Breakdown of Mark 15:11-15

"But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate…" — The chief priests didn't just ask the crowd; they actively "stirred them up" (or "moved them" in older translations), suggesting a deliberate agitation of the people's emotions to ensure they'd cho…

Mark 15:11-15 Meaning Explained

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Mark 15:11-15

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The chief priests didn't just ask the crowd; they actively "stirred them up" (or "moved them" in older translations), suggesting a deliberate agitation of the people's emotions to ensure they'd choose the murderer Barabbas over Jesus. This highlights their active role in manipulating public opinion, not just passively presenting a choice.

What Mark 15:11-15 means

The chief priests, having already decided Jesus' fate, are now actively manipulating the crowd gathered before Pilate. They exploit the custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover, urging the people to demand the release of Barabbas, a known criminal and insurrectionist, instead of Jesus. This manipulation is designed to ensure Jesus' condemnation and prevent Pilate from showing him any leniency.

The Power of Incitement

Why did the crowd choose a murderer over Jesus? It wasn't just their idea.

The verse highlights a crucial element: the chief priests actively 'stirred up' the crowd. This wasn't a spontaneous decision by the masses.

Orchestrated Chaos

The Greek word used here, 'aneisieson,' is powerful. It suggests a shaking, an agitation, even instigation. It means they didn't just suggest; they actively incited and provoked the people.

Motives Behind the Mob

These religious leaders knew they couldn't force Pilate's hand directly. They needed popular pressure. By stirring up the crowd, they could manipulate the situation, playing on existing biases and fears to get the outcome they desired – Jesus' death. It reveals how easily crowds can be swayed by influential voices pushing a particular agenda, especially when prejudice is involved.

Barabbas: The Contrast Christ

Who was Barabbas, and why was he chosen over Jesus?

The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is one of the most striking juxtapositions in Scripture. Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; he was a notorious criminal.

A Rebel and a Murderer

Scripture elsewhere identifies Barabbas as a prisoner involved in an insurrection, someone who had committed murder (Mark 15:7). He represented rebellion, violence, and bloodshed – the very opposite of what Jesus stood for.

The Ultimate Trade

By choosing Barabbas, the crowd, spurred on by the chief priests, rejected Jesus, the 'Holy and Undefiled One' (Acts 3:14). This exchange highlights a profound theological truth: Jesus willingly took the place of the guilty. He was condemned so that Barabbas – and by extension, all who would believe in Him – could be set free. It's a powerful illustration of substitutionary atonement.

Understand the original words

Original language

chief priestsἀρχιερεύς

archiereus · Greek Noun

A member of the highest priestly order in Judaism, often holding significant political and religious influence in the Sanhedrin. They were the primary religious leaders responsible for overseeing the temple and its sacrifices, and they played a key role in the trials of Jesus.

BarabbasΒαραββᾶς

Barabbas · Greek Proper Noun

A common Aramaic name meaning 'son of the father.' In this context, he is a prisoner released by Pilate in exchange for Jesus, serving as a substitute whose freedom is bought by the condemnation of the innocent Christ.

Kingβασιλεύς

basileus · Greek Noun

A royal title denoting one who possesses sovereign authority over Israel. Biblically, it reaches its fullness in the Messiah, the descendant of David, who fulfills the promise of an eternal kingdom.

Crucifyσταυρόω

Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-70 AD.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Mark the Evangelist, a companion of Peter and Paul. However, scholarly debate exists regarding the precise authorship and dating.
Location: Written from Rome, or possibly Alexandria.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its fast-paced action and vivid descriptions.

Historical background

c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate serves as Roman Governor
Pontius Pilate, a Roman prefect, held authority over Judea during Jesus' ministry and crucifixion, making key decisions regarding his fate.
AD 30-33 (approx.)
Jesus' Public Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' teachings and miracles gained many followers but also incited the anger and fear of the religious elite in Jerusalem.
AD 30-33 (approx.)
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus entered Jerusalem to popular acclaim, further alarming the chief priests who saw him as a threat to their authority and Roman relations.
AD 30-33 (approx.)
The Last Supper and Jesus' Arrest
Following the Passover meal, Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by temple guards, initiating the process that led to his trial.
AD 30-33 (approx.)
Trial Before the Sanhedrin and Pilate
Jesus was interrogated by the Jewish council and then brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to face accusations of sedition.

Key themes

01Religious leaders' manipulation
02Crowd's misguided fervor
03Innocent condemned, guilty freed
04Political expediency over justice

Cross-references

John 18:39-40

This passage shows Pilate offering the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, mirroring the exact dilemma presented in Mark 15:11 and highlighting Barabbas's identity as a known criminal.

Matthew 27:20

Matthew explicitly states that the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, underscoring their active role in manipulating the people, which Mark's account emphasizes through the verb 'stirred up'.

Acts 3:14

Peter's sermon after Pentecost accuses the crowd and their leaders of denying and desiring the release of a murderer (Barabbas) while asking for Jesus, the 'Holy and Righteous One,' to be killed, directly connecting this event to the people's tragic choice.

Luke 23:4

Luke records Pilate's declaration that he finds no guilt in Jesus, setting up the contrast with the chief priests' manipulation in Mark 15:11, where they push for the release of a guilty man instead.

Galatians 3:13

This verse speaks of Christ becoming a curse for us, which resonates with the theological implication of Mark 15:11: the innocent Christ was condemned in place of a guilty criminal, fulfilling His redemptive mission.

Scholarly commentary

Mark 15:11: "But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them."

Moved (ἀνέσεισαν)A feeble translation. Σείω is to shake. Hence σεισμός, an earthquake. See on Mark 13:7. Better as Rev., stirred up. Wyc., The bishops stirred the company of the people.
vincent

Mark 15:1-20: "And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate."

Chapter 15CHAPTER 15:1-20 (Mark 15:1-20)PILATE "And straightway in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him up to Pilate." ". . . And they lead Him out to crucify Him." Mark 15…
expositors

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Explain the meaning of Mark 15:11-15

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What Mark 15:11-15 means

Original language

chief priestsἀρχιερεύς

archiereus · Greek Noun

BarabbasΒαραββᾶς

Barabbas · Greek Proper Noun

Kingβασιλεύς

basileus · Greek Noun

A royal title denoting one who possesses sovereign authority over Israel. Biblically, it reaches its fullness in the Messiah, the descendant of David, who fulfills the promise of an eternal kingdom.

Crucifyσταυρόω

Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-70 AD.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Mark the Evangelist, a companion of Peter and Paul. However, scholarly debate exists regarding the precise authorship and dating.
Location: Written from Rome, or possibly Alexandria.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its fast-paced action and vivid descriptions.

Historical background

c. AD 26-36

Pontius Pilate serves as Roman Governor

Pontius Pilate, a Roman prefect, held authority over Judea during Jesus' ministry and crucifixion, making key decisions regarding his fate.

AD 30-33 (approx.)

Jesus' Public Ministry and Growing Opposition

Jesus' teachings and miracles gained many followers but also incited the anger and fear of the religious elite in Jerusalem.

AD 30-33 (approx.)

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Jesus entered Jerusalem to popular acclaim, further alarming the chief priests who saw him as a threat to their authority and Roman relations.

AD 30-33 (approx.)

The Last Supper and Jesus' Arrest

Following the Passover meal, Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by temple guards, initiating the process that led to his trial.

AD 30-33 (approx.)

Trial Before the Sanhedrin and Pilate

Jesus was interrogated by the Jewish council and then brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to face accusations of sedition.

Scholarly commentary

Mark 15:11: "But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them."

Moved (ἀνέσεισαν)A feeble translation. Σείω is to shake. Hence σεισμός, an earthquake. See on Mark 13:7. Better as Rev., stirred up. Wyc., The bishops stirred the company of the people.
vincent

Mark 15:1-20: "And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate."

Chapter 15CHAPTER 15:1-20 (Mark 15:1-20)PILATE "And straightway in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him up to Pilate." ". . . And they lead Him out to crucify Him." Mark 15…
expositors

Frequently asked questions

What does Mark 15:11-15 mean?

Explain the meaning of Mark 15:11-15

What is the context of Mark 15:11-15?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "chief priests" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to Mark the Evangelist, a companion of Peter and Paul. However, scholarly debate exists regarding the precise authorship and dating. write Mark 15:11-15?”
“How does religious leaders' manipulation show up in Mark 15:11-15?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Mark 15:11-15 is available in the Sola app.