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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And at that time they were holding a notable prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they were holding at that time a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner [guilty of insurrection and murder], called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />At that time a well-known terrorist named Jesus Barabbas was in jail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />At that time there was a well-known prisoner by the name of Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At that time there was a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />At that time they had in custody a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and at this time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they had a noted prisoner then, called Barabbas,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And at that time they were holding a notable prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they had then a noted prisoner, called Barabbas,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they had then an imprisoned distinguished, called Barabbas.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he had then a notorious prisoner, that was called Barabbas. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And at that time, he had a notorious prisoner, who was called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called [Jesus] Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They had a well-known prisoner, called Bar-Abbas, who was bound.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But one of their prisoners was a notable prisoner called Barabba.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />They then had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But they had at that time a noted prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And they had at that time a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />there happen'd to be then in custody a notorious criminal, nam'd Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and at this time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and they then had a noted prisoner called Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and they had then a notorious malefactor named Barabbas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/27-16.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=8648" 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/matthew/27.htm">The Crowd Chooses Barabbas</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15</span>Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">At that time</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichon (V-IIA-3P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">they were holding</a> <a href="/greek/1978.htm" title="1978: episēmon (Adj-AMS) -- Notable, conspicuous. From epi and some form of the base of semaino; remarkable, i.e. eminent.">a notorious</a> <a href="/greek/1198.htm" title="1198: desmion (N-AMS) -- One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.">prisoner</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legomenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">named</a> <a href="/greek/912.htm" title="912: Barabban (N-AMS) -- Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite.">Barabbas.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>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?”…<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="/mark/15-7.htm">Mark 15:7</a></span><br />And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.<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="/john/19-1.htm">John 19:1-3</a></span><br />Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. / The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. / And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a></span><br />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.<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/3-13.htm">Acts 3:13-15</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. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. / You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this fact.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-4.htm">John 19:4-6</a></span><br />Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” / When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” / As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”<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/19-15.htm">John 19:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a></span><br />Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-16</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.” / 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!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.</p><p class="hdg">a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/15-7.htm">Mark 15:7</a></b></br> And there was <i>one</i> named Barabbas, <i>which lay</i> bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-18.htm">Luke 23:18,19,25</a></b></br> And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this <i>man</i>, and release unto us Barabbas: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/18-40.htm">John 18:40</a></b></br> Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-40.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/john/18-40.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/matthew/23-19.htm">Important</a> <a href="/amos/6-1.htm">Notable</a> <a href="/amos/6-1.htm">Noted</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Important</a> <a href="/acts/2-20.htm">Notable</a> <a href="/romans/16-7.htm">Noted</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/mark/15-6.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Judas hangs himself.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Pilate, admonished of his wife,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-33.htm">crucified;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">reviled;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-50.htm">dies, and is buried;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">62. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/27-62.htm">his tomb is sealed and watched.</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>At that time</b><br>This phrase situates the events within the timeline of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. It was during the Passover festival, a significant Jewish feast commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The timing is crucial as it fulfills the prophetic symbolism of Jesus as the Passover Lamb (<a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">1 Corinthians 5:7</a>).<p><b>they were holding</b><br>The Roman authorities had custody of prisoners, reflecting the Roman occupation of Judea. This control over prisoners highlights the political tension between the Jewish leaders and the Roman government. The Jewish leaders needed Roman permission to execute capital punishment, which is why Jesus was brought before Pilate.<p><b>a notorious prisoner</b><br>The term "notorious" indicates that Barabbas was well-known, likely for insurrection or rebellion against Roman rule. This notoriety contrasts with Jesus, who was innocent of any crime. The choice between Barabbas and Jesus symbolizes the rejection of the true Messiah in favor of a political revolutionary.<p><b>named Barabbas</b><br>Barabbas' name is significant; it means "son of the father" (Bar-Abba). This ironic detail contrasts with Jesus, the true Son of the Father. The choice presented to the crowd between Jesus and Barabbas serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is spiritual rather than political.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/barabbas.htm">Barabbas</a></b><br>A notorious prisoner mentioned in the context of Jesus' trial. His name, Barabbas, means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which is ironic given the choice between him and Jesus, the true Son of the Father.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a></b><br>The Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus. He offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The group of people present at Jesus' trial who were influenced by the chief priests and elders to choose Barabbas over Jesus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_passover_festival.htm">The Passover Festival</a></b><br>The Jewish festival during which these events occurred, highlighting themes of liberation and sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_choice.htm">The Irony of Choice</a></b><br>The choice between Barabbas and Jesus symbolizes the world's preference for sin over righteousness. Reflect on how we make choices in our daily lives and whether we choose Christ or the ways of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_the_crowd.htm">The Influence of the Crowd</a></b><br>The crowd's decision was swayed by the chief priests and elders. Consider how peer pressure and societal influences can lead us away from God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_freedom.htm">The Nature of True Freedom</a></b><br>Barabbas was set free physically, but true freedom is found in Christ. Reflect on the spiritual freedom that Jesus offers through His sacrifice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority.htm">The Role of Authority</a></b><br>Pilate's role in the trial of Jesus shows the complexities of human authority and justice. Consider how we respond to authority and the importance of standing for truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a></b><br>The events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies. Reflect on the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27</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/day_2_journey_events.htm">What key events occur in Journey to the Cross, Part 39?</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/what_does_day_14_teach_in_journey.htm">What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">A notable prisoner, called Barabbas.</span>--There is considerable, though not quite decisive, evidence in favour of the reading which gives "Jesus Barabbas" as the name of the prisoner. The name Bar-abbas (=son of Abbas, or of "a father"), like Bar-timseus and Bartholomew, was a patronymic, and it would be natural enough that the man who bore it should have another more personal name. We can easily understand (1) that the commonness of the name Jesus might lead to his being known to his comrades and to the multitude only or chiefly as Barabbas; and (2) that the reverence which men felt in after years for the Name which is above every name, would lead them to blot out, if it were possible, the traces that it had once been borne by the robber-chief. Of Barabbas St. John (<a href="/john/18-40.htm" title="Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.">John 18:40</a>) tells us that he was a robber; St. Luke (<a href="/luke/23-19.htm" title="(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)">Luke 23:19</a>) and St. Mark (<a href="/mark/15-7.htm" title="And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.">Mark 15:7</a>) that he had taken a prominent part with some insurgents in the city, and that he, with them, had committed murder in the insurrection. The last recorded tumult of this kind was that mentioned above (Note on <a href="/matthew/27-2.htm" title="And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.">Matthew 27:2</a>), as connected with Pilate's appropriation of the Corban. It is so far probable that this was the tumult in which Barabbas had taken part; and the supposition that he did so has at least the merit of explaining how it was that he came to be the favourite hero both of the priests and people. As the term Abba (=father) was a customary term of honour, as applied to a Rabbi (<a href="/matthew/23-9.htm" title="And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.">Matthew 23:9</a>), it is possible that the sobriquet by which he was popularly known commemorated a fact in his family history of which he might naturally be proud. "Jesus, the Rabbi's son "was a cry that found more favour than "Jesus the Nazarene."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They had then a notable prisoner.</span> The plural verb must refer to the multitude, to whose class the man belonged. The Vulgate, with Origen, reads, "he had," <span class="accented">habebat</span>, referring to Pilate, whose prisoner he was. The man was notorious; as St. Mark tells us, "He lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, men who had committed murder in the insurrection." We have no account elsewhere of this particular rising, nor of its leader, but such commotions were very common, and under the guise of political aims were utilized for purposes of robbery and assassination. <span class="cmt_word">Called Barabbas.</span> The word means "Son of the father," which some explain "Son of a rabbi," which is improbable; and it is a question whether this was his real name, or one applied to him with reference to his pretensions to being "a political anti-Christ" - "a hideous caricature of the true Jesus, the Son of the eternal Father." It is a strange fact that in some (not very trustworthy) manuscripts the name is given as Jesus Barabbas, which affords a remarkable antithesis in Pilate's question in the following verse, "Wilt ye that I release Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called Christ?" There can be no reasonable doubt that the prefix is not genuine, but has crept into some texts inadvertently. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/27-16.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">At that time</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were holding</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶχον</span> <span class="translit">(eichon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a notorious</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπίσημον</span> <span class="translit">(episēmon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1978.htm">Strong's 1978: </a> </span><span class="str2">Notable, conspicuous. From epi and some form of the base of semaino; remarkable, i.e. eminent.</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">named</span><br /><span class="grk">λεγόμενον</span> <span class="translit">(legomenon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Barabbas.</span><br /><span class="grk">Βαραββᾶν</span> <span class="translit">(Barabban)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_912.htm">Strong's 912: </a> </span><span class="str2">Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/27-16.htm">Matthew 27:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 27:16 They had then a notable prisoner called (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/27-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 27:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/27-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 27:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:17" /></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>