Of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast." The custom is not elsewhere mentioned. It was, however, most probably an institution established of old time in memory of the Exodus (<a href="/john/18-39.htm">John 18:39</a>), and continued by the Romans when they became masters of the country. A similar custom obtained at Rome and in Greece on certain great festivals. Whom they would. The governor usually left the priests and people unfettered in their choice; on the present occasion he desired Jesus to be selected. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/27-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [it was] the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <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. governor’s ἡγεμὼν (hēgemōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2232.htm">Strong's 2232: </a> From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province. custom εἰώθει (eiōthei) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> To be accustomed, custom, what was customary. A primary verb; to be used; neuter perfect participle usage. at Κατὰ (Kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [the] feast ἑορτὴν (heortēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1859.htm">Strong's 1859: </a> A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival. to release ἀπολύειν (apolyein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_630.htm">Strong's 630: </a> From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <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. crowd ὄχλῳ (ochlō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <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. a ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. prisoner δέσμιον (desmion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1198.htm">Strong's 1198: </a> One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive. of ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. their choosing. ἤθελον (ēthelon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/27-15.htm">Matthew 27:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 27:15 Now at the feast the governor was (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/27-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 27:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/27-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 27:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:16" /></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>