But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is the specific and radical choice they're making: they're not just asking for Jesus' death, they're actively demanding the freedom of a known "insurrectionist and murderer." This highlights their twisted priorities, choosing a violent criminal over the innocent Son of God, thereby revealing the depth of their hardened hearts and their rejection of true righteousness.
But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate, attempting to appease the angry crowd and the religious leaders, offers them a choice during the Passover festival: to release either Jesus or a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, chooses to have Barabbas, an insurrectionist and murderer, set free while demanding Jesus be crucified.
Why did the crowd so vehemently reject Jesus and choose a known criminal? This wasn't just a random choice; it reveals a deeper current of rebellion.
The shouting of the crowd in Luke 23:18 – “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!” – is a powerful rejection. The word "Away with" (literally, "take away") isn't just a casual dismissal; it's a demand for death.
But who was Barabbas? The context tells us he was imprisoned for 'a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder' (Luke 23:19). He was a rebel, a murderer, and likely a leader in violent uprisings against Roman rule. By choosing Barabbas, the crowd wasn't just asking for a prisoner to be freed; they were clamoring for a known insurrectionist and killer to walk free, while Jesus, who preached peace and love, was to be condemned.
This choice highlights the crowd’s (or at least their leaders') deep-seated desire for earthly liberation and political defiance, rather than the spiritual salvation Jesus offered. They wanted a hero who would fight Rome, not a King who spoke of a kingdom not of this world.
Pilate, the Roman governor, knew Jesus was innocent. Why did he offer the crowd this choice? It was a calculated move that backfired spectacularly.
Pilate was in a tough spot. He knew Jesus was innocent, likely seeing the charges as politically motivated. However, he also knew the volatile nature of the crowd and the pressure from the Jewish leadership.
The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover was a way to appease the masses. Pilate, probably hoping to save Jesus, offered them a stark choice: Jesus, or Barabbas. This was a political maneuver, a test designed to expose the falsity of the charges against Jesus by contrasting him with a genuine criminal. He likely assumed that any sane crowd would choose the innocent prophet over a murderer and seditionist.
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But the people, swayed by their leaders, chose Barabbas. This wasn't just a choice of prisoners; it was a public declaration against Jesus. Pilate's attempt to use the crowd's will to absolve himself backfired, revealing their deep-seated animosity towards Jesus and his kingdom.
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.
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas was not a neutral option; it was a politically charged moment where religious leaders manipulated the crowd's fervor during a major festival to achieve their goal of eliminating Jesus, whom they saw as a threat.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
During this period, Jesus' teachings and miracles gained a large following but also attracted the ire of the religious and political authorities in Judea.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate's Governorship in Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure was marked by a tense relationship with the Jewish population due to his insensitivity to their religious customs.
c. AD 30-33
Festival of Passover
The annual Passover festival was a time of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, bringing large crowds to the city. It was also a time when Roman governors, by custom, might release a prisoner to appease the populace.
c. AD 30-33
Arrest and Trial of Jesus
Following his arrest, Jesus was subjected to a series of trials before Jewish leaders and then the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pilate Offers Release of Barabbas
Pilate, seeking to release Jesus whom he found innocent, offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner known for sedition and murder.
c. AD 30-33
Condemnation and Crucifixion of Jesus
The crowd, instigated by the chief priests and elders, demanded Jesus' crucifixion and Barabbas' release, leading Pilate to condemn Jesus to death.
This passage mirrors Luke's account, detailing how the chief priests and elders stirred up the crowd to demand Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the deliberate manipulation of the crowd.
John 18:39-40John also mentions the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover and contrasts Barabbas, described as a robber, with Jesus, emphasizing the crowd's choice of a known criminal over the innocent Son of God.
Acts 3:14This passage records Peter's sermon where he states the crowd denied Jesus and asked for a murderer to be released, directly referencing the event in Luke and calling out their rejection of 'the Holy and Righteous One'.
Romans 8:32The sacrifice of Jesus, who was given up for us even while we were sinners, directly contrasts with the crowd's rejection of Him in favor of Barabbas, underscoring the immense grace offered despite their choice.
pooleLuke 23:18: "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:"
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
vincentLuke 23:18: "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:"
All together (παμπληθεὶ)The whole multitude (πλῆθος) of them. Only here in New Testament.Away (αἶρε)Lit., take away. Compare Acts 21:36; Acts 22:22.
What's easy to miss is the specific and radical choice they're making: they're not just asking for Jesus' death, they're actively demanding the freedom of a known "insurrectionist and murderer." This highlights their twisted priorities, choosing a violent criminal over the innocent Son of God, thereby revealing the depth of their hardened hearts and their rejection of true righteousness.
Pilate, attempting to appease the angry crowd and the religious leaders, offers them a choice during the Passover festival: to release either Jesus or a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, chooses to have Barabbas, an insurrectionist and murderer, set free while demanding Jesus be crucified.
Pilate, attempting to appease the angry crowd and the religious leaders, offers them a choice during the Passover festival: to release either Jesus or a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, chooses to have Barabbas, an insurrectionist and murderer, set free while demanding Jesus be crucified.
"But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—" — What's easy to miss is the specific and radical choice they're making: they're not just asking for Jesus' death, they're actively demanding the freedom of a known "insurrectionist and murderer." This…
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Last reviewed October 2026