Mark 15:7 Meaning Explained

Mark 15:7

And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; the text highlights he was imprisoned with his fellow insurgents and had committed murder during that rebellion. This wasn't a simple robbery; he was a violent participant in a significant uprising against Roman authority.

What Mark 15:7 means

As the chief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor offers the crowd a choice during Passover: release either Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. Barabbas is described as being imprisoned with fellow rebels who had committed murder during a recent violent uprising against Roman rule. The crowd, stirred up by the priests, demands the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.

A Notorious Rebel, Not Just a Robber

When Pilate offered the crowd a choice, they didn't just pick a petty criminal. Barabbas was a man deeply entangled in violent rebellion.

The text describes Barabbas not simply as a thief, but as someone involved in an 'insurrection' – a violent uprising against Roman authority. This wasn't a minor offense; it was a serious crime that carried the death penalty.

The Weight of Rebellion

'Insurrection': This word points to a deliberate and often bloody revolt. It signifies a challenge to the established government, which the Romans brutally suppressed.
'Committed murder': Barabbas and his accomplices were not just rioters; they were murderers. This highlights the grave nature of the crime for which he was imprisoned.
Context of Roman Rule: Judea was under strict Roman control, and any sign of rebellion was met with severe punishment. Barabbas was a man facing execution for actions that threatened Roman power.

The Ultimate Contrast: Barabbas and Jesus

The choice between Jesus and Barabbas wasn't just about two prisoners. It was a stark, divinely orchestrated contrast that reveals the heart of God's plan.

The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover presented a pivotal moment. Pilate, likely seeking to appease the crowd and perhaps genuinely confused by Jesus' innocence, offered a choice: Barabbas or Jesus.

A Deliberate Juxtaposition

The 'Notable Prisoner': Barabbas is presented as a well-known figure among the prisoners, making him a viable alternative in the eyes of the crowd.
Innocent vs. Guilty: The contrast is profound: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is presented alongside Barabbas, a convicted murderer and rebel. The crowd chose the murderer over the Messiah.

Understand the original words

Original language

rebelsστασιαστής

stasiastēs · Greek Noun

Individuals who rise up in opposition to authority or law. In this context, it specifically refers to those engaging in sedition or violent resistance against the Roman occupation.

murderφόνος

phonos · Greek Noun

The unlawful, intentional killing of another human being, which is a violation of the sanctity of life established by God in the sixth commandment.

insurrectionστάσις

stasis · Greek Noun

An organized uprising or armed rebellion against established governing authority. It often connotes social or political disorder and defiance of legal power.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 50s-60s AD.
Author: John Mark, traditionally understood as a disciple and interpreter of Peter.
Location: Written from Rome, describing events in Jerusalem.
Genre: Gospel narrative with a strong focus on action and vivid imagery, presenting Jesus' life and ministry.

Historical background

Barabbas was not just any criminal; he was a symbol of the violent resistance to Roman occupation that many Jews yearned for. His choice over Jesus reveals the complex political and religious anxieties of the time, where liberation from earthly oppressors was prioritized over spiritual freedom.

c. AD 6
Quirinius' Census in Judea
Rome conducts a census in Judea following its annexation as a Roman province, sparking widespread unrest and fueling nationalist movements seeking to overthrow Roman rule.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate's Procuratorship
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure is marked by frequent clashes with the Jewish population over religious sensitivities and the suppression of revolts.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Trial
Jesus' teachings and growing following attract the attention of both Jewish religious authorities and Roman officials. He is arrested, tried by the Sanhedrin, and brought before Pilate.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate's Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
During the Passover festival, Pilate follows a custom of releasing one prisoner to the Jewish crowds, a practice likely intended to placate them and maintain public order.

Key themes

01Rebellion and violence
02Injustice of substitution
03Criminality in high places
04Chosen by popular demand

Cross-references

Matthew 27:15-26

This passage directly parallels the choice presented by Pilate between Jesus and Barabbas, highlighting the crowd's decision to free the murderer and condemn the innocent Son of God.

Luke 23:13-19

Luke also recounts Pilate's attempt to appease the crowd by offering them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, emphasizing Barabbas as a notorious prisoner imprisoned for insurrection and murder.

John 18:39-40

John's Gospel points to the custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover and shows how the chief priests and their followers actively agitated for Barabbas' release instead of Jesus, revealing their deep-seated opposition.

Acts 3:14

Peter directly refers to Barabbas as a 'murderer' when speaking to the crowd after Pentecost, reinforcing the historical understanding of Barabbas's violent crimes and the shocking choice made that day.

Scholarly commentary

Mark 15:7: "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."

15:7 Insurrection - A crime which the Roman governors, and Pilate in particular, were more especially concerned and careful to punish.
wesley

Mark 15:7: "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."

7 . one named Barabbas ] There lay in prison at this time, awaiting execution, a celebrated bandit or robber named Barabbas. This word is a patronymic, and means (i) according to some, Bar-Abbas= Song of Solomon of Abba = “son of the father,” or (ii) according to others, Bar-Rabbas = “ Song of Solomon of a Rabbi .” In three MSS. of Matthew 2…
cambridge

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What Mark 15:7 means

Original language

rebelsστασιαστής

stasiastēs · Greek Noun

Individuals who rise up in opposition to authority or law. In this context, it specifically refers to those engaging in sedition or violent resistance against the Roman occupation.

murderφόνος

phonos · Greek Noun

The unlawful, intentional killing of another human being, which is a violation of the sanctity of life established by God in the sixth commandment.

insurrectionστάσις

stasis · Greek Noun

An organized uprising or armed rebellion against established governing authority. It often connotes social or political disorder and defiance of legal power.

Historical background

c. AD 6

Quirinius' Census in Judea

Rome conducts a census in Judea following its annexation as a Roman province, sparking widespread unrest and fueling nationalist movements seeking to overthrow Roman rule.

c. AD 26-36

Pontius Pilate's Procuratorship

Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure is marked by frequent clashes with the Jewish population over religious sensitivities and the suppression of revolts.

c. AD 30-33— this verse

Jesus' Ministry and Trial

Jesus' teachings and growing following attract the attention of both Jewish religious authorities and Roman officials. He is arrested, tried by the Sanhedrin, and brought before Pilate.

c. AD 30-33

Pilate's Custom of Releasing a Prisoner

During the Passover festival, Pilate follows a custom of releasing one prisoner to the Jewish crowds, a practice likely intended to placate them and maintain public order.