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Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" <a href="/kjv/matthew/27.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/27.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/nasb/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, &#8220Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/lsb/matthew/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/amp/matthew/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/csb/matthew/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? ” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, &#8220Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Messiah?&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? <a href="/cev/matthew/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So when the crowd came together, Pilate asked them, "Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Do you want Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" <a href="/erv/matthew/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? <a href="/gwt/matthew/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So when the people gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which man do you want me to free for you? Do you want me to free Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?" <a href="/gnt/matthew/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to set free for you? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called the Messiah?" <a href="/isv/matthew/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> So when the people had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which man do you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called 'the Messiah'?" <a href="/msb/matthew/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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?? <a href="/net/matthew/27.htm">NET Bible</a> So after they had assembled, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?" <a href="/nheb/matthew/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" <a href="/wbt/matthew/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, Whom will ye that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So when they were now assembled Pilate appealed to them. "Whom shall I release to you," he said, "Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?" <a href="/web/matthew/27.htm">World English Bible</a> When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> therefore they having been gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you will [that] I may release to you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore of them being gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom want you that I shall release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" <a href="/ylt/matthew/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> they therefore having been gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom will ye I shall release to you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?' <a href="/slt/matthew/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore they assembled together, Pilate laid to them, Whom will ye I shall loose to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, called Christ?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you that I release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, having been gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it that you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” <a href="/nabre/matthew/27.htm">New American Bible</a> So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, [Jesus] Barabbas, or Jesus called Messiah?” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to release to you? Bar-Abbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when they had been assembled, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you wish that I should release to you, Barabba, or Yeshua who is called The Messiah?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, while they were together, Pilate said to them: Which do you wish me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? <a href="/godbey/matthew/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then they being assembled, Pilate said to them, Whom do you wish that I may release unto you? Barabbas? or Jesus who is called Christ? <a href="/haweis/matthew/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Being therefore gathered around him, Pilate said to them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus called Messiah? <a href="/mace/matthew/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a> therefore when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, who would you have releas'd? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So when they were now assembled Pilate appealed to them. "Whom shall I release to you," he said, "Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?" <a href="/worrell/matthew/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> When, therefore, they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do ye desire that I should release to you? Barabbas or Jesus Who is called Christ?" <a href="/worsley/matthew/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? <a href="/parallel/matthew/27-17.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=8653" 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> …16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4863.htm" title="4863: synēgmenōn (V-RPM/P-GMP) -- From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.">when the crowd had assembled,</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."></a> <a href="/greek/4091.htm" title="4091: Pilatos (N-NMS) -- Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.">Pilate</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">asked</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Tina (IPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Which one</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelete (V-PIA-2P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">do you want</a> <a href="/greek/630.htm" title="630: apolysō (V-ASA-1S) -- From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.">me to release</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you:</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/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</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.">who</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. ">is called</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ?”</a> 18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.…<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/23-18.htm">Luke 23:18-25</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/18-39.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/3-14.htm">Acts 3:14</a> 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="/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/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/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12-13</a> Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. <a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a> He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. <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="/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/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a> He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. <a href="/john/19-4.htm">John 19:4-6</a> 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.” <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="/luke/23-13.htm">Luke 23:13-16</a> Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, / and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom will you that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?Whom.<a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Matthew 27:21</a> The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.<a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.<a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.or.<a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">Matthew 27:22</a> Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.<a href="/mark/15-9.htm">Mark 15:9-12</a> But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? … <a href="/john/19-15.htm">John 19:15</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="/esther/2-4.htm">Appealed</a> <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/matthew/26-68.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/27-6.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/27-13.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Release</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-14.htm">So-Called</a> <a href="/matthew/27-7.htm">Together</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/3-23.htm">Appealed</a> <a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Barabbas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Barab'bas</a> <a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Pilate</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">So-Called</a> <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Together</a> <a href="/matthew/27-21.htm">Want</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>So when the crowd had assembled The gathering of the crowd is significant as it reflects the Jewish custom of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. This assembly represents the collective voice of the people, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. The crowd's presence also fulfills the prophetic nature of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as foretold in <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a>, where the Messiah is described as being despised and rejected by men.Pilate asked them Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, is a key figure in the trial of Jesus. His role highlights the political tension between Roman authority and Jewish leadership. Pilate's questioning indicates his attempt to placate the crowd and maintain order, while also revealing his own uncertainty about condemning an innocent man. This moment underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction in <a href="/matthew/20-18.htm">Matthew 20:18-19</a>, where He foretold His delivery to the Gentiles for crucifixion.“Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is laden with symbolic meaning. Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer, represents the sinful nature of humanity and the desire for a political messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. In contrast, Jesus, referred to as "Christ," signifies the true Messiah, the anointed one who brings spiritual salvation. This moment is a profound illustration of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent Jesus is condemned in place of the guilty Barabbas, reflecting the core of the Gospel message as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>. The title "Christ" emphasizes Jesus' divine mission and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, such as those found in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> and <a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25-26</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a> The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is depicted as a reluctant judge, caught between his own judgment and the will of the crowd. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_barabbas.htm">Jesus Barabbas</a> A prisoner who was known for insurrection and murder. His name, Barabbas, means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which presents an ironic contrast to Jesus Christ, the true Son of the Father. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Referred to here as "Jesus who is called Christ," emphasizing His messianic role. He is the central figure of the Christian faith, facing trial and eventual crucifixion. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The assembly of people in Jerusalem during Passover, who were given the choice by Pilate to release either Jesus Barabbas or Jesus Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_passover_festival.htm">The Passover Festival</a> A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is during this time that the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion take place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_choice.htm">The Irony of Choice</a> The choice between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus Christ highlights the irony of human judgment. Despite His innocence, Jesus was rejected in favor of a known criminal. This serves as a reminder of the flawed nature of human decision-making without divine guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_freedom.htm">The Nature of True Freedom</a> Barabbas was set free physically, but Jesus offers spiritual freedom. This juxtaposition invites reflection on what true freedom means in a Christian context. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_crowd.htm">The Role of the Crowd</a> The crowd's decision reflects the danger of following popular opinion rather than truth. Christians are called to discernment and to stand firm in their faith, even when it is counter-cultural. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, affirming the divine plan and sovereignty of God. This encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan for their lives.<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/how_does_mark_15_align_with_other_gospels.htm">How do the events described in Mark 15 align with differing crucifixion accounts in the other Gospels?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_carry_his_cross.htm">Did Jesus bear his own cross? Yes (John 19:17) No (Matthew 27:31-32)</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_carry_his_cross_or_not.htm">Did Jesus carry his own cross? (John 19:17 vs. Matthew 27:31-32)</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_stations_of_the_cross.htm">What are the Stations of the Cross?</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>(17) Whom will ye that I release unto you?--This, we must remember, was all but the last attempt of Pilate to shift off from himself the dreaded burden of responsibility.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Therefore when (when then, οϋν) they were gathered together. The illative particle refers to the fact just mentioned that the notorious Barabbas was at that time in prison. The multitude, together with the Sanhedrists summoned from their meeting in the temple, were gathered at the doors of the Praetorium, when Pilate came out and spoke to them. Whom will ye that I release unto you? He had great hope that their answer would favour Jesus. When it came to choosing between a vile robber and murderer and a beneficent, moral teacher, common sense would guide the choice aright. Which is called Christ (ver. 22). In Mark Pilate terms him, "the King of the Jews." He puts before them these two names as the limit of their choice, minor offenders being not worthy of consideration in the lace of these celebrated prisoners. And he names Christ's claims, as if he would remind the people that in Jesus they possibly had the Messiah whom they desired. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/27-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. when [the crowd] had assembled, συνηγμένων (synēgmenōn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4863.htm">Strong's 4863: </a> From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain. Pilate Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4091.htm">Strong's 4091: </a> Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman. asked εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Which [one] Τίνα (Tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you want θέλετε (thelete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. me to release ἀπολύσω (apolysō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <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 you: ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. 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. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. who τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative 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. is called λεγόμενον (legomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Christ?” Χριστόν (Christon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 27:17 When therefore they were gathered together Pilate (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/27-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 27:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/27-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 27:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 27:18" /></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>