Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While the text simply calls Barabbas "notorious," some ancient manuscripts and scholars suggest he was actually named "Jesus Barabbas." This detail would have heightened the stark contrast Pilate presented to the crowd: would they choose Jesus, the Son of God, or Jesus Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist? It’s a powerful, often missed, illustration of the choice humanity faces.
As Jesus stands before Pilate, accused by the Jewish leaders, a custom is invoked: the governor would release a prisoner of the crowd's choosing during Passover. The people, incited by the religious elite, are presented with a choice between Jesus and a notorious insurgent named Barabbas, who had committed murder during a rebellion. This decision point highlights the stark contrast between the innocent Son of God and a violent criminal, setting the stage for the crowd's shocking choice.
Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; the Bible calls him 'notorious.' What does that really mean, and why does it matter for Jesus' story?
The term "notorious prisoner" tells us Barabbas was widely known, but not for good deeds. Commentators suggest he was infamous for leading a violent insurrection in Jerusalem, which involved murder. This wasn't a petty crime; it was sedition and bloodshed. The Gospels of Mark and Luke specifically mention he committed murder during this uprising.
This notoriety is crucial because it sets up a stark contrast with Jesus. While Barabbas was a known villain, Jesus was presented as innocent, though Pilate's wife had a disturbing dream about Jesus' innocence. The people, stirred by the chief priests, had to choose between a violent rebel and the King of the Jews. Their choice reveals a deep-seated rebellion against God's plan, preferring a criminal known for violence over the Prince of Peace.
Some ancient texts suggest Barabbas's name was even more provocative: Jesus Barabbas. What's the significance of this potential name and its omission?
Interestingly, some very early manuscripts and translations include the name Jesus as part of Barabbas's full name: Jesus Barabbas. The name Barabbas itself means 'son of the father' or possibly 'son of a rabbi.'
If his name was indeed Jesus Barabbas, the choice presented to the crowd becomes incredibly loaded: "Which of the two do you wish me to release unto you? Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" This isn't just a choice between two men; it's a choice between two figures named Jesus. The omission of 'Jesus' from Barabbas's name in most Bibles is thought to be a result of early Christian copyists wanting to avoid associating the name of the Savior with a murderer. This potential name adds another layer to the profound irony of the situation, forcing a direct, albeit implied, rejection of Jesus the Christ in favor of another named Jesus, a notorious criminal.
Why would God allow a notorious murderer to be offered as an alternative to His Son? It wasn't an accident; it was a divine setup.
Understand the original words
desmios · Greek Noun
A person held in custody by legal authority, often awaiting trial or punishment. Biblically, it can also metaphorically describe one bound by sin or spiritual captivity.
The choice between Barabbas and Jesus highlights a stark contrast: a murderer chosen by the people over the innocent Son of God, revealing humanity's tendency to prefer sin and rebellion over righteousness and salvation.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jewish Passover Festival
This annual festival was a time of pilgrimage and heightened religious and political tension in Jerusalem. It was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner to appease the crowds.
c. AD 30-33
Barabbas leads an insurrection
Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, was involved in a violent insurrection in Jerusalem where lives were lost. He was imprisoned for sedition and murder.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate's wife's dream
Pilate's wife sent him a message urging him to have nothing to do with Jesus, whom she called a 'righteous man' due to a disturbing dream.
c. AD 30-33
Crowds choose Barabbas over Jesus
Under the instigation of the chief priests and elders, the crowd demanded the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.
This passage directly parallels the custom of releasing a prisoner, highlighting Pilate's attempt to offer the crowd Jesus instead of Barabbas, underscoring the stark choice between innocence and guilt.
Luke 23:18-19This verse provides further detail about Barabbas, describing him as someone who had been thrown into prison for a certain insurrection in the city and for murder, emphasizing his violent and seditious character in contrast to Jesus.
Isaiah 53:4-6This prophecy speaks of a suffering servant who was wounded for the transgressions of others, directly mirroring the exchange where a guilty man (Barabbas) is released while the innocent Son of God is condemned, highlighting the substitutionary nature of Jesus' sacrifice.
1 Peter 2:16This verse warns against using freedom as a pretext for evil, which powerfully speaks to the crowd's choice to demand freedom for a murderer while condemning the sinless Christ, illustrating a perversion of justice and freedom.
henryMatthew 27:11-25: "And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest."
27:11-25 Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, and it is a great mercy to have such checks from Providence, from faithful friends, and from our own conscience…
clarkeMatthew 27:16: "And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas."
A notable prisoner - Barabbas - This person had, a short time before, raised an insurrection in Jerusalem, in which it appears, from Mark 15:7 , some lives were lost. In some MSS., and in the Armenian and Syriac Hieros., this man has the surname of Jesus. Professor Birch has discovered this reading in a Vatican MS., written in 949, and numbered 354, in which is a marginal note which has been attributed to Anastasius, bishop…
While the text simply calls Barabbas "notorious," some ancient manuscripts and scholars suggest he was actually named "Jesus Barabbas." This detail would have heightened the stark contrast Pilate presented to the crowd: would they choose Jesus, the Son of God, or Jesus Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist? It’s a powerful, often missed, illustration of the choice humanity faces.
As Jesus stands before Pilate, accused by the Jewish leaders, a custom is invoked: the governor would release a prisoner of the crowd's choosing during Passover. The people, incited by the religious elite, are presented with a choice between Jesus and a notorious insurgent named Barabbas, who had committed murder during a rebellion. This decision point highlights the stark contrast between the innocent Son of God and a violent criminal, setting the stage for the crowd's shocking choice.
As Jesus stands before Pilate, accused by the Jewish leaders, a custom is invoked: the governor would release a prisoner of the crowd's choosing during Passover. The people, incited by the religious elite, are presented with a choice between Jesus and a notorious insurgent named Barabbas, who had committed murder during a rebellion. This decision point highlights the stark contrast between the innocent Son of God and a violent criminal, setting the stage for the crowd's shocking choice.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 27:16 is available in the Sola app.
The entire scenario—Pilate, the crowd, the choice between Jesus and Barabbas—was orchestrated by God's sovereign hand. Pilate himself seemed to recognize the injustice and tried to find ways to release Jesus, even offering to scourge him as a lesser punishment. His wife's dream was a divine warning about Jesus' righteousness.
However, the religious leaders and the crowd, driven by envy and a desire to be rid of Jesus, clamored for Barabbas. This exchange wasn't just a political maneuver; it was a theological demonstration. By having the crowd reject Jesus, the sinless Son of God, and choose Barabbas, a murderer, God highlighted the immense weight of sin that Jesus was about to bear. He was willingly stepping into the place of the guilty, allowing the wrath for sin to fall on Him so that those who believe in Him could be freed, just as Barabbas was (though Barabbas's freedom was temporary and earthly, unlike the eternal freedom Christ offers).
c. AD 30-33
Pilate washes his hands
Pilate, attempting to absolve himself of responsibility, publicly washed his hands, declaring Jesus' innocence but ultimately yielding to the crowd's demand.
"And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas." — While the text simply calls Barabbas "notorious," some ancient manuscripts and scholars suggest he was actually named "Jesus Barabbas." This detail would have heightened the stark contrast Pilate pre…