But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While some ancient manuscripts omit this verse, its presence highlights a crucial point: the custom of releasing a prisoner wasn't just about mercy, but also a political move to appease the crowds, which tragically twisted into a demand for Barabbas over Jesus. This reveals how even established traditions can be corrupted when used to manipulate or deny truth.
But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate, having already declared Jesus innocent and even had him whipped, tries to appease the agitated crowd by offering to release one prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the chief priests, chooses a murderer named Barabbas over Jesus and demands Jesus' crucifixion. This custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover feast, though potentially controversial and not found in all ancient manuscripts of Luke, highlights the immense pressure Pilate felt to conform to the people's will.
Why would a Roman governor feel 'obligated' to release a prisoner during a Jewish festival? This custom, mentioned in Luke and Matthew, raises questions about Roman policy and religious observance.
The text mentions a custom where a prisoner was released to the crowd during the Passover feast. This practice, likely introduced by Roman authorities to appease the Jewish populace, placed Pilate in a difficult position. He was, as the text says, 'under the necessity' of releasing someone.
Scholarly debate exists about the exact origin and even the genuineness of this verse in Luke. However, the underlying practice reflects a Roman attempt to manage public opinion and maintain order during significant religious gatherings. It highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish tradition.
Pilate presented the crowd with a choice between two prisoners: Barabbas and Jesus. The outcome reveals humanity's deep-seated rebellion against God's chosen King.
The custom of releasing a prisoner presented a stark choice. On one side stood Barabbas, described as a notorious criminal involved in insurrection and murder. On the other stood Jesus, who had committed no crime and was presented as 'Jesus who is called Christ.'
Despite Jesus' innocence, and even Pilate's attempts to find a way to release Him, the crowd, stirred by the chief priests, demanded Barabbas. This choice was not merely about two men; it was a rejection of the Messiah in favor of a known sinner. It powerfully illustrates the human tendency to prefer darkness over light, rebellion over righteousness.
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Understand the original words
epekraxan · Greek Verb
The act of crying out loudly or screaming, often reflecting intense emotion, collective agitation, or urgent public demand.
Barabban · Aramaic/Greek Proper Noun
An Aramaic name meaning 'son of the father.' In the narrative, he is a prisoner chosen by the crowd to be freed in place of Jesus.
stasin · Greek Noun
A violent uprising against established authority or government; in the biblical context, it refers to organized rebellion involving physical force.
phonou · Greek Noun
The unlawful, intentional taking of a human life; biblically, it is regarded as a grave sin against God, who is the author of life.
While some ancient manuscripts omit Luke 23:17, its inclusion highlights a significant historical custom tied to the Passover feast. This practice, likely a concession by Roman rulers to appease the Jewish population, framed the dramatic choice presented to the crowd: release the notorious criminal Barabbas or the innocent Jesus.
c. 30 BC - AD 39
Roman Procuratorship in Judea
The Roman Empire maintained a precarious hold on Judea through appointed procurators, who governed with varying degrees of effectiveness and sensitivity to local customs, such as Pontius Pilate.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Passover Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
It was a custom, possibly influenced by Roman practice or existing Jewish tradition, for the Roman governor to release one prisoner of the crowd's choosing during the Passover festival.
AD 30-33 (Approximate)— this verse
Pilate's Trial of Jesus
Pontius Pilate presides over the trial of Jesus, finding no fault in him but yielding to the pressure of the Jewish chief priests and the crowd, ultimately condemning Jesus to crucifixion.
AD 30-33 (Approximate)
Crowd Chooses Barabbas
The Jewish crowd, incited by the chief priests, demands the release of Barabbas, an insurrectionist and murderer, while calling for the crucifixion of Jesus.
This passage is the primary source for the custom of releasing a prisoner during the Passover feast, explaining the context of the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
Mark 15:6Similar to Matthew, Mark's Gospel also records this custom, reinforcing the historical and cultural practice that Pilate was obligated to follow.
John 18:39John's Gospel directly quotes Pilate referencing this custom, showing his attempt to use the Passover tradition to appeal to the crowd and spare Jesus.
Exodus 12:1-14This foundational Passover narrative highlights themes of liberation and remembrance, providing a spiritual backdrop to the crowd's demand for a prisoner's release, ironically choosing bondage over freedom in Christ.
barnesLuke 23:17: "(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)"
See the notes at Matthew 27:15 .
calvinLuke 23:13-23: "And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,"
- Now the governor was wont at the festival to release to the multitude one prisoner, whomsoever they wished. 16. And they had at that time a notable prisoner, who was called Barabbas. 17. When they were assembled, therefore, Pilate said, Which of them do you wish that I should release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? 18. For he knew that they had delivered him up through…
While some ancient manuscripts omit this verse, its presence highlights a crucial point: the custom of releasing a prisoner wasn't just about mercy, but also a political move to appease the crowds, which tragically twisted into a demand for Barabbas over Jesus. This reveals how even established traditions can be corrupted when used to manipulate or deny truth.
Pilate, having already declared Jesus innocent and even had him whipped, tries to appease the agitated crowd by offering to release one prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the chief priests, chooses a murderer named Barabbas over Jesus and demands Jesus' crucifixion. This custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover feast, though potentially controversial and not found in all ancient manuscripts of Luke, highlights the immense pressure Pilate felt to conform to the people's will.
Pilate, having already declared Jesus innocent and even had him whipped, tries to appease the agitated crowd by offering to release one prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the chief priests, chooses a murderer named Barabbas over Jesus and demands Jesus' crucifixion. This custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover feast, though potentially controversial and not found in all ancient manuscripts of Luke, highlights the immense pressure Pilate felt to conform to the people's will.
"But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder." — While some ancient manuscripts omit this verse, its presence highlights a crucial point: the custom of releasing a prisoner wasn't just about mercy, but also a political move to appease the crowds, w…
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Last reviewed October 2026